Lecturer Glen Frenkell has written a thought-provoking article about Brian
Epstein in the Washington Post.

Brian Samuel Epstein, the Beatles Manager was born in Liverpool in 1934. He sadly died in 1967. He also
managed Gerry & The Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, and Cilla Black.

The Beatles recorded a demo in Decca's studios—paid for by Epstein—which he
later persuaded George Martin to listen to. Epstein was then offered a contract. They were offered a contract by Parlophone after being rejected by almost every other British record
company.

Epstein died of an accidental drug overdose at his home in London in August 1967. The Beatles' early success has been attributed to Epstein's management and sense of style. Paul McCartney said of Epstein: "If anyone was the Fifth Beatle, it was Brian."