The Saints: Introduction
“The Saints” is the B-side of a single by Tony Sheridan and The Beat Brothers. Of course, The Beat Brothers were basically The Beatles before they had a name change. They released this record in Germany in the autumn of 1961, then in the UK on January 5, 1962. In the UK, the credits went to Tony Sheridan and The Beatles.
In Detail
- Release Date: October 23, 1961 (Germany) (Tony Sheridan and The Beat Brothers), January 5, 1962 (UK) (Tony Sheridan and the Beatles)
- Recorded: June 22, 1961
- Studio/Venue: Friedrich-Ebert-Halle, Hamburg, Germany
- Genre: Rock and roll
- Track Duration: 3:18
- Record Label: Polydor
- Format: 7-inch single (B-side) (A-side is “My Bonnie”)
- Songwriter: Gospel (traditional, but arranged by Tony Sheridan)
- Producer: Bert Kaempfert
- Engineer: Karl Hinze
Performers And Instruments
- Tony Sheridan: vocals, also the lead guitar
- John Lennon: rhythm guitar
- Paul McCartney: bass guitar
- George Harrison: lead guitar
- Pete Best: drums**
**Because this recording is from 1961, Ringo Starr was not yet a band member.
Where To Find “The Saints”
At the time of writing, the primary way to buy this song is from the single itself. However, there are many available on places such as eBay.
When The Saints Go Marching In: Background
The song’s origin is that of a Christian hymn going by the name of “When The Saints Go Marching In”. The Beatles version, shortened to “The Saints,” is in an upbeat rock and roll style.
After releasing “My Bonnie/The Saints” in Germany, that import became popular in their home town of Liverpool, England. Because of this, manager Brian Epstein ensured a British release of the single in 1962. The rock and roll version of “The Saints” is the B-side of the first commercial record release, showing The Beatles as the artists. However, full credit went to “Tony Sheridan and The Beatles.”
In the States, the single didn’t appear commercially, but it was on an album in 1964, “The Beatles with Tony Sheridan and Their Guests.” This was after the Beatles became famous, of course. That album gave the credits to The Beatles with Tony Sheridan! The name change was permissible due to the Beatles contract, which allowed a pseudonym.
The Beatles did record on disc previously with “That’ll Be The Day.” But that was when they had the name The Quarrymen, and it was not for commercial sale like this single.
“The Saints” didn’t end up on The Beatles’ Anthology 1 album like “My Bonnie.” So, the only way to hear it is via the single, YouTube, or other record labels.
Recording Studio
While Tony Sheridan and The Beatles were playing at Hamburg’s Top Ten Club in June 1961, German producer Bert Kaempfert paid a visit. That resulted in the performers signing up with his company, Bert Kaempfert Productions.
On June 22, in the Friedrich-Ebert-Halle, Hamburg, Germany, Kaempfert’s new signing recording sessions began.
As well as “The Saints,” they recorded the A-side “My Bonnie,” together with, “Why” and “Cry For A Shadow” which had the original title of “Beatle Bop.
Take A Listen
So, onto the song in question. This is where you can listen to it and comment below. However, you could also try out our massive Beatles Forum.
