The Connection Between Roger McGuinn and 'If I Needed Someone'

In 1965, The Byrds were at the height of their popularity, with their unique blend of folk rock and jangly guitars capturing the hearts of music fans everywhere. Meanwhile, The Beatles were also enjoying immense success, having recently returned from a tour of North America. It was during this time that George Harrison, one of The Beatles' most influential songwriters, penned his classic track 'If I Needed Someone.' But what many people may not know is that the song was directly influenced by The Byrds.

According to various accounts, including those from The Byrds' own Roger McGuinn, the song was written specifically with the group in mind. In fact, McGuinn has spoken about the inspiration he drew from The Beatles' music, saying 'I loved the music! I got it right away and started playing folk songs with a Beatle beat down in Greenwich Village.'

The connection between The Byrds and The Beatles runs deeper than just a single song, however. In fact, it was during this same period that The Beatles attended one of The Byrds' recording sessions in Los Angeles, where they were blown away by the group's sound. It's said that Derek Taylor, The Beatles' former press agent, may have even arranged for the meeting to take place.

The Byrds' influence on The Beatles is well-documented, with many of the British band's songs featuring a distinctive 'Rickenbacker 12-string twang' that was characteristic of The Byrds' sound. But it wasn't just one-way traffic - The Byrds were also heavily influenced by The Beatles, and McGuinn has spoken about the impact the group had on his own music.

The connection between these two legendary bands is a testament to the power of musical inspiration, and the ways in which artists can influence each other even across oceans. As McGuinn himself put it, 'I first saw The Beatles on television in 1963, in New York...it was the clip with all the screaming girls.' For fans of both The Byrds and The Beatles, this connection is a reminder of the incredible music that came out of the mid-sixties, and the lasting impact that these bands have had on popular music.

Roger mcguinn if i needed someone