I actually forgot about the Vee-Jay releases and all the court orders from Capitol records to stop Vee Jay from re-releasing this and a few other songs by the Beatles in 63-64.
"The second US release of the song came on January 3rd, 1964, when the single was re-released by Vee Jay records as a Beatlemania hit. Instead of having “Ask Me Why” as its’ B-side (as it was back in February 1963), they paired it with their second failed US single “From Me To You.” It made a huge impact on the Billboard charts this time around, peaking at number three, not being able to pass “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and “She Loves You” in the top two positions. And Vee Jay actually spelled the Beatles name correctly this time."
Beatles BooksNow I am less skeptical.....
"Although WLS in Chicago did give the song airplay (February 8th being the date of the first time The Beatles were heard on American radio), as well as placing for a couple weeks in their local charts, the single failed to take hold nationally. The song did not make any dent on the Billboard charts. This was just as well, since the artist listed on the label, as well as on promotional ads, was misspelled as “The Beattles.” The lucky 7,310 people who have obtained a copy through the years now have a highly prized collectors’ item."
Beatles BooksStill funny, how the DJ put no effort mentioning anything about the Beatles.
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The record was not adequately promoted and despite the tremendous success of its U.K. counterpart, where it topped the singles charts compiled by New Musical Express and Melody Maker, as well as reaching number two on the Record Retailer chart (now called the U.K. Singles Chart and most widely quoted today), it did not chart at all in America. It was the first record in America bearing The Beatles name, and it was a flop."
The Beatles RarityIt seems that Mr.Biondi would have needed a crystal ball to realize that the band whose record he was about to play deserved any fanfare. Or a really good source in the UK. Indeed, given the poor promotion attached to this release it's really a miracle he played it at all. And this was the day after its release. I think he did quite well.