Apple - The Beatles' business venture - started in 1968 and comprised a range of commercial interests including boutiques, shops and the record label. Although commercial success for the record was guaranteed as The Beatles used it for releasing their own records, the label had a number of other hit artists, most noticeably Mary Hopkin and Badfinger who were often compared with The Beatles. They also gave James Taylor his first chance to record an album as a solo artist. The result was a very successful record artistically but a commercial disappointment - a problem that would dog many non-Beatles releases on the label. Their faith in him though, was proved justified as his next LP - Sweet Baby James - recorded in the States for Warner Brothers made him a household name throughout the world. Apple was one of the first labels to have the A and B sides distinct from each other as shown in the illustration. Whilst other artists' issues had Apple's own catalogue numbers, The Beatles releases were always given Parlophone numbers despite being on the Apple label. They were also not averse to helping out old friends. Jackie Lomax, who's LP is shown here, was the lead singer of another Liverpool group in the early 60s called The Undertakers and whilst his talent fully justified a recording contract the connection cannot be overlooked. Back To Labels Main Page Back To My Generation Homepage