The Big Apple

John and Cynthia leaving CBS Studio 50 after The Beatles rehearsal for The Ed Sullivan Show

Very exciting city, everyone is drawn to it, good and bad. By 1972, John would make New York City his home up until his death. Needless to say that he fell in love with the city. But let's stay in 1964. On the late afternoon on February 7th, the Beatles and their party arrived at the Plaza Hotel where they relaxed after a long flight, customs, and a press conference with some photo ops along the way… no doubt that everyone was exhausted. They were also trapped inside so they couldn't go out and catch a Broadway show or whatever with fans crowding below. But I can't blame them for wanting to stay in. They kept themselves occupied with television, listening to the radio and calling in to request records that weren't their own, becoming acquainted with Murray the K, a popular New York City Deejay. Murray became a friend, slightly annoying though, leeching on to them to Washington DC and Miami, but in the beginning while in New York, he did take them out and have a night out in the city- but more about that very shortly in this post. Another oddity was that some models were brought in. It was at that moment when Cynthia realized that John had temptations on the road and no way shape or form that he would be an angelic faithful husband. John and Cynthia had their own room.

Cynthia, John, Louise, George, with Paul and Ringo in the background in the Plaza Hotel in New York City

On February 8th, George Harrison was too weak with a sore throat (that he was starting to battle the day before) that he couldn't go out and ordered to stay in bed by a doctor. His sister, Louise Harrison Caldwell, came immediately from Illinois to nurse her baby brother and joined in on the tour. John, Paul, and Ringo went out to sight see, particularly Central Park, with the press photographers. I don't know where Cynthia was… maybe she came along but hung back and was very careful not to be photographed or filmed- Brian's work of keeping her in the dark at its best. The same day, they went to CBS studio 50 to rehearse for The Ed Sullivan Show. Since George couldn't make it, Neil stood in for George for camera set up run thru as it was a live variety show and everything had to be perfect and ready. Cynthia was there; from what I heard, she sat in the empty audience chairs while John was on stage, getting ready for the TV appearance that will later reach a record breaking audience viewership. Afterwards, they went to 21 Club for a dinner party hosted by Capital Records and then went on a car tour to see the landmarks.

Paul, John, George, and Cynthia walking on the streets of New York City after The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show

February 9th is a historical day for television, among of many. The Beatles appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show. America was curious about these four mop-tops young men from Liverpool with a number one hit.

In the film, The Beatles First US Visit documentary, before leaving the hotel to go to CBS studios for the show, John was seen and heard saying, “See you later, Cyn.” Does that mean that John left and Cynthia left a little while later to watch the show from the wings? It appears so. George was still ill but managed to buffer up for the event, despite against doctor’s orders… who would want to miss this? I wouldn't be surprised if Brian dumped lots of energy pills in George to get him on stage. They arrived at CBS Studio 50 around 9:30 AM for dress rehearsals and even taped a couple of performances to air after they depart back to England for February 23rd. In between rehearsals and performances, the Beatles with Cynthia and Louise hung out in their dressing rooms. When the live showtime came, The Beatles performed five songs: All My Loving, Till There Was You, She Loves You, I Saw Her Standing There, and I Want to Hold Your Hand. During Till There Was You, there were four introduction names for each one of who’s who; only John got the Sorry Girls, He’s Married. Brian wasn't aware of that extra touch made by the producers and was furious. Cynthia was relieved, as she watched from the wings. Over 73 million viewers were a ratings hit! With energy to burn afterwards, Murray the K took Ringo, Paul, John, Cynthia, George, and his sister Louise out.

They went to the Playboy Club for dinner in it's lounge before trekking the streets to the Peppermint Lounge where they- especially Ringo- danced until 4 AM. At one point, John showed Cynthia's wedding ring off to prove that he was indeed married. George and Louise left early as George was still ill with the strep throat.

On February 10th, the day was filled with press conferences, gold record presentations, and cocktail parties. The next day was their trip to Washington DC before returning to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall, the only one of two concerts the Beatles would perform on the trip… to be honest, it was more of a visit than it was a tour.

"It's a sentimental journey. The last time I was at the Plaza Hotel in New York was during the Beatles' first trip to the States. There's also a more personal reason for coming back - it was in New York that I made my official 'debut' as John's wife. We had been married for two years and our son Julian was one but the Beatles' manager had convinced us to keep our marriage a secret - he said we had to think of the fans. Believe me, it was a relief not to have to hide myself away after that trip."

Cynthia, 1990