<Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> The Beatles' rise to prominence in the United States in February 1964 was a significant development in the history of the band's commercial success . In addition to establishing the Beatles' international stature, it changed attitudes to popular music in the United States, whose own Memphis - driven musical evolution had made it a global trend - setter . </P> <P> The Beatles' first visit to the United States came at a time of great popularity in Britain . The band's UK commercial breakthrough, in late 1962, had been followed by a year of successful concerts and tours . The start of the Beatles' popularity in the United States, in early 1964, was marked by intense demand for the single "I Want to Hold Your Hand"--which sold one - and - a-half million copies in under three weeks--and the band's arrival the following month . The visit, advertised across the United States on five million posters, was a defining moment in the Beatles' history, and the starting - point of the British Invasion . </P> <P> Following popular television appearances and concerts during their February 1964 visit, the Beatles returned to the United States in August 1964, and again in August 1965, for tours . In August 1966 they returned once more, and although this tour was commercially successful, it coincided with a storm of U.S. public protest after publication of a quote from John Lennon's remarks about Christianity . The 1966 U.S. tour marked the end of the Beatles' concert days . The band ceased to perform commercial concerts, instead devoting their efforts to creating new material in the recording studio . </P>

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