Twist and Shout, the biggest song The Beatles didn't write

Fifty seven years ago, one of the most danceable tunes in rock n roll made us shake it up baby, now…

And although this catchy rhythm, with a huge influence from Cuban Mambo, wasn’t The Beatles’ first top three single, it was their first hit not written by John Lennon or Paul McCartney. Out of the many covers The Beatles recorded during their career, “Twist And Shout” was the band’s first cover hit.

Many people still believe that this song was written by The Beatles, but that’s why we’re here! In fact, we may not know the name of the songwriters of “Twist And Shout”, but we have all definitely heard their songs.

One of them has a mysterious past that involves a failed attempt to be a performer, and ended up being one of the most important songwriters of the 1960s. But, he did it under three different aliases.

He wrote and produced all the songs he’s remembered for in a span of eight years, and although he is less remembered than his songs, the British invasion bands owe him plenty of respect… and royalties! Including The Beatles.

Welcome to Uncovering the Cover, the podcast where we tell the stories of the songs that have captured our imagination… throughout several generations. Today, we’re taking a look at a song that was written by two unknown musicians, but became the biggest selling single from The Beatles to be a cover.

This is Uncovering the Cover: Twist And Shout, the biggest song The Beatles didn’t write.