By the time the Beatles entered the studio in search of their second single and first number 1 hit, they’d already begun to trust George Martin with their musical future. His recommendations on “Please, Please Me” sealed the deal. By speeding up the tempo and rearranging the harmonies, Martin helped the boys begin an ascent up the British charts that would last for years to come. Here’s the story of how it all came to pass, plus a look at the British music background as it was happening.

Here are the songs you’ll hear on this episode:

• Love Love Me Do - The Beatles

• The Young Ones - Cliff Richard and the Shadows

• Apache - Jorgen Ingman

• I Remember You - Frank Ifield

• Please, Please Me - The Beatles

• Twist and Shout - The Beatles