After looking at the music B.B. (Before Beatles) in Beatlemania 1, and the rough early years in Beatlemania 3, we turn our attention to the Beatles refining their sound, lineup, management, label and personas as they move from a small-time, local act to the verge of stardom.

It wasn’t as preordained as it seems looking back. There were defeats and depression along the way as the Fab Four teetered on the brink of giving it all up. In fact, there was a time when only George remained a believer.

Looking back some of the happenstance along the way seems almost miraculous, but somehow the boys kept moving forward until they met George Martin, the man who would bring it all togethe. Even then, it took a well-timed joke from George Harrison to cement the relationship and send them on their way to stardom.

Join us as we look at all the potholes and miracles on the way to Beatlemania.

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

• P.S. I Love You - The Beatles

• Here Comes My Baby - The Tremolos

• Ask Me Why - The Beatles

• How Do You Do It - Gerry and the Pacemakers

• Hey Baby - The Beatles

• Love Me Do - The Beatles

• Please, Please Me - The Beatles