On This Day in 1968: The Beatles First—and Impromptu—Recording Session of “Hey Jude”

Very rarely does one ever think about when a song was first recorded. Rather, it seems to always be about when it was first released. But, with The Beatles, acknowledging the whole creative process can be crucial to better understanding the context behind the song.

With that in mind, on this day in 1968, The Beatles recorded the first take of their generational anthem, “Hey Jude.” Alongside George Martin, The Beatles took to the studio to start recording the single following their infamous hiatus in India. Despite this experience possibly perpetuating the creation of their psychedelic music, when the band got into the studio they decided to create one of the biggest hits of all time.

25 Takes

July 29, 1968, was never intended to be a recording day for the Beatles. Martin and the group intended to use the day as rehearsals. Hoping they could get the track in fewer takes in the following days. However, given the perfectionist nature of the group, they performed and recorded 25 takes at EMI studios in London.

Part of the impromptu sessions was filmed for the documentary Music! by the National Music Council of Great Britain. Additionally, some of these sessions have been released to the public on the 50th Anniversary box set of the White Album.

Following The Takes

Following the initial recording date, The Beatles spent three more days working on the song until it was perfected. Aiming for perfection, on July 31, The Beatles left Abbey Road and went to Trident Studios to use their 8-track deck.

Following close behind to Trident Studios was the 36-piece accompanying orchestra. The one we know and love. Used not only for their instruments, the musicians stayed in the studio to also act as background singers.

When It Was All Said and Done

“Hey Jude” was released in August of 1968 and became a worldwide hit instantaneously. It was the first song on The Beatles’ new Apple label and planted itself at No. 1 for nine straight weeks on the U.S. charts.

People have written dissertations on the musical and cultural impact of “Hey Jude,” and it deserves such analysis. Even though the song was intended for John Lennon’s son, Julian Lennon, during his divorce. The piece has become one for everybody, and if it were not for that day 56 years ago we never would have gotten the pleasure of listening to it.

Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images