
America falls in love with the Beatles —
The Beatles arrived in the United States 50 years ago and embarked on a history-making path of pop culture dominance. Check out coverage of "The Sixties: The British Invasion," a look at how the Fab Four's influence persists. Click through the gallery for more images of the Beatles' first American tour.

America falls in love with the Beatles —
The Beatles arrive in New York on February 7, 1964. The band from Liverpool, England, already had the No. 1 U.S. single, "I Want to Hold Your Hand," but its U.S. visit confirmed that "Beatlemania" had made its way across the pond.

America falls in love with the Beatles —
The band waves to cameras at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

America falls in love with the Beatles —
Beatles fans are restrained by police at the airport.

America falls in love with the Beatles —
Three of The Beatles -- from left, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney and John Lennon -- wave from a horse-drawn carriage in New York's Central Park on February 8, 1964. George Harrison was off resting a sore throat.

America falls in love with the Beatles —
Television host Ed Sullivan, center, stands with The Beatles on February 9, 1964, during a rehearsal for the band's appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." The iconic television appearance remains one of the highest-rated nonsports programs of all time. Nielsen estimated that 45% of the country watched the show -- more than 73 million people then.

America falls in love with the Beatles —
A car belonging to The Beatles is besieged by fans in New York on February 10, 1964.

America falls in love with the Beatles —
The Beatles have their pictures taken as they sit on a train taking them from New York to Washington on February 11, 1964.

America falls in love with the Beatles —
The Beatles perform on stage at the Washington Coliseum on February 11, 1964. It was their first U.S. concert.

America falls in love with the Beatles —
Fans run to catch a glimpse of The Beatles while the band was in New York.

America falls in love with the Beatles —
Fans cheer for The Beatles and hold signs of encouragement during the band's concert at Carnegie Hall on February 12, 1964, in New York.

America falls in love with the Beatles —
From left, McCartney, Lennon and Harrison share a microphone as they sing a song at Carnegie Hall.

America falls in love with the Beatles —
Ecstatic fans await The Beatles outside the Plaza Hotel, where the band was staying in New York during its tour.

America falls in love with the Beatles —
Lines form down the street from the Deauville Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida, as fans wait to see The Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on February 16, 1964. It was a week after the band's first appearance on the show.

America falls in love with the Beatles —
The Beatles enjoy Miami Beach.


