“Money (That’s What I Want)”

Published on 1963
Author: Radford/Cordy
Track 14 on “With The Beatles“

Info about “Money (That’s What I Want)”

“Money (That’s What I Want)” is a 1959 hit single by Barrett Strong for the Tamla label, distributed by Anna Records. The song was written by Tamla founder Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford, and would become the first hit record for Gordy’s Motown flagship label.

The Beatles recorded “Money” in seven takes on July 18, 1963. A series of piano overdubs was later added by producer George Martin. The song was released in November 1963 as the final track on their second UK album, With the Beatles.

According to George Harrison, the group discovered Strong’s version in Brian Epstein’s NEMS record store (though not a hit in the UK, it had been issued on London Records in 1960). They had previously performed it during their audition at Decca Records on January 1, 1962, with Pete Best still on drums at the time. They also recorded it six times for BBC radio. A live version, taped at a concert date in Stockholm, Sweden, in October 1963, was included on Anthology 1.

In 2018, the music staff of Time Out London ranked “Money (That’s What I Want)” at number 24 on their list of the best Beatles songs.

Personnel

• John Lennon – vocals, rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – backing vocals, bass
• George Harrison – backing vocals, lead guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums
• George Martin – piano