Decca Records famously turned down The Beatles in 1962, making what's often considered the biggest mistake in music industry history. The band auditioned for the label on January 1, 1962, at Decca Studios in London, but executive Dick Rowe rejected them, reportedly claiming "guitar groups are on their way out."

During their Decca audition, The Beatles performed 15 songs in just under an hour. The group, consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and then-drummer Pete Best, played a mix of cover songs and original compositions. Despite their energy and potential, Decca chose to sign Brian Poole and the Tremeloes instead, partly because they were a local London band, which would make them cheaper to transport for recordings.

The rejection proved to be a pivotal moment for The Beatles. Their manager, Brian Epstein, continued shopping their demo to other labels until they finally signed with EMI's Parlophone label. Under producer George Martin's guidance, they replaced Pete Best with Ringo Starr and went on to become the most successful and influential band in popular music history.

Interestingly, Dick Rowe later redeemed himself by signing The Rolling Stones to Decca Records on George Harrison's recommendation. This decision helped ease the sting of his earlier mistake, though the rejection of The Beatles remains one of the most notable misjudgments in entertainment history.

Several other labels also passed on The Beatles before EMI signed them, including:

Columbia Records
HMV
Pye Records
Phillips

EMI's Parlophone label finally signed The Beatles in June 1962, leading to their first hit single "Love Me Do" later that year. The rest, as they say, is history - The Beatles went on to sell over 600 million records worldwide and revolutionize popular music forever.

This famous rejection serves as a reminder that even the most talented artists can face setbacks early in their careers. The Beatles' perseverance after Decca's rejection ultimately led them to the right label and producer, proving that sometimes rejection can lead to better opportunities.

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