Date of Award
Spring 2026
Thesis Type
Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Liberal Studies
Advisor(s)
Dr. Matthew Forsythe
Second Advisor
Dr. Gail Sinclair
Abstract
Although The Beatles continue to receive growing acclaim for their landmark musical achievements, this admiration does not extend to the realm of business. Judging them by the financial disarray arising in the group’s final months, the public has determined The Beatles’ musical genius was in inverse proportion to their business acumen. This perspective is almost always based on their start-up venture, Apple; a multi-faceted commercial and artistic enterprise that faced collapse during their dissolution. A glaring omission in this argument, however, is consideration of the group’s formative years in which their awareness and practice of basic business principles would sustain them until their talent could no longer be ignored. By exploring their tireless determination and by establishing links to fundamental practices endorsed by corporations, organizations, and business leaders, this thesis provides a clearer and more complete view of the group. This research demonstrates their expanding awareness of fields such as branding, promotion, marketing, and customer relations, and can serve creative artists such as musicians, actors, writers, artists, and performers by introducing to them easily replicated methods The Beatles utilized to achieve their unparalleled artistic and financial success.
Recommended Citation
McKechnie, Gary, "The Beatles, Inc. Lessons in Business from the World's Greatest Band" (2026). Master of Liberal Studies Theses. 119.
https://scholarship.rollins.edu/mls/119
Rights Holder
Gary McKechnie
Included in
Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Composition Commons, Cultural History Commons, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Commons, Music Performance Commons
