The Beatles’ Let It Be holds a unique place in the history of rock music. Released on May 8, 1970, the album marked the band’s emotional and tumultuous farewell, coming out almost a month after the public announcement of their breakup. Despite being hailed as one of the most iconic albums of all time, Let It Be had a troubled and controversial recording process. Let’s delve into five lesser-known facts about this masterpiece that continues to influence generations of musicians.
1. The Beatles Nearly Recorded the Entire Album in One Take
The rawness of Let It Be comes from the fact that much of the album was recorded in a live, unpolished setting. In fact, the band’s intention for the project was to recreate the vibe of their earlier recordings, with the goal of keeping things spontaneous. The most famous example of this approach is the track “Two of Us,” which was largely recorded in one take, with minimal overdubs. The intention was to capture the energy of a live performance, and they achieved this by keeping the tracks as simple as possible, blending live vocals with instrumentals. Despite the struggles during the recording sessions, this choice gave the album its intimate, raw feel.
2. Billy Preston’s Contribution Changed the Album’s Sound
Often called “the Fifth Beatle,” keyboardist Billy Preston’s contributions were a turning point for Let It Be. His addition to the band during the sessions brought a new dimension to their sound. Many of the songs, especially “Something” and “Let It Be,” feature Preston’s unmistakable organ and electric piano playing, which added richness and depth to the tracks. In fact, it was George Harrison who invited Preston to join the sessions, and his performance marked a pivotal moment in the band’s sound evolution. His participation was so significant that some consider him an unofficial member during this era.
3. The Infamous Rooftop Concert Wasn’t Originally Part of the Plan
One of the most iconic moments in Let It Be’s history is the rooftop concert, where the Beatles performed live for the first time in over two years. However, this performance wasn’t part of the initial concept for the album. The band was actually recording a TV special, and at one point, they even considered performing in a studio in front of a small audience. The decision to play on the roof came suddenly, with John Lennon suggesting it on the spot. The performance, which was filmed and later included in the documentary, not only marked the end of an era for the band but also gave the album an unexpectedly raw and public farewell.
4. The ‘Get Back’ Sessions Were Supposed to Be a Separate Project
Before Let It Be became the final studio album, it was originally intended to be a separate project, called Get Back. The idea was to return to a more stripped-down, back-to-basics rock sound, in contrast to the more experimental work on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and The White Album. However, the tension during the sessions was so high that the Get Back project was scrapped, and what remained was turned into Let It Be. Even the title Let It Be wasn’t initially part of the plan—until Paul McCartney came up with it, inspired by a conversation with his late mother.
5. McCartney Felt Betrayed by Phil Spector’s Production
When Let It Be was completed, the band turned to famed producer Phil Spector to help bring it all together. However, McCartney was unhappy with the results, particularly with how Spector treated certain tracks. The most controversial example was “The Long and Winding Road,” where Spector added orchestral and choral arrangements that McCartney felt weren’t necessary. McCartney was so upset that he later took steps to release Let It Be… Naked, a version of the album without Spector’s embellishments. Despite McCartney’s dissatisfaction, Spector’s production gave Let It Be its dramatic, sweeping sound, which has since become one of its defining features.
While Let It Be was released in the midst of a band in turmoil, it remains one of the most influential albums in rock history. The stories behind the album are as legendary as the music itself, showing how personal struggles, creative tensions, and outside forces shaped what would ultimately become the Beatles’ swan song. Despite its tumultuous creation, Let It Be is a testament to the power of music to transcend the moment of its creation, becoming timeless in its expression. From its raw performances to the iconic rooftop concert, it captured the final days of the Beatles in the most profound way imaginable.