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Andrew Cook is a historian, researcher and author whose 15 books have been published in 7 languages.

He is the author of the international best-selling books ‘Ace of Spies’, the authorised biography of former MI6 master spy Sidney Reilly, ‘To Kill Rasputin’ and ‘Murder of the Romanovs’. All of his books have either been the subject of TV documentaries or motion pictures.

About Andrew's latest book "Capitol Gains - Exposing the conflict between The Beatles and the label that made them":

A chance remark on the stairs at Peter Morris Music in London’s Denmark Street, in October 1963, set off a chain reaction that helped Brian Epstein apply some much- needed leverage on America’s Hollywood based Capitol label.

Although February 1963 marked the Beatles’ breakthrough in Britain, by the closing months of that year they still had not conquered America. Their manager Brian Epstein had been fighting what seemed like a losing battle to persuade Capitol to release the band’s records in America. How did that chance encounter in Denmark Street eventually force Capitol’s hand?

When the Beatles eventually hit the big time in the US in February 1964, both Epstein and Capitol executives obscured the true story about how this had happened. However, corporate and personal archives now reveal the reality and much more besides. The lid is also lifted on the fact that Capitol viewed the British record industry as being 30 years behind the times, and set out to remix UK master tapes and create distinct US albums. While Capitol’s strategy made the Beatles rich beyond their wildest dreams, Epstein is shown as often struggling to balance Capitol’s commercial decisions against the Beatles’ own demands. This account also explores Capitol’s PR efforts to protect the Beatles image as they get caught up in the whirlwind of world-wide success.

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A Multifaceted Legacy in Music and Photography

During the period known as "The Lost Weekend" John Lennon experienced one of the most artistically and commercially productive phases of his post-Beatles career. With Pang’s encouragement and support, he produced the albums Mind Games, Walls and Bridges, and Rock ‘n’ Roll, achieving his first solo #1 hit, “Whatever Gets You Through the Night.” Pang’s influence extended to creative collaborations with legends like Elton John, David Bowie, Harry Nilsson, Mick Jagger, and Ringo Starr. Notably, Pang’s whispered voice is heard on “#9 Dream,” and Lennon wrote “Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox)” about her.

Beyond music, Pang played a crucial role in rekindling Lennon’s connections with family and friends. She facilitated a long-overdue reunion between Lennon and his son, Julian, as well as fellow bandmates George Harrison and Paul McCartney (which included a historic jam session with McCartney, Stevie Wonder and others.) Her photograph of Julian Lennon is featured on the cover of his album Jude, and her image of John Lennon in the Catskills appeared on the sleeve of the “Imagine” single in England & Japan, cementing her artistic legacy.

Pang’s work extended beyond Lennon. Her early career began at ABKCO Industries, where she worked with Allen Klein’s firm, managing the Beatles’ Apple Corps and the Rolling Stones. By 1970, Lennon and Yoko Ono hired her as their personal assistant, later promoting her to production coordinator. Pang earned a gold record for her contributions to Walls and Bridges and continued to impact the industry by managing releases for artists like Bob Marley and Robert Palmer during her time at Island Records.

In 1983, Pang published Loving John, a candid memoir detailing her relationship with Lennon and her behind-the-scenes role in his life and work. In 2008, she released Instamatic Karma, a collection of intimate photographs of Lennon during the Lost Weekend. These photos, which include iconic moments like Lennon signing the contract to dissolve the Beatles, have been exhibited across the U.S. in The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang.

May Pang remains a sought-after voice in the music and photography worlds, with appearances in major publications and interviews on prominent platforms such as Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, and Howard Stern. Her story was further immortalized in the acclaimed documentary The Lost Weekend: A Love Story, which premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival and is now available on major streaming platforms.

Today, Pang continues to share her unique perspective through her photographs and storytelling, offering an intimate glimpse into one of rock and roll’s most fascinating chapters.

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Born and raised in Pasadena, California, Chris Pierce is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose soulful voice and powerful lyrics bridge folk, blues, and Americana. Over a 25-year career, Pierce has shared stages with legends including Neil Young, B.B. King, Seal, Al Green, and Jill Scott, and his songs have appeared in major TV and film productions.

He co-wrote “We Can Always Come Back to This”, featured on NBC’s This Is Us hit #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart and #12 on the iTunes Top 100, propelling him to national attention.

Pierce’s acclaimed album American Silence (2021) confronts race, justice, and hope with poetic honesty, earning comparisons to Richie Havens and Bill Withers. He is also half of the duo War & Pierce, and performs as Reverend Tall Tree, his blues-opera alter ego.

His latest contribution to non profits is as part of the star line up on Heart of Gold Volume 1 - The Songs of Neil Young on CMG / Killphonic, singing the iconic Southern Man. And if you’re a voting member of the Grammys®, please give it a listen at fyconline.com - click the daisy cover art and treat your ears!

Chris is a survivor of early hearing loss, he channels resilience and empathy into every note. He continues to tour globally, inspiring audiences through music that celebrates truth, healing, and unity.

� www.ChrisPierce.com

Teaflix is sponsored by MrsMcCartneysTeas.com

Thanks for tuning in to TeaFlix - learn more about the hosts at https://MrsMcCartneyTeas.com and https://RuthMcCartney.com

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