The Beatles arrived at New York’s JFK Airport on February 7, 1964. The "weirdness" of their arrival stems from the bizarre clash between their massive reception and the state of the country at that time: A Nation in Mourning: They landed just 77 days after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The country was still in deep shock and grief, making the sudden eruption of screaming teenage joy feel surreal and, to some, inappropriate. The Newly Renamed Airport: The airport itself had been

On February 7, 1964, Pan Am Yankee Clipper flight 101 from London Heathrow lands at New York’s Kennedy Airport—and “Beatlemania” arrives. It was the first visit to the United States by the Beatles, a British rock-and-roll quartet that had just scored its first No. 1 U.S. hit six days before with “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” At Kennedy, the Fab Four—dressed in mod suits and sporting their trademark bowl haircuts—were greeted by 3,000 screaming fans who caused a near riot when the boys stepped off

The Beatles' first US press conference took place on February 7, 1964, at John F. Kennedy International Airport upon their arrival in New York City. The scene was characterized by chaos and overwhelming noise due to the massive crowd of fans and reporters. The press conference was a key moment in the band's introduction to the American public and helped solidify their image. | History In Pictures