By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show this Sunday, February 9, we thought it would be fun to ask faculty and staff members to tell us which Beatles tune is their favorite.  Seems we’ve got a lot of Fab Four fans on campus.  Here are their top choices:

“I’m torn between ‘Here Comes the Sun’ and ‘In My Life.’” — Dr. Gabrielle Dietrich, lecturer in music/director of choral ensembles/artistic director of YPC of Erie (fit all that on a business card!)

“’Blackbird,’ hands-down! Hope springs eternal.” — Kelly Shrout, associate director of student affairs

“I have always loved the Beatles. It is hard to pick just one song as my favorite but if forced to I would have to say ‘All You Need is Love.’ I think the meaning behind the song held true in ’67 and is just as applicable today. It also happens to be the song my husband and I walked down the aisle to for the recessional after we took our vows.  I’m also very partial to ‘Blackbird,’ ‘Across the Universe,’ and ‘I am the Walrus.’ — Dr. Heather Lum, research associate in psychology

“In My Life.” — Chris Fox, assistant director, clubs and organizations

“My favorite Beatles song is ‘Eleanor Rigby.’  I have always loved the lyrics line by line.  However, if you piece them together the song can be depressing.  I also love the intensity of the strings.  Fun Fact: The Beatles don’t play any instruments on this song, as it is all strings.” — Mike Rutter, associate professor of statistics

“My favorites are ‘Yesterday’ and ‘Hey Jude.’ — Dr. Bruce Wittmershaus, associate professor of physics

“’Revolution.’ It’s an awesome message overall.  Anytime a friends is feeling down, I’ll sing to the line, ‘Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right?’ — Kristen Comstock, assistant director of alumni relations

“’Let it Be.’ It reminds me of good times in high school.” — Dr. Robert Light, senior associate dean for research, and outreach & COO

“‘I Will’ is my favorite.  It was our house lullaby for both of my sons.” — Mary Beth McCarthy, director, academic and career planning center.

“My favorite is ‘Let it Be.’ Why? It’s moving and offers timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of life.” — Dr. Ralph Ford, director school of engineering, professor of electrical and computer engineering and associate dean for industry and external relations

“If I had to choose, it would be between two songs:  ‘Let it Be,’ and the combination ‘Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End.’  Both songs resonate with me in their musical quality and their ability to make me introspective.  I feel like I’m in a better state after listening to their music.” — Dr. Robert Weissbach, associate professor of engineering

“My favorite is ‘Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flow),’ for no particular reason other than I like the way it sounds.” — Kris Motta Torok, director of student activities and Reed Union Building.

“’Here, There and Everywhere’ gets my vote!” — Dr. Sharon Dale, associate professor of art history

“My favorite Beatles song is ‘Let it Be.’  It reminds me of the value of being a support to those in need so they have less to worry about. Also, it reminds me to be grateful for all my blessings. — Dr. Kathleen Noce, senior lecturer in management information systems

“’Come Together.’ Very strange tune, but it sticks in the head.” — Dr. Al Warner, associate professor of management

“‘All my Lovin’’ and ‘Michelle.’ Why do I love ‘em? Memories of a time gone by!” — Dr. Carl Kallgren, director of CORE and associate professor of psychology

“I’m not a huge Beatles fan, but I’d have to say that my favorite tune of theirs is the ‘Golden Slumbers/Carry that Weight/TheEnd’ medley.” — Dr. Joseph Beilein, assistant professor of history

“‘Paperback Writer.’ It has one of the best guitar riffs of all-time.” — David Vegh, lecturer in theatre

“I think their songs are so timeless.  As for my favorite, it depends on my mood and activity.  When I’m feeling nostalgic, ‘In My Life’ and ‘Penny Lane’ are excellent choices.  For an impromptu sing-a-long, you can’t get much better than ‘Hey Jude,’ which is why it has been covered so many times.  I also really enjoy ‘Across the Universe.’” — Ian McGinnity, assistant director, civic engagement and The Smith Chapel

Your turn …

What’s your favorite Beatles tune? Post a comment below.