The Beatles And iTunes Come Together

Now teens won’t have to solely rely on American Idol theme nights as an introduction to the Beatles catalog. After seven-and-a-half years and 10 billion downloads, the iTunes Store’s long and winding road to sealing a deal with EMI to offer the Liverpool band’s music has come to an end. This morning at 10 a.m. EST, the Fab Four’s 13 remastered studio albums (Please Please Me through Let It Be), “Red” (The Beatles 1962 – 1966) and “Blue” (The Beatles 1967 – 1970) compilations and two Past Masters collections were offered up via the digital retailer. Also available: The Beatles Box Set, which comes with a $149 price tag and contains a concert film of the band’s very first U.S. gig. “We’re really excited to bring the Beatles’ music to iTunes,” said Sir Paul McCartney in a statement. “It’s fantastic to see the songs we originally released on vinyl receive as much love in the digital world as they did the first time around.”

“I am particularly glad to no longer be asked when the Beatles are coming to iTunes,” added Ringo Starr. “At last, if you want it-you can get it now-The Beatles from Liverpool to now! Peace and Love, Ringo.”

The Beatles had the best-selling album of the previous decade with their 1 compilation of 27 singles, which was released in 2000 and sold roughly 11.5 million copies by the end of 2009.

Perhaps the iTunes generation will now be able to anoint the rock legends the kings of the next decade in music sales, as well?