Career: The band returned to Liverpool - minus Sutcliffe, who later died of a brain haemorrhage - where local businessman Brian Epstein became their manager. Producer George Martin signed them to EMI and the group replaced Best with a new drummer, Ringo Starr. The Beatles took the world by storm, becoming one of the most successful acts in pop history, before acrimoniously splitting in 1970. McCartney formed the group Wings with first wife Linda and has since embarked on various solo projects, with mixed critical and commercial results. He was knighted in 1997 and continues to perform live and record.

Career: Sony Music boss Tommy Mottola signed Carey immediately after hearing her demo tape. Her debut 1990 album caused a stir thanks to her versatility. It sold six million copies and won a Grammy. Her 1991 follow-up, Emotions, proved just as successful, as did her next four albums. It appeared the bubble burst in 2001 when her contract was scrapped following her flop film Glitter and its accompanying album and she was reportedly hospitalised following an emotional breakdown. However, she made a triumphant comeback with the Grammy-winning album The Emancipation of Mimi in 2005 and has spent more time at number one in the American singles charts than the Beatles. She was nominated for a number of awards for her acting role in the 2009 film Precious and in 2012 joined the judging panel of American Idol.