On this day in 1964 — 57 years ago — the Beatles announced in Jacksonville, Florida they would not play to a racially segregated audience.
The concert, at Jacksonville’s Gator Bowl, was originally to have been whites only, but The Beatles refused to perform until they received an assurance from the promoter that the audience would be integrated.
“We never play to segregated audiences and we aren't going to start now,” John Lennon said. “I'd sooner lose our appearance money.”