Yoko Ono: Unlikely Hero in Beatles History? Author Kenneth Womack Explains

Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon

Kenneth Womack, a leading Beatles scholar and author of 'Living the Beatles Legend' takes a Beyond the Mic Short Cut. In this exclusive interview, Womack reveals insights from Malcolm Evans' diaries, rescued after a legal battle. Discover colorful stories, including a disgruntled studio musician's encounter with the Fab Four. Womack shares his favorite diary moments, and discusses the emotional journey of bringing this lost Beatles history to light. Don't miss this captivating conversation with the author who unveils the untold tales of the legendary roadie, Mal Evans.

Welcome Kenneth Womack

We’re joined on the Starline by one of the world’s foremost writers and thinkers on the Beatles. Professor of English and Popular Music at Monmouth University. We’ll overlook his BA at Texas A&M because of his latest project “Living the Beatles Legend” which cover the Beatles long time roadie Malcolm Evans. We welcome Kenneth Womack.

Kenneth, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You were blessed to be given access to Malcolm’s diaries after a legal fight that nearly kept these diaries, manuscripts, and memorabilia lost for decades. To some Beatles fans Yoko Ono is the devil, but Yoko actually was the hero in returning these lost items to Mal Evans family and eventually to you.

As you looked over these diary pages, what struck you first?

One of the studio musicians wasn’t happy to sing backup for the Beatles and left saying “I’m not going to clap my hands and sing Paul McCartney’s bloody song!” One of many amazing colorful stories that could have been lost to time. What was your favorite one from Mal’s diaries?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Favorite exhibit from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that wasn’t Beatles related?

2. Do you have second thoughts from your piece "Postwar Academic Fiction: Satire, Ethics, Community"?

3. Last time you went to Asbury Park, you did what?

4. Favorite episode of your Everything Fab Four Podcast?

5. Which item from your Everything Fab Four store is the one bestseller?

6. Favorite session of your Tuesday Night record & book club?

7. Most misunderstood Beatles album is?

8. Favorite bar in College Station?

The Back Half:

When you sent the final script to Malcolm’s son Gary what emotions did you feel?

Why was this story the one you needed to tell?

Who was the biggest help in putting the pieces together?

Who would you have liked to talk to for this book?

One Big Question:

What’s the one thing you wish you could have asked John Lennon before his death?

The Wrap:

He last had Sushi in Asbury Park, wants you to buy gear from his Everything Fab Four to help the family of Malcom Evans. Author of “Living the Beatles Legend” Kenneth Womack thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

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