
Apple Recordsโ prodigal sons Badfinger were poised to inherit the Beatles’ mantleโcomplete with George Harrisonโs guiding handโyet behind the scenes, turmoil, label neglect, and internal fractures began unraveling their golden opportunity.

George Harrison championed them, Paul McCartney produced their debut hit, and Apple Records signed themโyet the Iveys (soon to be Badfinger) nearly vanished before they began, victims of internal rifts and corporate reshuffling.

George Harrisonโs enthusiasm for Delaney & Bonnieโs Accept No Substitute nearly landed the duo on Apple Recordsโuntil label politics and Delaneyโs double-dealing derailed the deal, sparking industry drama and setting off a ripple through rock history.

Discovering Booker T. & the M.G.โs McLemore Avenue as a Beatles-ignorant 12-year-old, Wayne E. Goins recalls how the soul-streaked tribute became a personal classicโlong before he realized it echoed Abbey Road note for note.