By Jessica Wheeler, AliveTampaBay Columnist
On Jan. 24, 1962, the Beatles signed a management deal with Brian Epstein. According to their deal, he would receive 25 percent of the band’s earnings, well over the customary 10 percent for managers. Epstein first became aware of the band and their dedicated following of fans while he managed the record store that his family owned in Liverpool. Epstein proved to be a highly successful manager, as the band soared to unprecedented success. He also managed other artists, including Gerry and the Pacemakers, and Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, who also experienced great success in the U.K. and United States. He served as the Beatles’ manager until his death in August 1967. He was 32 years old.