The Ballad Of John And Yoko / Old Brown Shoe (US - 1969)

Beatles’ Single Stirs Storm – Anti-Christ?

NEW YORK—The Beatles released a controversial single this week which mentions Christ in a manner considered blasphemous by some critics. The Apple disk, “The Ballad of John and Yoko,” has been banned by a flock of radio stations including ABC – owned and operated WLS in Chicago, and WABC in New York. However, WCFL in Chicago, is giving it heavy play, and WNEW-FM in New York, made no objection to the disk.

WMCA in New York banned it. In banning the disk from WABC, Rick Sklar, program director, said that it’s not being played “because I’d be talking to more monsignors in two minutes than I’ve talked to all year.”
The new Cowsills, single “The Prophecy of Daniel and John the Divine,” on MGM Records, may soon be stirring a controversy, too. It deals with the destruction of the world as predicted in the Bible. On the upbeat side of the religious coin is Frankie Laine’s new ABC single, “Dammit Isn’t God’s Last Name.”

The Beatles’ and Cowsills’ disks were Top 20 picks and Laine’s single was a Top 60 choice of Billboard’s review panel this week.

From Billboard – June 7, 1969

Picks of the Week – THE BEATLES – The Ballad of John & Yoko (2:58) (Maclen, BMI — Lennon, McCartney)

The usual race to air a new Beatles record has not greeted this side; but fans are nevertheless seeking “The Ballad of John & Yoko.” Mixed programmer reaction is the result of ‘objectionable’ lyrics, but musically the side is an exciting old-Elvis flavored track with other 50’s touches. Instore hit despite its difficulties. Flip: “Old Brown Shoe” (3:17) (Harrisongs, BMI — Harrison)

From Cash Box – June 7,1969