by Pat Jacobs

Created on: February 22, 2010

What exactly is a teen idol? It's a famous person who generates attention from large numbers of teenagers. Many teen idols are often young, but in many cases are no longer teens. Their popularity may be limited to teens, or extend to all age groups. They're usually actors or pop singers and can include some of the greatest performers and some of the most frivolous. And they're often primarily a result of mass marketing.

There have always been teen idols, in the current sense, since the 1920s, from Rudolph Valentino, Frank Sinatra (1940s). Elvis Presley (1950s-early 60s) “The King,” and all his ascendants to the throne, who raised the level of teen idol to a fine art form .

Mid-60s idols were unique: most were British, long-haired, and they came in groups. (Each member could be promoted separately for a unique look and personality; the “shy one”, the “smart one”, the “rebel”, the “cute one”, the “funny one”, etc. And several of these labels could overlap to describe one member!)

The no. 1 teen idols were of course The Beatles, through the rest of the decade. They quickly transcended this to become so much more, statesmen of their generation and THE musical standard.

But in 1964 through most of 1965, they were at the height of their teen idol fame and their music had what I call the classic British Invasion sound: ”Ticket To Ride”, ”Eight Days A Week”, ”I'm So Happy Just To Dance With You”, ”I'll Cry Instead”, etc.

And then came Rubber Soul in late 1965, in which the music became more sophisticated and introspective (”Girl”, ”Nowhere Man”, for example).

Revolver in 1966 marked another milestone for the group (”Eleanor Rigby” was one of its many highlights.)

The Beatles were at the top of their game, with more to come. And they were already becoming fashion icons. Young men began loosening up and growing out their pomadours and some adopted "the Beatle look". (And some got suspended from school, for it was considered radical and violating the dress code; in time a modified version became acceptable at some places.)

And long hair became THE look for mid-60s rock bands and singers. (Even Ike Turner wore a Beatle wig!) Suits and ties were still worn at first, but I would say that by 1966, men's clothing styles, particularly in the entertainment field, started loosening up.

Some female idols still had that VERY

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