Article Contributed by Craft Recordings
Published on 2026-04-29
Stax Records and Craft Recordings announce a long-awaited wide vinyl reissue for Stax Does the Beatles. Released nearly two decades ago on the influential Memphis soul label, Stax Does the Beatles boasts members of the iconic label’s roster putting their indelible touch on Beatles classics. Among the highlights: Otis Redding’s exhilarating take on “Day Tripper,” Isaac Hayes’ epic (at 11-plus minutes), heart-tugging version of “Something,” Carla Thomas’ live, velvety interpretation of “Yesterday,” and Steve Cropper’s upbeat, brass-laden adaptation of “With a Little Help from My Friends.”
Available for pre-order today, Stax Does the Beatles returns to vinyl for the first time since its limited Record Store Day 2019 exclusive pressing. This newly curated edition distills highlights from the original CD release by Stax luminaries into a streamlined 1-LP format, offering a focused listening experience. Stax Does the Beatles is pressed on black vinyl, while fans can also find exclusive variant drops: a rich Translucent Ruby (Barnes & Noble exclusive), sunny Eggdrop Yellow (indie retail exclusive), and Silver Smoke (Stax Records/Craft Recordings exclusive).
The Beatles’ impact across several music genres is sprawling to say the least, influencing everything from rock to soul — and the legendary musicians at Stax Records were likewise inspired by the Fab Four. From the mid-1960s onward, Stax artists had begun covering Beatles tracks for the label, with their output peaking towards the late 1960s and early 1970s. Released widely on vinyl for the first time, this eight-track LP includes vocal and instrumental performances alike from legendary Stax Records artists, who imbue the Beatles’ catalog with a rousing mix of soul, funk, and R&B.
“While the songs of the Beatles are classics in anyone’s mind,” PopMatters observed, “the Stax treatment adds a twist that only further serves to reassure the genius of both sides.” The latter admiringly singled out Otis Redding’s “gruff voice and energy…along with those bright blasts of Stax horns that fit so well into the song’s original guitar riff.” AllMusic said of Stax Does the Beatles. “It’s all a lot of fun, and for those who doubt that the Beatles had soul, the proof that they did is here. Nobody made soul music better than the musicians at Stax Records, so they ought to know. Case closed.”
The album also contains a funk-soul rebirth of “Eleanor Rigby” from Booker T. & The M.G.’s. “I was moved by the Beatles,” Booker T. famously remarked in the book Stax: Soulsville, U.S.A. “I thought they were doing really great things. Their records didn’t sound alike ever."
The feeling was mutual. The Beatles’ appreciation of Stax, which was founded nearly 70 years ago, is storied. In particular, an unearthed 1966 letter from the late George Harrison revealed that the Beatles once hoped to recruit famed Redding producer Jim Stewart to help them record Revolver at Stax Studios.
To that end, Beatles bassist Paul McCartney enthused years later about Stax, “The only reason you want to record in those kinds of studios is because you love the records that come out of the studios.”
Click here to pre-order Stax Does the Beatles on vinyl, and stream the collection.
