of Their Visit: The Beatles in the US. Recording The band recorded the song on February 11, 1963, in three takes; Take 3 was the master. It was remixed on February 25. George Harrison played the distinctive phrase on guitar; Floyd Cramer played it on piano for the original. They recorded "Anna (Go to Him)" on June 17, 1963, for the BBC radio show Pop Go the Beatles. The show was broadcast on June 25. They recorded it once again on August 1, 1963, for the show broadcast on August 27. Reception Unterberger praised the Beatles' version in his review: Music critic Ian MacDonald had a different view of Lennon's vocal delivery, saying it sounded like "a passionate youth grappling with a man's song". As noted in many references including Mark Lewisohn's The Beatles Recording Sessions, Lennon had a bad cold on the day of recording which had an adverse effect on his voice. Personnel From Ian MacDonald: John Lennon – vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar Paul McCartney – bass, backing vocals George Harrison – lead guitar, backing vocals Ringo Starr – drums Engineered by Norman Smith References Bibliography 1962 singles The Beatles songs Song recordings produced by George Martin Songs written by Arthur Alexander 1962 songs Dot Records singles Arthur Alexander songs