Beatles promoter Sid Bernstein dies aged 95

John Lennon told Bernstein, pictured in 2010, that the Shea was 'the top of the mountain' (Getty) (Getty images)

Sid Bernstein, the promoter who brought the Beatles to New York's Shea Stadium, has died. He was 95.

Bernstein's daughter, Casey Deutsch, said her father died in his sleep this morning at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Bernstein was an early American backer of the Beatles. He made them the first rock group to play at Carnegie Hall and arranged their historic 1965 show at Shea, a performance that set box office records.

He also worked with Judy Garland, Duke Ellington and Ray Charles, promoted Dion, Bobby Darin and Chubby Checker, and managed Esy Morales, the Rascals and Ornette Coleman.

He was an early backer of ABBA, setting up the Swedish group's first American appearances. He was behind one of the first rock benefit shows, and helped revive Tony Bennett's career with a 1962 show at Carnegie Hall.

PA