One of the world’s greatest singer-songwriters celebrates his 90th birthday today. From his time with the Beatles and Wings to his solo career, Sir Paul McCartney continues to bring the world together through his music. (Photo property of AP’s Joel Ryan.)
By: Jacob Elyachar
He is one of the best-known living music legends. Sir Paul McCartney has sold over 100 million albums and 100 million singles. Every time someone whistles or sings one of his signature songs from his song catalog, chances are you will be whistling or singing along. Today, the world celebrates the birth of one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all-time: Sir Paul McCartney.
Paul McCartney was born on June 18, 1942 in Liverpool, England. Music was in his blood as his father and grandfather were part of a jazz band and Paul often accompanied his father to local concerts. However, brass was not in his future as the future Beatle began to fall in love with rock and roll. Paul learned how to play acoustic guitar and composed his first of thousands of songs: “I Lost My Little Girl.”
Things started to pick up for him in the late 1950s as he met his future songwriting collaborator and fellow group member: John Lennon, who invited him to join his band: The Quarrymen. The band received a new guitarist in George Harrison, added Pete Best on the drums and they decided to change their name as well. After multiple name changes, they decided on debut their new name: the Beatles in mid-August 1960.
Two years later, the group replaced Best with Ringo Starr and released their first hit: “Love Me Do.” Beatlemania slowly began to grasp the United Kingdom as they continued to release new songs including: “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” and “We Can Work It Out.” The band continued to grow in their musicianship as they began to add different musical elements including a string quartet and a sitar, which could be heard in songs like “Yesterday” and “Tomorrow Never Knows” respectfully.
After 27 studio albums, the Beatles broke up in 1970. In the Beatles’ ashes, Paul McCartney began a new journey with another band that he co-founded with his wife, the late Linda McCartney and Denny Laine: Wings. The band produced seven studio albums, released numerous hits including: “Band on the Run,” “With a Little Luck” and “Live and Let Die.” Before they broke up in 1981, the band traveled around the world on numerous tours and gained fans wherever they went.
During the last four decades, Sir Paul McCartney collaborated with multiple artists including Stevie Wonder, the late Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Tony Bennett and Billy Joel, while pursuing a solo career that spawned 15 studio albums. He has received multiple awards including 14 Grammy Awards, eight BRIT Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Order of the British Empire and the Kennedy Center Honors.
Jacobelyacharjournalist.com salutes you: Sir Paul McCartney for continuing to inspire us with your music and encouraging countless artists around the world to perform each day.
To watch Sir Paul McCartney perform one of his signature classics: “Hey Jude” at the Super Bowl, click here: http://youtu.be/_FoWLsiycJ8
