May 17, 2024 • 8 mins
Paul McCartney, born James Paul McCartney on June 18, 1942, in Liverpool, England, is one of the most influential and successful musicians of all time. Best known as a member of the legendary rock band The Beatles, McCartney's musical career has spanned over six decades, during which he has composed some of the most iconic songs in the history of popular music.
Early Life and The Beatles Years: McCartney was born during World War II to working-class parents, Jim and Mary McCartney. His mother, a midwife, died of complications from breast cancer when Paul was just 14 years old, a loss that would deeply influence his music and life.
In 1957, McCartney met John Lennon at a church festival, where Lennon was performing with his band, The Quarrymen. Impressed by McCartney's musical abilities, Lennon invited him to join the group, which eventually evolved into The Beatles, with the addition of George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
As a member of The Beatles, McCartney was a primary songwriter, co-writing many of the band's most famous songs with Lennon, including "Hey Jude," "Let It Be," and "Yesterday," which has been covered by over 2,200 artists and is considered one of the most popular songs of all time.
The Beatles achieved unprecedented global success, releasing groundbreaking albums such as "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Abbey Road," and transforming popular music with their innovative songwriting, recording techniques, and cultural influence. However, tensions within the band, coupled with the death of their manager Brian Epstein and McCartney's desire to pursue solo projects, led to the group's disbandment in 1970.
Solo Career and Wings: Following the breakup of The Beatles, McCartney released his first solo album, "McCartney," in 1970, which showcased his versatility as a musician and songwriter. He followed this with the formation of the band Wings in 1971, alongside his wife Linda McCartney, Denny Laine, and other musicians.
Wings enjoyed significant success throughout the 1970s, releasing hit albums such as "Band on the Run" and "Venus and Mars," and embarking on world tours. The band's most famous songs include "Live and Let Die," the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name, and "Silly Love Songs," a tongue-in-cheek response to critics who accused McCartney of writing overly sentimental music.
In 1980, McCartney was arrested in Japan for marijuana possession, leading to the cancellation of Wings' tour and the band's eventual dissolution. Despite this setback, McCartney continued to release successful solo albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, collaborating with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Costello.
Later Career and Accolades: In the late 1990s and early 2000s, McCartney experienced a career resurgence, releasing the critically acclaimed albums "Flaming Pie" and "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard," and embarking on successful world tours. He also collaborated with younger artists, such as Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Kanye West, introducing his music to new generations of fans.
Throughout his career, McCartney has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including 18 Grammy Awards, two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist), and a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 1997 for his contributions to music.
In addition to his musical achievements, McCartney is known for his philanthropic work, particularly his support of animal rights, vegetarianism, and land mine charities. He has also been a vocal advocate for music education and has supported various humanitarian causes throughout his life.
Personal Life: McCartney has been married three times. His first marriage was to Linda Eastman, an American photographer, in 1969. The couple had four children together and remained married until Linda's death from breast cancer in 1998. McCartney's second marriage, to former model Heather Mills, lasted from 2002 to 2008 and ended in a highly publicized divorce.
In 2011, McCartney married his third wife, Nancy Shevell, a businesswoman and member of the board of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The couple has been together ever since.
Legacy: Paul McCartney's influence on popular music cannot be overstated. As a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist, he has written and performed some of the most beloved songs in the history of rock and roll, and has inspired countless musicians across genres and generations.
Beyond his musical achievements, McCartney's enduring popularity and cultural impact have made him an icon of British culture and a global figure of the 20th and 21st centuries. His songs have become part of the soundtrack of people's lives, resonating with themes of love, loss, and hope that continue to touch audiences around the world.
As he enters his ninth decade, McCartney shows n
Early Life and The Beatles Years: McCartney was born during World War II to working-class parents, Jim and Mary McCartney. His mother, a midwife, died of complications from breast cancer when Paul was just 14 years old, a loss that would deeply influence his music and life.
In 1957, McCartney met John Lennon at a church festival, where Lennon was performing with his band, The Quarrymen. Impressed by McCartney's musical abilities, Lennon invited him to join the group, which eventually evolved into The Beatles, with the addition of George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
As a member of The Beatles, McCartney was a primary songwriter, co-writing many of the band's most famous songs with Lennon, including "Hey Jude," "Let It Be," and "Yesterday," which has been covered by over 2,200 artists and is considered one of the most popular songs of all time.
The Beatles achieved unprecedented global success, releasing groundbreaking albums such as "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Abbey Road," and transforming popular music with their innovative songwriting, recording techniques, and cultural influence. However, tensions within the band, coupled with the death of their manager Brian Epstein and McCartney's desire to pursue solo projects, led to the group's disbandment in 1970.
Solo Career and Wings: Following the breakup of The Beatles, McCartney released his first solo album, "McCartney," in 1970, which showcased his versatility as a musician and songwriter. He followed this with the formation of the band Wings in 1971, alongside his wife Linda McCartney, Denny Laine, and other musicians.
Wings enjoyed significant success throughout the 1970s, releasing hit albums such as "Band on the Run" and "Venus and Mars," and embarking on world tours. The band's most famous songs include "Live and Let Die," the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name, and "Silly Love Songs," a tongue-in-cheek response to critics who accused McCartney of writing overly sentimental music.
In 1980, McCartney was arrested in Japan for marijuana possession, leading to the cancellation of Wings' tour and the band's eventual dissolution. Despite this setback, McCartney continued to release successful solo albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, collaborating with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Costello.
Later Career and Accolades: In the late 1990s and early 2000s, McCartney experienced a career resurgence, releasing the critically acclaimed albums "Flaming Pie" and "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard," and embarking on successful world tours. He also collaborated with younger artists, such as Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Kanye West, introducing his music to new generations of fans.
Throughout his career, McCartney has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including 18 Grammy Awards, two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist), and a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 1997 for his contributions to music.
In addition to his musical achievements, McCartney is known for his philanthropic work, particularly his support of animal rights, vegetarianism, and land mine charities. He has also been a vocal advocate for music education and has supported various humanitarian causes throughout his life.
Personal Life: McCartney has been married three times. His first marriage was to Linda Eastman, an American photographer, in 1969. The couple had four children together and remained married until Linda's death from breast cancer in 1998. McCartney's second marriage, to former model Heather Mills, lasted from 2002 to 2008 and ended in a highly publicized divorce.
In 2011, McCartney married his third wife, Nancy Shevell, a businesswoman and member of the board of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The couple has been together ever since.
Legacy: Paul McCartney's influence on popular music cannot be overstated. As a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist, he has written and performed some of the most beloved songs in the history of rock and roll, and has inspired countless musicians across genres and generations.
Beyond his musical achievements, McCartney's enduring popularity and cultural impact have made him an icon of British culture and a global figure of the 20th and 21st centuries. His songs have become part of the soundtrack of people's lives, resonating with themes of love, loss, and hope that continue to touch audiences around the world.
As he enters his ninth decade, McCartney shows n
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Paul McCartney born James Paul McCartney onJune eighteenth, nineteen forty two in Liverpool,
England is one of the most influentialand successful musicians of all time,
best known as a member of thelegendary rock band The Beatles. McCartney's musical
career has spanned over six decades,during which he has composed some of the
(00:21):
most iconic songs in the history ofpopular music. Early life in the Beatles
years, McCartney was born during WorldWar II to working class parents, Jim
and Mary McCartney. His mother,a midwife, died of complications from breast
cancer when Paul was just fourteen yearsold, a loss that would deeply influence
(00:43):
his music and life. In nineteenfifty seven, McCartney met John Lennon at
a church festival where Lennon was performingwith his band The Quarryman. Impressed by
McCartney's musical abilities, Lennon invited himto join the group, which eventually evolved
into The Beatles with the addition ofGeorge Harrison and Ringo Starr. As a
(01:07):
member of the Beatles, McCartney wasa primary songwriter, co writing many of
the band's most famous songs with Lennon, including Hey, Jude, Let It
Be and Yesterday, which has beencovered by over two thousand, two hundred
artists and is considered one of themost popular songs of all time. The
Beatles achieved unprecedented global success, releasinggroundbreaking albums such as Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts,
(01:34):
Club Band and Abbey Road, andtransforming popular music with their innovative songwriting,
recording techniques and cultural influence. However, tensions within the band, coupled
with the death of their manager BrianEpstein, and McCartney's desire to pursue solo
projects, led to the group's Disbammonin nineteen seventy. Solo career and Wings
(02:00):
following the breakup of the Beatles,McCartney released his first solo album, McCartney
in nineteen seventy, which showcased hisversatility as a musician and songwriter. He
followed this with the formation of theband Wings in nineteen seventy one, alongside
his wife Linda McCartney, Denny Lane, and other musicians. Wings enjoyed significant
(02:23):
success throughout the nineteen seventies, releasinghit albums such as Band on the Run
and Venus and Mars and embarking onworld tours. The band's most famous songs
include Leave and Let Die, thetheme song for the James Bond film of
the same name, and Silly LoveSongs, a tongue in cheek response to
(02:44):
critics who accused McCartney of writing overlysentimental music. In nineteen eighty, McCartney
was arrested in Japan for marijuana possession, leading to the cancelation of Wings tour
and the band's eventual dissolution. Despitethis setback, McCartney continued to release successful
(03:05):
solo albums throughout the nineteen eighties andnineteen nineties, collaborating with artists such as
Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, andElvis Costello later career and accolades. In
the late nineteen nineties and early twothousands, McCartney experienced a career resurgence,
(03:25):
releasing the critically acclaimed albums Flaming Pieand Chaos and Creation in the Backyard and
embarking on successful world tours. Healso collaborated with younger artists such as radioheads
Tom York and Kanye West, introducinghis music to new generations of fans.
(03:46):
Throughout his career, McCartney has beenrecognized with numerous awards and honors, including
eighteen Grammy Awards, two inductions intothe Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as
a member of the Beatles and asa solo artist, and a knighthood from
Queen Elizabeth the Sector in nineteen ninetyseven for his contributions to music. In
(04:08):
addition to his musical achievements, McCartneyis known for his philanthropic work, particularly
his support of animal rights, vegetarianism, and landmine charities. He has also
been a vocal advocate for music educationand has supported various humanitarian causes throughout his
life. Personal life, McCartney hasbeen married three times. His first marriage
(04:30):
was to Linda Eastman, an Americanphotographer, in nineteen sixty nine. The
couple had four children together and remainedmarried until Linda's death from breast cancer in
nineteen ninety eight. McCartney's second marriage, to former model Heather Mills, lasted
from two thousand and two to twothousand and eight and ended in a highly
(04:51):
publicized divorce. In twenty eleven,McCartney married his third wife, Nancy Shevell,
a business woman a member of theboard of the New York Metropolitan Transportation
Authority. The couple has been togetherever since. Legacy. Paul McCartney's influence
on popular music cannot be overstated.As a member of the Beatles and as
(05:14):
a solo artist, he has writtenand performed some of the most beloved songs
in the history of rock and roll, and has inspired countless musicians across genres
and generations. Beyond his musical achievements, McCartney's enduring popularity and cultural impact have
made him an icon of British cultureand a global figure of the twentieth and
twenty first centuries. His songs havebecome part of the soundtrack of people's lives,
(05:41):
resonating with themes of love, loss, and hope that continue to touch
audiences around the world. As heenters his ninth decade, McCartney shows no
signs of slowing down, continuing torelease new music, perform live, and
champion the causes he believes in Hislegacy as a musician, songwriter and cultural
(06:02):
figure is secure, cementing his placein the pantheon of the greatest artists of
all time recent work in future.In recent years, McCartney has continued to
be active both in the studio andon stage. In twenty eighteen, he
released his seventeenth solo studio album,Egypt Station, which debuted at number one
(06:24):
in multiple countries and was praised bycritics for its fresh sound and innovative production.
In twenty twenty, amid the globalCOVID nineteen pandemic, McCartney released McCartney
the Third, a self recorded andself produced album that showcased his versatility as
a multi instrumentalist and his enduring creativityas a songwriter. The album was a
(06:48):
critical and commercial success, reaching numberone in several countries and Ernie McCartney some
of the best reviews of his solocareer. By at the challenges posed by
the pandemic, McCartney has remained committedto connecting with his fans and sharing his
music. In twenty twenty one,he released a book titled The Lyrics nineteen
(07:11):
fifty six to the Present, whichoffers a comprehensive look at his songwriting process
and the stories behind some of hismost famous songs. Looking to the future,
McCartney shows no signs of retiring orslowing down. In interviews, he
has expressed his ongoing passion for makingmusic and his desire to continue pushing himself
(07:33):
creatively as he approaches his eightieth birthday, he remains a vital and relevant force
in popular music and an inspiration togenerations of fans and fellow musicians. Paul
McCartney's extraordinary career has left an indeliblemark on the world of music and popular
culture. From his early days asa member of the Beatles to his successful
(07:58):
solo career and collaboration with other artists, McCartney has consistently demonstrated his genius as
a songwriter, musician, and performer. His music has touched the lives of
millions of people around the world,providing solace, joy and inspiration in equal
measure. Through his philanthropic work andhis advocacy for various causes, he has
(08:22):
also made a significant impact beyond therealm of music, using his platform to
promote positive change and make a differencein the world. As he continues to
create, perform, and inspire,Paul McCartney's legacy as one of the greatest
musicians of all time is secure.His contributions to popular music and culture will
(08:43):
endure for generations to come, cementinghis place in history as a true icon
and a living legend. Thanks forlistening. Remember to like and share wherever
you get your podcasts.
Paul McCartney born James Paul McCartney onJune eighteenth, nineteen forty two in Liverpool,
England is one of the most influentialand successful musicians of all time,
best known as a member of thelegendary rock band The Beatles. McCartney's musical
career has spanned over six decades,during which he has composed some of the
(00:21):
most iconic songs in the history ofpopular music. Early life in the Beatles
years, McCartney was born during WorldWar II to working class parents, Jim
and Mary McCartney. His mother,a midwife, died of complications from breast
cancer when Paul was just fourteen yearsold, a loss that would deeply influence
(00:43):
his music and life. In nineteenfifty seven, McCartney met John Lennon at
a church festival where Lennon was performingwith his band The Quarryman. Impressed by
McCartney's musical abilities, Lennon invited himto join the group, which eventually evolved
into The Beatles with the addition ofGeorge Harrison and Ringo Starr. As a
(01:07):
member of the Beatles, McCartney wasa primary songwriter, co writing many of
the band's most famous songs with Lennon, including Hey, Jude, Let It
Be and Yesterday, which has beencovered by over two thousand, two hundred
artists and is considered one of themost popular songs of all time. The
Beatles achieved unprecedented global success, releasinggroundbreaking albums such as Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts,
(01:34):
Club Band and Abbey Road, andtransforming popular music with their innovative songwriting,
recording techniques and cultural influence. However, tensions within the band, coupled
with the death of their manager BrianEpstein, and McCartney's desire to pursue solo
projects, led to the group's Disbammonin nineteen seventy. Solo career and Wings
(02:00):
following the breakup of the Beatles,McCartney released his first solo album, McCartney
in nineteen seventy, which showcased hisversatility as a musician and songwriter. He
followed this with the formation of theband Wings in nineteen seventy one, alongside
his wife Linda McCartney, Denny Lane, and other musicians. Wings enjoyed significant
(02:23):
success throughout the nineteen seventies, releasinghit albums such as Band on the Run
and Venus and Mars and embarking onworld tours. The band's most famous songs
include Leave and Let Die, thetheme song for the James Bond film of
the same name, and Silly LoveSongs, a tongue in cheek response to
(02:44):
critics who accused McCartney of writing overlysentimental music. In nineteen eighty, McCartney
was arrested in Japan for marijuana possession, leading to the cancelation of Wings tour
and the band's eventual dissolution. Despitethis setback, McCartney continued to release successful
(03:05):
solo albums throughout the nineteen eighties andnineteen nineties, collaborating with artists such as
Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, andElvis Costello later career and accolades. In
the late nineteen nineties and early twothousands, McCartney experienced a career resurgence,
(03:25):
releasing the critically acclaimed albums Flaming Pieand Chaos and Creation in the Backyard and
embarking on successful world tours. Healso collaborated with younger artists such as radioheads
Tom York and Kanye West, introducinghis music to new generations of fans.
(03:46):
Throughout his career, McCartney has beenrecognized with numerous awards and honors, including
eighteen Grammy Awards, two inductions intothe Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as
a member of the Beatles and asa solo artist, and a knighthood from
Queen Elizabeth the Sector in nineteen ninetyseven for his contributions to music. In
(04:08):
addition to his musical achievements, McCartneyis known for his philanthropic work, particularly
his support of animal rights, vegetarianism, and landmine charities. He has also
been a vocal advocate for music educationand has supported various humanitarian causes throughout his
life. Personal life, McCartney hasbeen married three times. His first marriage
(04:30):
was to Linda Eastman, an Americanphotographer, in nineteen sixty nine. The
couple had four children together and remainedmarried until Linda's death from breast cancer in
nineteen ninety eight. McCartney's second marriage, to former model Heather Mills, lasted
from two thousand and two to twothousand and eight and ended in a highly
(04:51):
publicized divorce. In twenty eleven,McCartney married his third wife, Nancy Shevell,
a business woman a member of theboard of the New York Metropolitan Transportation
Authority. The couple has been togetherever since. Legacy. Paul McCartney's influence
on popular music cannot be overstated.As a member of the Beatles and as
(05:14):
a solo artist, he has writtenand performed some of the most beloved songs
in the history of rock and roll, and has inspired countless musicians across genres
and generations. Beyond his musical achievements, McCartney's enduring popularity and cultural impact have
made him an icon of British cultureand a global figure of the twentieth and
twenty first centuries. His songs havebecome part of the soundtrack of people's lives,
(05:41):
resonating with themes of love, loss, and hope that continue to touch
audiences around the world. As heenters his ninth decade, McCartney shows no
signs of slowing down, continuing torelease new music, perform live, and
champion the causes he believes in Hislegacy as a musician, songwriter and cultural
(06:02):
figure is secure, cementing his placein the pantheon of the greatest artists of
all time recent work in future.In recent years, McCartney has continued to
be active both in the studio andon stage. In twenty eighteen, he
released his seventeenth solo studio album,Egypt Station, which debuted at number one
(06:24):
in multiple countries and was praised bycritics for its fresh sound and innovative production.
In twenty twenty, amid the globalCOVID nineteen pandemic, McCartney released McCartney
the Third, a self recorded andself produced album that showcased his versatility as
a multi instrumentalist and his enduring creativityas a songwriter. The album was a
(06:48):
critical and commercial success, reaching numberone in several countries and Ernie McCartney some
of the best reviews of his solocareer. By at the challenges posed by
the pandemic, McCartney has remained committedto connecting with his fans and sharing his
music. In twenty twenty one,he released a book titled The Lyrics nineteen
(07:11):
fifty six to the Present, whichoffers a comprehensive look at his songwriting process
and the stories behind some of hismost famous songs. Looking to the future,
McCartney shows no signs of retiring orslowing down. In interviews, he
has expressed his ongoing passion for makingmusic and his desire to continue pushing himself
(07:33):
creatively as he approaches his eightieth birthday, he remains a vital and relevant force
in popular music and an inspiration togenerations of fans and fellow musicians. Paul
McCartney's extraordinary career has left an indeliblemark on the world of music and popular
culture. From his early days asa member of the Beatles to his successful
(07:58):
solo career and collaboration with other artists, McCartney has consistently demonstrated his genius as
a songwriter, musician, and performer. His music has touched the lives of
millions of people around the world,providing solace, joy and inspiration in equal
measure. Through his philanthropic work andhis advocacy for various causes, he has
(08:22):
also made a significant impact beyond therealm of music, using his platform to
promote positive change and make a differencein the world. As he continues to
create, perform, and inspire,Paul McCartney's legacy as one of the greatest
musicians of all time is secure.His contributions to popular music and culture will
(08:43):
endure for generations to come, cementinghis place in history as a true icon
and a living legend. Thanks forlistening. Remember to like and share wherever
you get your podcasts.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!