Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney is a British singer/songwriter/musician and was originally the bass guitarist with The Beatles, of course. McCartney was born in Liverpool on the 18th June 1942 with the full name of James Paul McCartney. In 1997, he received a knighthood from The Queen for services to music and so became Sir James Paul McCartney.

Paul McCartney – Early Life

When Paul McCartney reached the age of 14, his dad bought him a trumpet. But he would soon trade this in for an acoustic guitar. Indeed, he wanted to be able to play an instrument while singing at the same time.

Since McCartney uses his left hand to play, he had to reverse the strings on his guitar. He was then able to write and sing his first song called, “I Lost My Little Girl”.

He also joined the choir at St Barnabas’ Church in Mossley Hill after his failed audition with Liverpool Cathedral at the age of 11. His first public performance was in a talent competition at the Bultin’s holiday camp in Filey, North Yorkshire. There he played a Little Richard song called “Long Tall Sally” since the American had a big influence on him.

Quarrymen Connection

Shortly after they moved into 20 Forthlin Road, while McCartney was only 14, his mother died. This obviously was a great loss to him. Then, when Paul met up with John Lennon there was a point of connection since Lennon’s mother, Julia, died when he was 17.

The band would travel to Hamburg, Germany a few times as a resident group. Then, when Stuart Sutcliffe left the band, Paul reluctantly became the bass guitarist. They were also the backing band for British singer, Tony Sheridan. However, in 1961, when they recorded the song “My Bonnie” with Tony Sheridan, the credit for the backing group was The Beat Brothers.

This record caught the attention of a few influential people and in 1962, after Ringo Starr replaced Pete Best on drums and Brian Epstein became manager, The Beatles were to sign up to EMI. Of course, The Beatles then became the biggest and best band in the world.

Paul Is Dead Theory

In 1967, a great hoax and conspiracy theory came to the fore. The allegations were that Paul McCartney died in a car crash in November, 1966. So, The Beatles replaced him with a look-alike character. Conspiracy theorists slowed down songs and even reversed them in order to find clues. For example, in the track “Revolution 9” we hear John Lennon repeat the words number 9 regularly. However, in reverse some people believe it says “turn me on, dead man”. Indeed, it was this piece that gave the conspiracy theorists their first clue.

From then, they overlooked nothing. They would inspect everything from album covers to the colours of the interior record sleeves. The “Abbey Road” album itself provide conspiracists with many clues. From the registration number on the parked VW Beetle to McCartney being in bare feet.

Of course, Paul McCartney didn’t die in a car crash, but some conspiracy theorists still wont accept this.

Girlfriends

While still in Liverpool, McCartney had a two and a half year relationship with Dot Rhone. They were due to marry but things didn’t quite go to plan after Dot suffered a miscarriage and the relationship ended.

He then met actress, Jane Asher, in London. This was while The Beatles were performing at the Royal Albert Hall on the 18th April, 1963. By November, Paul and Jane were living together in her parents’ home at 57 Wimpole Street, London. While living at the Asher’s home, Paul would write many songs including “Yesterday“. However, the couple would move into Paul’s home in St. John’s Wood, in March 1966 and they planned to marry. Then, after a five year relationship, Jane broke off the engagement when she found out about Paul’s involvement with an American woman called Francie Schwartz.

Paul also has a “secret” relationship with model, Maggie McGivern, which lasted for three years until early 1969.

Wives

Linda Eastman

Paul McCartney married American photographer and musician Linda Eastman in March 1969. The couple had met a few times, first at The Shea Stadium in 1966, and then formally at a Georgie Fame concert in 1967. Paul and Linda then formed the band, “Wings” in 1971. Linda died from breast cancer in 1998 and the young age of 56. Together, the couple had three children and Paul officially adopted Linda’s daughter, Heather.

Heather Mills

In June 2002, Paul married Heather Mills and they had one child together called Beatrice Milly. However, they legally divorced each other in March 2008.

Nancy Shevell

Paul married American Nancy Shevell on the 9th October 2011 since being together as a couple from November 2007. Their marriage took place in Old Marylebone Town Hall, London with around 30 friends and relatives in attendance. This was indeed where his first wedding took place in 1969.

Wings

The band released many albums and were a massive success. Perhaps their best song was “Mull of Kintyre” from 1977, which at the time, was the biggest selling single ever in the UK. Wings disbanded in April 1981 after Denny Laine quit the band.

Solo Career

McCartney has become the “most honoured composer and performer in music” according to the “Guinness Book of World Records” (1979). The same book in 2009 also gives Paul the title of the “most successful songwriter”. His song, “Yesterday” has over 2,500 recorded versions making it one of the most covered songs ever.

Paul McCartney is without doubt a genius. Using his musical talent and humour, he has given the world possibly more pleasure than anyone else ever. More popular that Jesus? Not quite, but very close!