Paul McCartney
Biography
Sir James Paul McCartney, born in Liverpool, England on June 18, 1942, is a globally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician. His father was a jazz musician, and his mother was a nurse. Tragedy struck the family when McCartney's mother, Mary, died of breast cancer when he was just 14. This shared experience of losing a mother at a young age would later form a deep bond between him and his future bandmate, John Lennon. Encouraged by his father, McCartney taught himself to play the piano, guitar, and to write songs as a teenager, influenced by rock and roll artists like Little Richard and Buddy Holly.
The Beatles
In 1957, at the age of fifteen, McCartney met John Lennon and joined his skiffle group, The Quarrymen. This was the beginning of a partnership that would evolve into the Beatles in 1960. With George Harrison as lead guitarist and Ringo Starr on drums, the "Fab Four" became a worldwide phenomenon. The songwriting partnership between Lennon and McCartney is widely regarded as one of the most successful in music history. McCartney's melodic bass lines, versatile tenor vocal range, and eclectic musical tastes were integral to the band's sound, which ranged from pop ballads to psychedelic and hard rock. He was the primary writer on many of the Beatles' most iconic songs, including "Yesterday," "Hey Jude," and "Let It Be." The band released 12 studio albums between 1962 and 1970 and toured extensively until 1966. The Beatles officially disbanded in 1970.
Wings and Solo Career
Following the breakup of the Beatles, McCartney embarked on a successful solo career, releasing his debut solo album, "McCartney," in 1970. In 1971, he formed the band Wings with his first wife, Linda Eastman, and former Moody Blues guitarist Denny Laine. Wings became one of the most successful bands of the 1970s, achieving numerous hit singles and albums, including the acclaimed "Band on the Run." Throughout the decade, Wings saw several lineup changes but the core trio of Paul, Linda, and Denny Laine remained. The band's UK and US number-one hits included "My Love," "Band on the Run," and the massive-selling "Mull of Kintyre."
McCartney resumed his solo career in 1980 and has continued to release a prolific amount of music, including studio albums, classical works, and electronic projects. He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Stevie Wonder on the hit "Ebony and Ivory" and Michael Jackson on "Say Say Say." He has continued to tour extensively as a solo artist since 1989.
Personal Life
McCartney married American photographer Linda Eastman in 1969. They had four children: Heather (from Linda's previous marriage, whom Paul adopted), Mary, Stella, and James. Linda was a member of his band Wings and a constant presence in his life until her death from breast cancer in 1998. In 2002, he married Heather Mills, with whom he had a daughter, Beatrice, in 2003; they divorced in 2008. McCartney married Nancy Shevell in 2011.
Legacy and Achievements
Paul McCartney is one of the most successful composers and performers of all time. He has written or co-written 32 songs that have reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. His song "Yesterday" is the most covered song in history. He has received numerous awards, including 19 Grammy Awards, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice – as a member of the Beatles in 1988 and as a solo artist in 1999. In 1997, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music. He is also one of the wealthiest musicians in the world.