Paul McCartney | Artist
Sir James Paul McCartney CH MBE is an English singer, songwriter and Musician, born 1942 in Liverpool, England. McCartney's extraordinary musical journey began from humble working-class roots, then as a member of The Beatles, and he has since established himself as a prolific solo artist, composer, and cultural icon. One of the most successful popular music composers and performers of all time, McCartney is known for his melodic approach to bass-playing, versatile and wide tenor vocal range, and musical eclecticism, exploring genres ranging from rock & roll, pop, and heavy rock, to classical, ballads, and electronica. His songwriting partnership with John Lennon is the most successful in modern music history. As a Beatle, McCartney wrote and co-wrote an extensive catalog of timeless hits that have left an indelible mark on popular music. His gift for crafting unforgettable melodies and poignant lyrics is evidenced in classics such as "Yesterday," "Hey Jude," "Let It Be," "Penny Lane," "Eleanor Rigby," and "Blackbird," to name just a few. His versatility as a musician, adeptness at playing multiple instruments, and distinctive vocal style contributed to The Beatles' unparalleled success and enduring legacy. Following the dissolution of The Beatles in 1970, McCartney embarked on a successful solo career, forming the band Wings with his wife Linda McCartney and Denny Laine, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums. McCartney's solo career has produced numerous chart-topping hits, including "Band on the Run," "Live and Let Die," "Maybe I'm Amazed," and "Jet," among many others. He is also a prolific composer of classical music, with several orchestral works to his name, including the Liverpool Oratorio and Ecce Cor Meum. McCartney is a largely self-taught musician, and his approach was described by musicologist Ian MacDonald as "by nature drawn to music's formal aspects yet wholly untutored - he produced technically finished work almost entirely by instinct, his harmonic judgement based mainly on perfect pitch and an acute pair of ears." As a recording artist, McCartney's catalogue includes 34 studio albums as soloist and with Wings. Standout releases include McCartney (1970), Ram (1971), Band on the Run (1973), Tug of War (1982), Flaming Pie (1997), Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard (2005), and New (2013). Also of note are the live albums Unplugged (1991) and Good Evening New York City (2009). In 1977 McCartney issued the big-band album Thrillington under the pseudonym Percy "Thrills" Thrillington. Beyond the world of music he is also an outspoken advocate for various social and environmental causes. His philanthropic efforts and support for campaigns promoting animal welfare, vegetarianism, and global issues have further cemented his status as a cultural and humanitarian icon. In recognition of his contributions to music and popular culture, McCartney has been honored with numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music. McCartney is also regarded as one of the best bass players ever. He was voted the best rock bassist in Creem's 1973 and 1974 Reader Poll Results and third best bassist of all time in a 2011 Rolling Stone readers' poll. Since the Sunday Times Rich List began in 1989, McCartney has been ranked as the UK's wealthiest musician.
Artist Website: paulmccartney.com
Featured Albums: Paul McCartney
Related Artists: The Beatles, Wings
