The «pretty face» of The Beatles back in the days of Beatlemania. The prolific, multi-instrumentalist, creator of the ideas that brought us Sgt. Pepper, Magical Mystery Tour and the Get Back project, of the later days of The Beatles. And of course the power that made Wings fly throughout the 1970´s. Maca, the unstoppable songwriter, composer, film-maker, producer and yes, artist as well, soon to be 80 years young…thank God he is a Gemini male, they never age…is still going, going, going strong, creative, active and headlining Glastonbury 2022!
I thought about a lot of men and women who could have been the one that would open this new series, thought twice and concluded that it had to be a musician, pop star, pop legend. So it had to be one of The Beatles. Easy, it will be McCartney. With Paul I could not lose. This is why:
Paul is considered one of the most successful musical artists-composers of all times. He has sixty gold records and has sold more than 100 000 000 albums and more than 100 000 000 singles as both a solo artist and a member of The Beatles. More than 2200 singers have covered «Yesterday» making it the song most covered in the history of popular music . His 1977 «Mull of Kintyre», is among the singles most sold in the UK! He has been inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, first as a Beatle in 1988, and then in 1999 as a solo act. Macca has twenty one Grammy awards, again as a Beatle and as a solo act. And his songs, well thirty two have hit number one on Billboard Hot 100. Paul, along with George, John and Ringo, was named a Member of the British Empire (1965), but he was elevated to Knighthood in 1997, making him Sir Paul. This, of course, was because of his music and contribution to British culture.
Needless to say I have always been a Beatles fan and Paul´s songs have been among some of my favourites. But one thing I do admire about him is his unquenchable thirst for creativity, for the search, for working his art, his craft and developing his talent. You would think that a man with his money, and his history…bloody hell, he´s done everything…would be happily retired, enjoying spending his money. But McCartney still works as hard as he did when he was in his twenties and writing pop songs with his best mate.
I hope you have enjoyed this first edition of this new series that I will diligently try to publish every Monday. If any one has a suggestion for a candidate, let me know. I am trying to keep it to the XX and XXI Centuries. Maybe I will do another one about great artists of all times but that´s for another day…
In closing, I would just like to say…
Cheers my friends, for your kind attention. your visit, your likes and comments…
JaZzArt en València 
You already know my thoughts about your choice of musician today Francesc. He was – and still is – a legend. I went to the Mull of Kintyre once – and it’s a long way from anywhere. I sat in the car and listened to the song – as you do – and guess what? the mist really did roll in from the sea, and I couldn’t see a thing for about 20 minutes 🙂
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Wow! That experience must have been amazing! And yeah, always been a big fan. You know I was talking to one of my nephews, he´s about 22 years old and he knew McCartney but had no idea he had been a Beatle! It shows how he has re-invented himself so many times. The sign of a great artist indeed. All the best to you Malc! 😊
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I can’t believe that he didn’t know that he was a Beatle
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Yeah, that´s how kids react, mostly they see only what is right before them, they don´t look further…
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McCartney and his music are timeless
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For sure Beth!
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Wonderful first choice for a XX & XXI century artist.
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Thanks Pat. If you’ve any candidate that you would like to suggest, let me know as I’d like to learn from this series as well. All the best.
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Wonderful write up on Sir Paul and all his amazing accomplishments, my friend. A true legend! Maybe you can squeeze Cat Stevens or Don McLean into one of these features. Cheers, Francisco!
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Great choices and candidates my friend, I certainly will. Thank you so much and all the best!
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What a lovely I didn’t know that more than 2200 singers have covered “Yesterday”, that’s an astonishing number! If John Lennon had not been murdered on that horrific December night in New York City forty-one years ago, we may be having a different discussion right now. Who knows what John Lennon would have created as he grew older. Yet, we all know what Paul McCartney has done since The Beatles broke up. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Yes, it is an amazing number of covers of «Yesterday» and you are right, who knows what John would have given us, I am sure he would have done great things. Thank you so much Aiva and all the best to you!
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There’s a special place in my heart for the Mull of Kintyre — the song and the place. My 5th-great-grandmother was born there on a farm named Eden «from which on a clear day you can see Ireland.» I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the place. On a clear day, the water of the North Channel is truly azure and mesmerizing unlike the sea I’ve seen anywhere else. I didn’t want to leave. The song takes me right back. Thank you, Francis. In this time of unease in the world, it was refreshing to listen to it and watch the video again. Just what I needed today. Thanks!
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So glad to hear that Janet and I am so glad that it brought you grand memories. Thank you!
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