What Earth’s Most Beloved Man
Would Probably Tell You
If He Had the Chance
Dear Business-Builder,
If you’re looking for The Redhead and me tonight around eight, you’ll find us just a few feet away from the single greatest composer the human race has ever produced.
The man we’ll be with tonight is also history’s most gifted lyricist and arranger/producer. And he also happens to be the single most successful musician and performer – the most brilliant musical star – in the history of planet Earth.
That’s not just me talking; The Guinness Book of World Records says he is “the most successful musician and composer in popular music history.”
I’ve said it so often my kids and grandkids have taken to just rolling their eyes at me: This man’s body of work is now the standard by which all other composers and authors are judged. And if the human race survives another 10,000 years, that will still be as true then as it is now.
Roll over Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky. Make way, Homer, Chaucer, Shakespeare and all the rest. You were princes among composers, poets and storytellers; Sir James Paul McCartney is the king.
And for anyone who, like me, has come to believe that music is mankind’s greatest achievement, (music is love … God is love … you do the math!), tonight will truly be a religious experience.
Because the man we’re with tonight is more than merely the most prolific and gifted artist alive today. He is loved. Deeply. Obsessively. By billions of devoted fans. And as I’m sure you’ve already guessed, I’m definitely one of them.
Like most folks my age, I vividly remember
where I was and what I was doing
the first time I heard Paul’s voice …
It was January, 1964. I was 11 years old, living in Tremonton – a tiny backwater in northern Utah.
I had discovered the Beach Boys the preceding fall and liked what I heard. Ricky Nelson, too. And Jan and Dean. And Roy Orbison. And of course, Elvis. I’d already figured out this rock-n-roll thing was going to be fun.
Then, one night just after dinner, my neighbor and best buddy, Fred Higbee, banged on our front door. “I’ve got something you’ve got to hear,” he proclaimed. Then, after furtively glancing over my shoulder to make sure no adult was within listening range, he added in a conspiratorial whisper, “It’s by The Beatles!”
Before I could ask what in the bloody hell a “Beatle” was, Fred had already dragged me half-way across the street to his house.
Now, like many adults in 1964, Fred’s dad absolutely, positively hated rock-n-roll. Wasn’t too sure if it was commie pinko music or jungle music or the devil’s music – or all three. But Mr. Higbee was damned sure of one thing: It would never be allowed in his house!
So Fred went undercover: Secretly bought the Beatles’ first U.S. single with his lunch money … smuggled the prize into the house inside one of his schoolbooks … then made a beeline for the basement where he’d secreted a small portable turntable.
We listened to both songs on that little 45 – “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “I Saw Her Standing There” – turned ‘way down low so as to avoid detection, prosecution and certain execution.
And we listened to them over and over again. For hours on end.
… For about a week – until Fred showed up with a copy of “Meet The Beatles!” and we suddenly had ten more pieces of musical heaven-on-Earth in which to immerse ourselves.
Those first Beatles songs instantly transfixed and transformed me. They weren’t about surfers or cars or hound dogs – they were about me: My feelings. My desires. My life.
It wasn’t just that the words were about things I could relate to. The music itself was about me: Alive … fresh … energetic … in your face … unapologetically sensual … defiantly new.
Suddenly, that music meant more to me than just about anything else in my life. Except, maybe, Angie – the sultry, dusky-eyed fifth-grade goddess I’d just seen “standing there” at recess and whose hand I was desperate to hold.
Then, to my surprise, the music made headlines in the Salt Lake City Tribune a couple of weeks later – on February 7, 1964, to be precise.
Seems that news about the records in Fred’s basement had leaked out and made it all the way to New York City. Thousands of screaming fans welcomed The Beatles as Pan Am flight 101 touched down at Kennedy airport that Friday.
I’ll never forget what happened next: My father – the hellfire-and-brimstone Methodist minister – vowed to make me yearn for the sweet release of death if I so much as tried to watch when the band appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show the following Sunday evening.
So when I heard that the television sets in the store window down at our local appliance store would be left on and tuned to CBS Sunday evening, I slipped out of the house and high-tailed it down to Main Street.
And so, in the dead of the Utah winter and under cover of darkness on Sunday, February 9, 1964, I joined the small group gathered on the otherwise-deserted sidewalk to see The Beatles for the first time – sans sound – on the black-and-white console TVs in the appliance store window.
I wasn’t the only miscreant watching; I hear the crime rate in New York dropped nearly to zero during the hour that show was on the air.
The Score to My Life
It’s amazing when you realize that everything I just described happened over a span of about three weeks. A mere 22 days passed between the appearance of The Beatles’ first single on the U.S. record charts on January 18 to their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9.
It’s also astonishing to realize that all this happened nearly a half-century ago. And in the 46 years since, Paul has written and played and sung the score to my life’s story.
Pretty much every time I’ve made a significant memory, one of his songs was playing. Songs he wrote and performed with the Beatles. With Wings. As half of Paul and Linda. As The Fireman. And as “just Paul.”
So last summer, The Redhead, our daughter and I made the 4,500-mile pilgrimage to Liverpool; to the places where Paul was born and educated and to the cathedral where, when he was a child, some drooling moron told him he didn’t have enough talent to become a choirboy.
We stood on the spot across the road from the small church where Paul met John at a Church festival in July of 1957 … the place where he taught his new friend how to properly tune a guitar … and where John first asked Paul to join his skiffle band, The Quarrymen.
We stopped by the McCartney family home on Forthlin Road where, still in their teens, Paul and his friend John wrote more than 100 Beatles songs sitting “nose to nose” on Paul’s bed with their guitars (His bedroom window is the one above the door in the pic).
We also visited John’s childhood home where Paul’s selfless devotion to his friend helped make them closer than brothers.
Paul’s mom, Mary, had passed away in 1955 when he was a mere boy of 14. Three years later, John’s mom, Julia, was fatally struck by a car in front the house where John lived with his Aunt Mimi.
When John plunged into severe depression after Julia’s sudden death, it was Paul who understood … who made the daily visits to John’s house on Menlove Avenue … and who eventually helped his friend get through one of the most devastating crises a young boy could possibly endure.
And now in just a few hours, we have second row center seats for Paul McCartney’s sold-out concert in Nashville – his first ever appearance in Music City U.S.A.
If Sir Paul’s daughter Stella were here, she’d probably be wearing the same tee shirt as when her dad was inducted into the Rock-n-roll hall of Fame for his post-Beatles work in 1999 – 29 years after the Beatles broke up.
Nine Life Lessons Sir Paul
Taught Me …
We’ve heard about Liverpool so often, it can sometimes feel as though it’s nothing more than an imaginary place in a fairy tale:
The mythical place were musical gods-in-waiting cavort in Strawberry Fields … get a trim at the barbershop on Penny Lane … sing skiffle at church fetes … and take the double-decker across town on Saturday mornings to find someone who can teach them how to play a B7 chord.
But Liverpool is not imaginary – it’s a great, vibrant little city, surprisingly rich in history and culture. And in most ways, it’s probably not that different from the place YOU grew up in.
In much the same way, billions of fans worldwide revere Paul McCartney as if he were a character in a fairy tale – perhaps a mythological god. But ironically, thinking about him as superhuman somehow devalues his accomplishments, doesn’t it?
The fact is, Sir McCartney is simply an ordinary guy who does extraordinary things. And when you really get that, everything he’s done and continues to do seem … well, even more monumental.
Now, I don’t pretend to know the man. But I’ve seen or read scores interviews he’s done and the lion’s share of what’s been written about his life. And although I’m sure some of what we think we know about him is apocryphal, there’s enough there to get at least a rough sketch of who this remarkable man really is.
It seems Paul grew up much like we all did; going to school, being a scout, loving football, living in a perfectly average home, surrounded by loving relatives, just being a kid.
Yes, he seems to have been born with some kind of one-in-a-billion genetic thing that gave him the potential to become a great musical genius. But that and a five-spot will get you a cup of Starbuck’s.
It’s what Paul did – not what he was born with – that transformed him into a superstar. The choices he made in his life – not the gifts he was given – that paved his way to immortality.
So, if we asked him for his thoughts on success, I can guess at some of what he might say:
- Be a fan first: If there’s something you love and that you want to learn to do, immerse yourself in the work of those who are already doing it best.
- Have a vision for your life and be determined to make it happen: When Brian Epstein asked the group to meet in his office on January 24, 1962 to sign their first contract, Paul called to say that he had gone home to take a shower first.
- Work, work, work: For their first few years building a following and even after they conquered America, being a Beatle was brutal, back-breaking work.
- Embrace difficulties: In Hamburg, the band slept on army cots behind the screen of a seamy theatre, using cast-off British flags for covers.
- Do the right thing even when it hurts: I’ll admit it; it broke my heart when, in 1970, I heard that Paul was suing The Beatles. Here was my favorite member of my favorite band – the “all you need is love” band – hauling the rest of the guys into court.
- Never let the bastards grind you down: It’s no secret that Paul went through a slump after leaving The Beatles. Critics panned many of his first solo recordings. Sales cratered. Even John lectured him in the press, rhetorically asking, “Didn’t you learn anything about making music as a Beatle?”
- Cherish your sense of wonder, humility and gratitude: Sometimes, it seems as though nobody is more amazed at his success than Paul himself is. He even wrote a song about it …
“That was me, in the scout camp, in the school play
Spade and bucket by the sea, that was me.“That was me, playing conkers at the bus stop
On a blanket in the blue bells, that was me.“The same me that stands here now
When I think that all this stuff can make a life
That’s pretty hard to take it in … ” - Over-deliver: Paul’s career has spanned more than a half-century. He turned 68 just 38 days ago – on June 18. As you might expect, he has it all: Fame, money, the adoration of billions of music lovers world-wide.
- Be a lover. If Paul is known for anything personally, it’s for being, as one journalist put it, “obscenely nice.” Unlike many celebrities who espouse lofty humanitarian ideals but treat the people around them like lesser beings, Paul seems to genuinely respect, care about and even love the folks who work with him.
As a youngster, Paul was obsessed with Little Richard’s music. He has also copped to being a Buddy Holly devotee. Later, he freely admitted to being a fan of John’s – and vice-versa.
Never be ashamed to have heroes. Learn all you can from them … allow their work to influence yours and to spark new ideas for you. And always bring something new to the table – your take on a role model’s successful technique. That’s how any art form evolves.
But be careful: Emulation without inspiration just makes you a second-rate cover band. Get the balance right and you’ll earn a reputation for being an innovator – a creative genius.
“He’s going to be very, very late,” Brian fretted.
“Yes, but very, very clean,” said George.
When Paul finally arrived more than an hour later, he took Brian aside before signing the contract. As the story goes, Paul asked for Brian’s assurance that even if The Beatles failed to make it big, he would stick with Paul and help him become a star.
Now, I have no way of knowing if this story is true. Frankly, I hope that it is. Because it would mean that at the ripe old age of 19, Paul already knew where he was going.
As far as he was concerned, the story of his life was already written. All that was left was to live it.
Just think how much determination that kind of mindset would give you!
In Hamburg between 1960 and ‘62, they worked like dogs in the seediest dives imaginable.
Back in Britain, in 1962 and ’63, they could be found in one of two places – either doing a show or in their van, driving to the next show – nearly 365 days a year.
After conquering America in early 1964, the Beatles’ lives became even more frenetic as their schedule overflowed with press conferences, recording sessions, movie-making and world tours.
By some accounts, they got only five or six days off a year for nearly seven years. As far as I can tell, it wasn’t until August of 1966 – after they stopped touring – that they were finally able to take things a bit easier.
So you have to ask yourself; if talents of this magnitude had to work that hard to get what they wanted from life, what excuse do any of us have to do less?
Once, while driving through a nighttime blizzard to get to their next show, their driver shattered the van’s windshield. To avoid freezing to death, the future “Fab Four” had no choice but to stack themselves like cordwood on the back seat.
A few weeks later, “Please Please Me” rocketed to #1 in Britain and they suddenly found themselves playing “’Til There Was You” and “Twist and Shout” while Her Majesty rattled her jewelry at Royal Albert Hall.
Good story to remember the next time the going gets tough for you – no? The breakthrough you dream about could be only one more trial away!
Today, it’s clear that Paul agonized for months over the decision to sue for the breakup of The Beatles – and in the end, it turns out he did the right thing. After the dust settled, even George admitted that Paul had done the former Beatles a service by freeing them from what he believed to be a less-than-scrupulous manager.
Paul’s whole life is a testament to doing what he sincerely believes is the right thing, even – and sometimes especially – when there’s a personal cost attached.
His tireless work on behalf of children, students, domestic animals, wildlife, the poor, disaster relief, the physically and mentally challenged – and of course, his well-known campaign against the use of land mines – is all legendary.
It takes courage to be a winner. It’ll pay to remember that next time you’re faced with tough choices.
For the guy who taught John Lennon how to tune a guitar back at St. Peter’s Church Hall 13 years earlier and who since had earned the title of “Music Director” for the world’s greatest band, the criticism could have been crippling; debilitating.
If it had been me, it would have been tantamount to busting a cap into my muse’s ass. But through it all, Paul just kept making music. And before you can say, “Band on the Run,” he was back on top again.
It wasn’t the first time that persistence had paid off for Paul. The first song he ever wrote, “I Lost My Little Girl,” wasn’t much to listen to. Lots of guys would have just figured, “Well, I’m certainly no song writer!”
The second song he wrote was “When I’m Sixty-Four” – and of course, it turned out to be a classic.
Moral: As Churchill said, “Never give up. Never, never, never, never give up.”
As success comes to you, it is so easy to be seduced by the voices – both external and internal – that tell you that you somehow deserve it. That you’re somehow special. Trust me. You don’t. You aren’t.
When your intrinsic talents, plus hard work, plus a healthy dose of good luck ultimately place you at top of the food chain, stay childlike. Be amazed. And thankful. And eager to help others find their success as well.
He has nothing to gain by performing tonight – and yet, if his recent concerts are any indication, this amazing man will sing his arse off for us for up to three hours straight.
How does he do it? What’s his secret? Debs Kenyon – a friend of mine who lives in Paul’s hometown has the answer: “Why he’s from Liverpool, of course!”
Now think: What do you suppose the net effect of a life lived in over-deliver mode might be?
He also seems to care deeply about strangers; taking many opportunities to banter, sing a line to them, pose for a snapshot or sign an autograph. In fact, the satisfaction he seems to get from being with everyday folks may help explain why this billionaire is still touring.
Look for opportunities to fall in love with people – to experience everyone you meet on the deepest level possible. The relationships you have are the only kind of wealth that matters.
And besides: It’s just good Karma. After all – in the end, the love you take really is equal to the love you make.
Hope this helps …
Yours for Bigger Winners, More Often,
Clayton Makepeace
Publisher & Editor
THE TOTAL PACKAGE
P.S. If you’re ever in Liverpool, do yourself a huge favor: Call Debs Kenyon. She and her husband James own a company that does the most outrageous private Beatles tours imaginable. You’ll wind up getting into all kinds of places those bus tours can’t take you.
The company’s website is here. The local number is 0151-601-2111. Or, you can email Debs at bookings@thebeatlesfabfourtaxitour.com.
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34 Comments »
Join the Discussion!
Let us know what you think. Or ask us anything. Or offer your own sage advice.
The only rule: RESPECT THIS HOUSE! Postings that contain abusive language and/or personal attacks will be cheerfully VAPORIZED. One cross word and – POOF! – your well-thought-out post will be gone in a puff of smoke.
– Clayton
Comment by Steven Washer — July 26, 2010 @ 9:28 am
This was a really nice piece, Clayton. Somehow I feel like I know you better as well.
And what a great idea to get people to read all the way through.
I mean, who wouldn’t want to know how to be beloved?
I don’t know if the man himself would agree with you on all counts, but these points sure seem reasonable and quite well-illustrated. The word picture of the boys huddling in the back of the van with a broken-out windshield was particularly effective.
And somehow to know that Paul still treats ordinary stiffs with respect is the most awesome point of all. I’ve always said you don’t have to be a jerk to be successful, but there is precious little to back up that assertion in the news today. Thanks for bringing that out, especially.
Comment by Brett — July 26, 2010 @ 9:31 am
Clayton,
I was born in 1965 so I missed all the initial Beatles excitement,but man I loved their music when I became old enough to fall in love with rock and roll!
However, I had absolutely no idea what a stud Paul McCartney is until I read your post. What a great model to emulate! I’m going to share your story with my teenage kids as well since music seems to speak to them more effectively than my lectures do.
Thanks for sharing this fantastic story and I hope you enjoy the concert.
Comment by Cheryl C. Cigan — July 26, 2010 @ 9:31 am
Thank you Clayton!
The distinction you made about the differences of the lyrics. Their songs were about the emotions of life and living and not some far off nebulous place.
I will listen differently now.
Have a great time and enjoy the power of the collective good energy which will be everywhere!
Cheryl
Comment by Ed Haskins — July 26, 2010 @ 9:47 am
Yes, he’s a Master in the Music biz…but too bad his politics fall on the wrong side. I wish all celebrities would abstain from public political commentary. Just do what you do best.
That White House visit a few months back makes me sick. No need for the Bush “joke” by Paul. And Obama should be focusing on our economy, not hosting private parties at the White House each month. Rediculous!
Comment by Elsa is Elsa — July 26, 2010 @ 9:48 am
Loved this entry. Not much to add. Good lessons from a life well lived, even in complexities, like his recent divorce.
I heard him a couple of years ago in Quebec - huge huge crowd, and a long and very giving performance.
Comment by Linda Kaun — July 26, 2010 @ 9:50 am
Oh My Clayton, You’ve Done It Again!
You take life experiences that touch you deeply and turn them into words of reflection and wisdom and love.
Thank You for a sweet trip down memory lane - those two album covers and your stories brought it all back … my love-affair with Paul McCartney at 14. I heard the Beatles first 45 single while piled into a listening booth at the local record shop with 3 of my girlfriends. We were stunned. Hooked. Forever changed. It was a magical moment that lingers to this day. Amazing.
And thank you even more for the lessons you share in looking at his life and thus for touching mine.
Linda Kaun
Comment by Kamil — July 26, 2010 @ 9:55 am
Dear Clayton,
wish you very exciting experience. We meet sir Paul several years ago in Prague; this was simply amazing.
Thank you for your very nice article, full of respect.
Kind regards
Kamil, Prague
Comment by Kevin Enos — July 26, 2010 @ 10:00 am
WOW!
Thanks Clayton! Fabulous and Interesting story. I’ve copied your “9 Lessons” and will be keeping them in front of me. What a “Roadmap”!
Thanks again,
Kevin - Orlando
Comment by Jack Settles — July 26, 2010 @ 10:15 am
Well I now have a new way to think about this whole business of copywriting. I think I always knew but now I really can get the feel of it. I’m still a newby but this sort of thing really gives me the purpose of a good story. Thank you Clayton for the feeling of respect that goes with it. Jack.
Comment by maryjean shaffer — July 26, 2010 @ 10:20 am
As a Talent Developer for up and Coming Musical Artist I really Love this
article. So many Artist want to know what it takes to go from Good to GREAT.. your insight .. fantastic!
I had the privilege of seeing Paul play after receiving his lifetime achievement award at the Grammys, (shoot has it really been 20 years) Paul looked stunned as the Mayor, Natalie Cole, Billy Joel, Tone Loc, Bonnie Raitte , led the entire audience in a screaming , crying sing a long frenzy! It was an awesome experience ! He Electrified the entire room with his Acoustic guitar and made everyone feel like a teenager! Maybe YOU should be a Rock Critic.
Comment by Darrel — July 26, 2010 @ 10:45 am
Sir Paul certainly has thrilled million with his music. His remarks at the White House reception revealed a snobbish stupidity that demeans the knighthood of England. He demonstrated a example of how to destroy trust and credibility.
Comment by Greg — July 26, 2010 @ 10:47 am
I remember, too - Same age (11), almost the same place - right up the road in Pocatello, but not an inch away in most adults’ attitudes toward that “damned rock & roll.”
Except for Mom. She liked the Beatles from the moment we all watched them on Ed Sullivan. Bought me a Nehru jacket and those little pointy Beatles shoes. Pegged my pants for me so tight I had to lay down to get them on. Told me I looked great with my Beatles haircut.
What a cool little Mormon mommy she was.
Thanks for the look back, Clayton. A nice way to start the week.
Comment by David Best — July 26, 2010 @ 11:41 am
A wonderful - and wonderfully written - post.
Thank you.
I was 13 when I purchased my first LP album — Meet The Beatles — at a Thrifty Drug Store in Monrovia, California.
A few months later, I borrowed a guitar from a family friend and taught myself to play. Although I came from a family full of ministers and musicians, The Beatles (along with Roy Rogers, Rick Nelson, The Byrds) were the factors leading me to picking up the guitar and writing songs.
You are spot on - music is such a powerful force in the universe.
I’m writing from New York City, but have a second home and offices in Nashville. Wish I could join you tonight. Yes, it will be a religious experience.
You signed off your post with “Hope this helps.” I want to let you know “It has.”
David Best
Comment by Janey R. Jones — July 26, 2010 @ 11:41 am
Wonderful article and wonderful points to take away. Especially the last one, about being a nice guy and a decent human being. How wonderful when a big name is still down to earth and takes the time to be nice to fans. I remember Arnold Palmer, who was loved not only by fans but by fellow golf pros simply because he was, as the Jews put it, a “ben adam” translated to a “son of Adam” meaning a good human being.
Comment by Doberman Dan — July 26, 2010 @ 11:50 am
Clayton,
I read your blog posts every Monday but this one was especially good. One of my favorites.
All the best,
Dan
Comment by Paul Guzman — July 26, 2010 @ 11:54 am
Oh crap Clayton you’ve done it again. You have managed to bring out emotions that I thought were buried deep inside me. You have an uncanny way of doing this.
Paul has always been my favorite Beatle. I was lucky enough to see them on a black and white TV at home when they first appeared on the Sullivan show. I’ve NEVER been the same.
Paul
Comment by J D Maher — July 26, 2010 @ 1:08 pm
Great points, Clayton! Listened to a great Book-On-Tape last time we were in Destin that had a really interesting insight on the whole developmental cycle for the Beatles. Bet you’d like it! The title is — Outliers: The Story of Success. It was written by Malcolm Gladwell. His first book is a classic now — The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference. Enjoy reading your thoughts!
Comment by Vin Montello — July 26, 2010 @ 1:37 pm
Clayton,
You know what kind of fan I am of you and your work…
What you may not know is what a fan I am of Sir Paul.
Great story… great learning moments.
I still hold out hope that the timing and location work out so I get to see Paul at some point too.
Comment by Robin Lee — July 26, 2010 @ 1:43 pm
Hi Clayton,
Really loved this article. One part in particular got me misy-eyed. Reference Lesson #3 - So you have to ask yourself; if talents of this magnitude had to work that hard to get what they wanted from life, what excuse do any of us have to do less?
Seems like I work extremely long, hard hours - with little to show for it now. However, I know that I’m building for the future the “right” way - and this one hit home.
Thank you for the truly inspirational tribute.
Robin
Comment by Jorge Pinkus — July 26, 2010 @ 1:55 pm
Hi Clayton,
Made my eyes watered. Don’t know why exactly, but your post really stirred something inside me. Just to show you how great your copy is!
When I was a kid I really didn’t listened to The Beatles; instead, I thought that my band was The Monkeys–what a great choice about favorite musicians, right? Anyway, fast forward to some 35 years later, and guess what? Paul is STILL here and one of my favorites!
Thanks for a great reading, the great memories and, not less, for the great lessons.
Greetings from the city of eternal spring, Cuernavaca, México
Jorge Pinkus
Comment by Marc — July 26, 2010 @ 3:03 pm
Clayton,
How appropriate you would use the last line of the last song the four of them recorded together. Great way to make a point about what individual AND collective efforts can do to change the world.
Tremonton? Oh, my … How in the hell did you survive that?
Still stuck in Zion,
Marc
Comment by Adam — July 26, 2010 @ 3:16 pm
Clayton,
Nice piece about my hometown and “our Paul” as we call him in Liverpool.
There’s great lessons in your post that we can all use to our massive advantage.
Plus you said such nice things about Liverpool, too.
By the way, how did you manage to get a clear shot of John’s house just by itself? Every time I drive past there (most days) it’s crawling with tourists.
It still amazes me how many people come to Liverpool to see Penny Lane, Sgt. Peppers, The Cavern and all the other Beatles attractions.
Maybe us Liverpudlians just take it all for granted.
Glad you liked Liverpool Clayton. Do visit again soon. (Only next time tell me the dates and your itinerary. Then…I can seek you out somewhere along the way to pick your brain about all things copywriting!)
Comment by BARBARA — July 26, 2010 @ 4:47 pm
Dear Clayton:
I am so sorry that you were forced to
name Paul McCartney as the greatest
musician in the world, the Guiness
Book of Records notwithstanding.
Just because a person has recorded
or sung or sold more than anybody
else doesn’t make them the best.
Surely you jest when you compare
him to Marvin Hamlesch, Josh Grobin,
or others I could name. What a pity
you didn’t know Frank Sinatra, Sammy
Davis, Billy Eckstein, The Temptations,
Gladys Knight and the Pips—–those
were real singers with real music.
Sorry you missed! However, I will
say we have not missed knowing you.
You have tried to help those who came
your way and I know all of us appreciate
that immensely. If you were a singer,
you would be in the profound league of the above great musicians—-that is
where you would be.
With most sincerity,
Barbara
Comment by Linda J Hutchinson — July 26, 2010 @ 4:47 pm
Thanks for sharing not only what you know about Paul McCartney, but by doing so, baring your soul more than a bit. Good lessons taught in a powerful & creative way–which is what you do best.
Comment by walter daniels — July 26, 2010 @ 6:26 pm
While I disagree on two points, I agree about the others. 1) I think he is one of the great, but not the best musician ever. 2) While he still cares about “little people,” he still suffers from the typical British attitude. That is he thinks that he is automatically one of the elite of the world.
This coupled with the isolating effect of having great wealth, what I call the Elvis effect, he loses touch with the really small, and more abundant, real little people. He remembers what it was like to be poor, in a culture that prizes class and money. In his mind, as do many, he wanted to be part of the Upper Class in Britain.
Now that he is well off, his attitudes remain the little boy who wanted to fit in. So, he believes as do the elites of the US and Britain. IOW, the person who doesn’t see the average Brit/American as faintly contemptible, because they don’t actually know any of them. Sir Paul at least makes an effort to not ignore them, he certainly doesn’t “know” them.
Over the last 30 years, I have known many “famous” writers and artists in the Science Fiction/Fantasy fields.
The daughter of one, is my adopted grand daughter, and I can tell you that they are not out of touch either. They mingle and talk to real people, no matter how well off they are. It’s the same for some Basketball players, race car drivers, and others that ultimately depend on the average person. They get out in the crowds, and talk to real people, and rarely care what the Social Elite think.
The Social Elite, who can afford a Sir Paul personal performance, believe that they are both financial/political, and intellectually superior to the rest of us. It’s sad to see a great talent, who has bought into their myth. Talent is not a prerequisite for superiority, nor is it a proof of it.
The struggles to overcome difficulties is a good story, and he deserves the reward. What he doesn’t deserves is excessive adulation. His talent is indeed great, but politically, he should learn of what he speaks, lest he lose it all.
Comment by John — July 26, 2010 @ 8:21 pm
Great article. Memory Lane is a nice place to visit now and then.
I guess one of the nice things about “being old” is that those same memories are there for me… a goofy teenager spending hours listening to the Beatles in the basement while I know my Mom was upstairs praying that “those damn records” would hurry up and wear out.
Comment by Darren — July 26, 2010 @ 9:39 pm
Damn… Clayton. This article brings back many very good memories. While I was born in 1959, by the time I was ten I was already had beena full fledged Beatles fan (and musicain) myself for several years. Many of Sir Paul’s tunes were the soundtrack for my life as well.
I remember seeing the “Let it be” documentary in my town’s only movie theatre…..and listening to the “Band on the Run” album for hours with friends in the 7th grade.
I dislike a big part of what society has become…..and long for those much simpler times. I think that is a big part of why I steadfastly hold on to the music, movies, and culture of that era.
Thanks for the memories.
Darren
Comment by Ray — July 27, 2010 @ 12:51 am
What an excellent post Clayton!
Splendid trip down Memory Lane; Having grown up in a suburb of London as a youngster, I recall many a Beatle record being played in my house, by my sisters who were young teenagers at the time.
Sir Paul will be heading to Toronto, Canada in August, and I look forward to seeing his performance. It will be a tad too hot to wear my nehru jacket though!
When I head over to the UK this fall, I look forward to booking a trip with the booking agency you mentioned; Thanks for that bonus tip as well, Guv’nor!
May you continue to “ride on down the highway” for a very long time!
Comment by Adam — July 27, 2010 @ 9:12 am
While Walter wants to disagree with Clayton on two points, I disagree with almost all of his comments. Especially the point where you say that “The typical British attitude is that they think they’re the elite of the world.”
WHAT?! Why do Brits think we’re the elite of the world?
I bet you’ve never even been to Britain. Yet,you pass judgement.
I really think you should look a lot closer to home. There’s one particular country that has a LOT to answer for because of their “elitist” attitude.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — July 27, 2010 @ 9:22 am
Hey, Adam and Walter — give peace a chance.
– Clayton
Comment by Ryan — July 27, 2010 @ 10:40 am
I missed that era, instead grew up listening to 70s classic rock and 80s metal. However, the commentary captivated me and the lessons are timeless.
Thanks, Clayton!!
Comment by Noel Gama — July 28, 2010 @ 1:18 am
This is the first post of yours that I read to the end:) I’m a Michael Jackson fan. Though born in 1957, I’m not a Beatles fan but Paul has always been my favorite singer-songwriter.
Comment by Geoff Dodd — July 28, 2010 @ 6:38 am
Clayton, I remember my elder brother going to The Beatles’ Wellington, NZ concert in the early sixties.. He later bought a violin-shaped Hofner bass guitar and joined a band, and I followed suit. We were smitten with the garage band rock dream. Yup we’re boomers.. Thanks for your wonderful, magical mystery tour. GD.
Comment by mike logan — August 16, 2010 @ 4:06 pm
Sorry Clayton,
I don’t have as high an opinion of Paul as you do.
Having gone to the Beatles last ever live performance at Candlestick Park and was treated to the jerks on stage for about 25 minutes my opinion of them is less than admirable.
Plus Paul recently insulted President George Bush by saying “finally you have a President that can read.”
As far as song writers go I would’nt put Paul in the top 10.
To each his own.