Beatles News

From his early days in the Beatles to his work with contemporary artists in the 21st century, Paul McCartney has built his entire career on his incomparable ability to craft songs into a bona fide earworms. Whether a catchy lyrical cadence, a perfectly hummable tune, or something so oddly memorable you can’t help but sing it back to yourself after you hear it, McCartney is certainly a master at writing a hook.

To be clear, we’re not specifically talking about McCartney songs that one could use as a masterclass in songwriting—although there are several of those to choose from. We’re talking about pure, unadulterated hooks that seem to permanently lodge themselves in our brains, regardless of whether the song has the most poignant lyrics or groundbreaking chord progression.

Source: Melanie Davis/americansongwriter.com

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Here's how the voting process works for the Grammy Awards, which involves Recording Academy members made up of producers, musicians, songwriters and engineers.

The Beatles’ latest and final song, "Now and Then," achieved two Grammy nominations, putting them back in the Grammy spotlight after nearly three decades. Known as the "last Beatles song," "Now and Then" uses original vocals from John Lennon, recorded in 1970 and preserved through artificial intelligence.

This innovative approach allowed Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to add fresh instrumentals and vocals to create a unique track that also includes guitar recordings from the late George Harrison.

The Beatles are nominated in two prominent Grammy categories this year:

Record of the Year: Competing alongside Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish, the Beatles’ nomination signals their enduring influence in music.

Best Rock Performance: Recognized for their distinctive rock sound, "Now and Then" also earned a nomination in this category, bringing together contemporary and classic rock fans.

Source: FOX TV Digital Team/fox5dc.com

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The late legendary music producer, songwriter, and composer Quincy Jones established his entire career on sticking to his guns, whether in the studio or in his speech, which is why the phone call between Jones and Paul McCartney following Jones’ scathing comments about the Beatles is somewhat surprising. (But to be fair, it wasn’t necessarily more surprising than what Jones had to say about the Fab Four in the first place.)

While it’s unclear whether the press really fabricated Jones’ comments or he simply wanted to smooth things over with an old pal, his subsequent chat with Macca proved there was no bad blood between the musicians in either case.
The Producer Didn’t Mince His Words About The Fab Four

Highly educated, technically proficient jazz musicians denouncing their more ragtag, rock ‘n’ roll counterparts is certainly nothing new. Miles Davis did it with the Steve Miller Band. Years later, Quincy Jones did the same thing with the Beatles. The producer’s scathing comments about the Fab Four in a 2018 interview with The New Yorker caused quite a stir, and it’s easy to see why. Jones’ hot take was piping hot.

Source: Melanie Davis/ameri details

One notable strength of the Paul McCartney-John Lennon creative collaboration was their ability to push each other and keep the other in check—the latter of which McCartney had to exercise when Lennon proposed they both undergo an alarming medical procedure that some proponents (including Lennon) believed could enhance mental strength and well-being.

Fortunately for both Beatles, McCartney was having none of it. He rejected Lennon’s suggestion and, as he would later explain in a 2018 interview with GQ, his bandmate knew McCartney well enough to know that his decision was final.

In the late 1960s, the New Age movement began touting the supposed benefits of trepanation, an ancient practice of boring a hole into the skull to increase mental strength and overall well-being. Dutch librarian and self-trepanner Hugo Bart Huges helped usher in this alarming medical movement with his 1964 work, “The Mechanism of Brainbloodvolume (‘BBV’),” also known as “Homo Sapiens Correctus.”

The paper, which Huges presented in scroll form, claimed that humans’ bipedal nature prevented adequate blood flow in and out of the brain. Trepanation, Huges argued, reversed gravity& details

Recently, Ringo Starr acknowledged that Taylor Swift was this generation’s version of The Beatles. Outside of their musical styles, this is a completely reasonable comparison given that Swift’s monetary and cultural success is very reminiscent of The Beatles at their height. However, it takes one to know one, and Ringo Starr is no stranger to international superstardom. Which, he believes The Beatles partially acquired with their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show.

The Beatles Ed Sullivan Show is one of the most culturally impactful moments in all of history. Not only was it the official start of the first British invasion, but it was also the moment The Beatles became The Beatles. Frankly, it’s difficult to put into words how much of a roaring impact the performance had on the world. However, Ringo Starr can tell you how much of an impact it had on the four lads from Liverpool.

Like most bands or musicians, notoriety is the goal. Now, how one goes about getting it is entirely on a case-by-case basis. Well, for The Beatles, they knew their next big move that would get them one step closer to their goal was to go to the United States. Easier said than done, but they managed to achieve this goal details

Seth Rogovoy argues in Within You Without You that the Beatle behind what is now the band’s most streamed song and who wrote what Frank Sinatra called ‘the greatest love song of the past 50 years’ deserves to step out of Lennon and McCartney’s shadow

 George Harrison didn’t live long enough to witness the streaming era. He died in 2001, aged 58, seven years before Spotify was launched. He wasn’t to know that it was he, rather than Lennon and McCartney, who penned the most popular Beatles songs on the streaming services. Here Comes the Sun is — by a long way — their most streamed song globally.

In all, Harrison solely wrote 22 Beatles songs and is responsible for what many believe to be the best post-Beatles album, 1970’s mammoth All Things Must Pass. And yet, Harrison is often seen as a lightweight when compared to his illustrious bandmates. For many, the so-called ‘Quiet Beatle’ comes third in that band’s pecking order.

Source: John Meagher/independent.ie

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Surprisingly, one of the Beatles' most iconic songs is not often played by Paul McCartney on his Got Back Tour.

During McCartney's November 5, 2024, show in Costa Rica, he played “I Saw Her Standing There” in the second slot of the encore. Typically, this slot in the setlist has been held down by other Beatles songs like “Day Tripper” and “Birthday.” The Wings song “Hi, Hi, Hi” has also been played in that slot during the 2024 run of shows.

While “I Saw Her Standing There” is one of the Beatles' most popular songs, McCartney rarely plays it these days. The last time he played it was December 13, 2023, in Brazil. The song made four total appearances throughout the 2023 tour.

Previously, its only appearance during the Got Back Tour came in 2022 at the Glastonbury Festival. McCartney performed it with the Foo Fighters' lead singer, Dave Grohl.

It is unclear why the song is no longer a staple of his shows. Regardless, he gave the Costa Rica crowd a nice treat in the encore of his latest show.

“I Saw Her Standing There” is the opening track of the Beatles' debut album, Please Please Please, and is credited to Paul McCartn details

While the Beatles often collaborated with one another, there are several songs that didn’t require that all four members get into the studio. Find four such songs, below.

4 Beatles Songs That Don’t Feature Every Member

1. “Yesterday”

As fans of the Beatles could probably guess, “Yesterday” is essentially a solo Paul McCartney pursuit. This tender ballad sees Macca strum a simple melody on a guitar while his smooth vocals croon about the sting of regret. It is a precursor to McCartney’s solo career, which has more than proven that he can be a one man band if he chooses to be.

Yesterday
All my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they’re here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday
2. “Within You Without You”

George Harrison borrowed the talents of a group of Indian musicians for “Within You Without You.” Harrison called upon his Hare Krishna roots for this experimental track about perspective. Once again, this track made it very clear that the individual members of the Beatles could survive on their own if need be.

Try to realise it’s all within yourself
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The Beatles have all but completely stopped releasing new material. The remaining two members did reunite to drop one last single, “Now and Then,” in late 2023, but they swear that was the last time the band would produce anything completely original.

While they may not be writing and recording any songs or albums, The Beatles still manage to score chart debuts from time to time. Sometimes, the group sends one of their older projects to a ranking it’s never reached before. In other instances, archival material is released in some special manner, and fans of the rockers buy it in large enough numbers to make it a success.

The latter has happened again in the U.K. this week, as The Beatles are back on the charts. As several of their compilations find space on a few rankings, the group scores a new hit on a singles list with a collection that die-hard supporters of the Fab Four were clearly eager to hear—and buy.

“From Us To You 1 December 1963” debuts on one ranking in the United Kingdom this frame. The project, which is actually more of an EP than a single—at least in the way that most people today would think of a “single”—arrives on the Officia details

Stars including Will Smith, Oprah Winfrey and Stevie Wonder have paid tribute to Quincy Jones, who died this week aged 91.

Following a career as a producer, multi-instrumentalist, conductor as well as a film producer, in 1990 Jones produced the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which gave Smith his first ever acting role. Jones brokered the casting in an impromptu audition by Smith – then known purely as a rapper – to NBC executive Brandon Tartikoff at a party at Jones’s home, with a contract drawn up that night.

“Quincy Jones is the true definition of a mentor, a father and a friend,” Smith wrote on Instagram. “He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself. He defended me. He nurtured me. He encouraged me. He inspired me. He checked me when he needed to. He let me use his wings until mine were strong enough to fly.”

Source: Ben Beaumont-Thomas/theguardian.com

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The Beatles’ self-titled ninth studio album, famously dubbed the “White Album,” is as iconic as it is enigmatic. With its simple, all-white cover and sprawling mix of genres, it broke away from the psychedelic vibes of Sgt. Pepper’s and delved into a fragmented, diverse collection of tracks. This double album, released in November 1968, has fascinated fans and critics alike for its eclectic nature and the intense interpersonal dynamics that simmered throughout its creation. Here are five lesser-known facts that reveal even more about this legendary album.

1. The White Album Was Almost Called “A Doll’s House”
During its production, the album bore the working title “A Doll’s House.” The Beatles envisioned a subtle nod to Henrik Ibsen’s famous play, but they scrapped the name when the British band Family released their debut album, Music in a Doll’s House. Ultimately, the understated, stark “White Album” cover — designed by pop artist Richard Hamilton — provided a blank canvas that allowed the music to speak for itself, free from visual associations.

2. Ringo Starr’s Departure Led to a Unique Welcome Back Gift details

 The new previously unheard version of “Be Here Now,” which was recorded on 12 October 1972, as well as Paul Hicks’ 2024 mix of the original album rendition, are available now. A new video directed by Mathew Newton & Leah Marie Newton is also available for the latter, which features art from Ram Dass’ iconic book of the same name with the blessing of his foundation.

Overseen by Dhani and Olivia Harrison, Living in the Material World has been completely remixed from the original tapes for a suite of 50th anniversary releases, overseen by Paul Hicks (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, John Lennon)

Speaking of the release, Olivia Harrison shares: “I hope you revisit Living in the Material World or discover it for the first time, and as you listen, share George’s wish for himself and mankind….. Give me Love Give me Peace on Earth.”

Dhani Harrison adds: "Finally, we are overjoyed to present to you the 50th-anniversary package of George Harrison's 'Living in the Material World'. For those of you who are just discovering this album; This record was released in service and with deep love for all our Brothers and Sisters around the world who populate this du details

Quincy Jones was never one to shy away from voicing his opinion, whether on presidential candidate Donald Trump or on his friend and collaborator Michael Jackson.

Arguably the most notorious example was when the late producer gave an interview with New York Magazine in 2018, and shared his first impression of “no-playing motherf***ers”... The Beatles.

“They were the worst musicians in the world,” he said. “Paul [MCCartney] was the worst bass player I ever heard.”

He reserved particular venom for drummer Ringo Starr, with whom he recalled recording the song “Love is a Many Splendoured Thing” for Starr’s 1970 debut solo album, Sentimental Journey.

“Ringo had taken three hours for a four-bar thing he was trying to fix on a song. He couldn’t get it,” Jones said.

“We said, ‘Mate, why don’t you get some lager and lime, some shepherd’s pie, and take an hour-and-a-half and relax a little bit.”
While Starr went away, Jones claimed that he snuck English jazz drummer Ronnie Verrell into the studio: “[He] came in for 15 minutes and tore it up. Ringo comes back and says [to Geor details

For anyone even somewhat familiar with The Beatles, it is common knowledge that Paul McCartney and John Lennon had quite the beef following the breakup. That being so, there are a plethora of alleged reasons attributing to their animosity and estranged relationship. Some of the cited reasons include McCartney’s dominant behavior, Lennon’s relationship with Yoko Ono, and debates over the rights and royalties. All the alleged reasons consistently receive discussion and analysis and as a result, have contradicting truths. However, what is undeniably true are the artistic public critiques Lennon did of McCartney on his album, Imagine.

Source: American Songwriter

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From Fats Domino and Jerry Lee Lewis to Billy Preston, Elton John and Billy Joel, piano men have made incredible contributions to the history of rock and roll. But as the genre's essential piano men go, one MVP, in particular, generally gets overlooked.

That's all about to change with The Session Man, a 90-minute documentary about the legendary-but-undersung pianist Nicky Hopkins that will premiere Nov. 5 on Amazon Prime. If you haven't heard of Hopkins, you're not alone. But you've definitely heard him.

Once one of the most in-demand session men in the business, Hopkins, who died in 1994 and age 50, played piano on such classics as "She's a Rainbow," "Sympathy of the Devil," "Gimme Shelter" and "Angie" by the Rolling Stones, "Matthew and Son" by Cat Stevens, "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker, "Photograph" by Ringo Starr and "Jealous Guy" by John Lennon.
Mick Jagger in 'The Session Man'.

In fact, the British pianist contributed to solo albums by all four former Beatles, including Lennon's Imagine, Starr's Ringo, George Harrison's Living in the Material World and Paul McCartney's Flowers in the Dirt.

Source: Jeremy Helligar/people.com

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