Paul McCartney

He was the only "ex-Beatle" to appear on "Toast of the Town" (1948) (aka "The Ed Sullivan Show") with his 1970 video of "Maybe I'm Amazed".

As a VIP guest of President Barack Obama at The White House, McCartney was presented with the Library of Congress "Gershwin Prize for Popular Song" trophy. The former Beatle was the third recipient of the prestigious award after Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder. When McCartney performed a selection of his songs, including "Michelle" especially for the First Lady, he played the very same electric Hofner bass guitar he played when The Beatles made their American TV debut (9 February 1964) on "Toast of the Town" (1948) (The Ed Sullivan Show) 46 years earlier. Among the various artists commemorating McCartney's spectacular achievement with personal renditions of his songs were: Herbie Hancock and Corinne Bailey Rae ("Blackbird"), Elvis Costello ("Penny Lane"), Emmylou Harris ("For No One"), Faith Hill ("The Long and Winding Road"), Stevie Wonder ("We Can Work It Out") and ("Ebony and Ivory" with Paul), David Grohl ("Band On the Run"), Jack White ("Mother Nature's Son"), The Jonas Brothers ("Drive My Car"), Jerry Seinfeld (stand-up shtick). Daughters Mary McCartney and Stella McCartney were seated immediately behind Paul and the First Family. The festive soirée culminated with a Lang Lang classical interpretation of "Celebrations" and an ensemble of artists performing "Hey Jude" for the grand finale. [June 2010 East Room - White House]

The last appearance of The Beatles on "Toast of the Town" (1948) (aka "The Ed Sullivan Show") occurred on March 1, 1970 as part of a "Beatles' Songbook", which featured various artists performing their songs. Seen on film, taken from their not-yet-released documentary, "Let It Be" (1970), they performed "Let It Be" and "Two Of Us". In addition, Paul's 1965 performance of "Yesterday" was also aired.

One of The Beatle's earlier names was that of "Johnny And The Moondogs. Populer DJ Alan Freed often went by the name "Moondog" in the mid 1950s. His films such as "Rock Rock Rock" (1956) and "Mr. Rock and Roll" (1957) were well received in Great Britain. He would often shout to his radio followers, "Come on all you Moondogs". Interestingly, by the late 50s, Freed's many R n R venues (TV, Radio, Stage and Screen) were titled "Tne Big Beat". Another interesting suggestion for the name of a group. The label of "Moondog" was all but forgotten.

In 1957, his knowledge of song lyrics , most notably Eddie Cochran's 1956 recording of "Twenty Flight Rock" with its 12 bar blues format, as well as Paul's superior ability to play guitar (including being able to tune one) impressed John Lennon so much that he invited McCartney to join his band the Quarry Men, which later became The Beatles.

In 1957, his knowledge of song lyrics , most notably Eddie Cochran's 1956 recording of "Twenty Flight Rock" with its 12 bar blues format, as well as Paul's superior ability to play guitar (including being able to tune one) impressed John Lennon so much that he invited McCartney to join his band the Quarry Men, which later became The Beatles.

On 15 May 1968, Paul McCartney and John Lennon appeared as "talk show" guests on NBC-TV's "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" (1962) with guest host Joe Garagiola. They mentioned that the two of them walked through NYC's Central Park the previous Sunday unnoticed by the many passersby.

The first Lennon-McCartney composition to hit the US charts occurred in the summer of 1963. Del Shannon's version of "From Me To You" reached #66 US Pop.

Still plays his 1964 Epiphone acoustic guitar which he used to compose "Yesterday".

Still plays his 1964 Epiphone acoustic guitar which he used to compose "Yesterday".

He and the Beatles were awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1965 Queen's Birthday Honours List for their services to music.

He and The Beatles were awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1965 Queen's Birthday Honours List for their services to music.

Was one of the first musicians to perform at Shea Stadium, with The Beatles, on August 15, 1965, and one of the last to performer at Shea Stadium, performing the closing number at Billy Joel's concert on July 18, 2008.

Usually considered the most "conventional" of The Beatles, but Paul has had his share of far-out ideas, including the germ of the TV-movie Magical Mystery Tour (TV), and a "self-portrait" published as a 1960s magazine cover, a psychedelic painting a la Pablo Picasso.

Usually considered the most "conventional" of The Beatles, but Paul has had his share of far-out ideas, including the germ of the TV-movie Magical Mystery Tour (1967) (TV), and a "self-portrait" published as a 1960s magazine cover, a psychedelic painting a la Pablo Picasso.

On 15 May 1968, Paul McCartney and John Lennon appeared as "talk show" guests on NBC TV's "The Tonight Show" with guest host Joe Garagiola. They mentioned that the two of them walked through NYC's Central Park the previous Sunday unnoticed by the many passersby.

He reportedly turned down a part in Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet . McCartney didn't believe he would be good enough and the Beatles were recording Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band at the time.

He reportedly turned down a part in Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet (1968). McCartney didn't believe he would be good enough and the Beatles were recording Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band at the time.

He wrote his first song, "I Lost My Little Girl", when he was 14. It was never recorded by the Beatles, and was not one of the songs McCartney and Lennon lost in 1969, when their publishing company Northern Songs was sold.

His four children with Linda McCartney are Heather McCartney (adopted from her previous marriage), photographer Mary McCartney, top fashion designer Stella McCartney and musician/sculptor James McCartney. Paul was married to rock photographer Linda Eastman on March 12, 1969 at the Marylebone Register Office.

He wrote his first song, "I Lost My Little Girl", when he was 14. It was never recorded by the Beatles, and was not one of the songs McCartney and Lennon lost in 1969, when their publishing company Northern Songs was sold.

McCartney was the only barefooted Beatle crossing the street on the sleeve of the "Abbey Road" album (1969), a fact that merited a test segment on the popular "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" (1998) TV series.

Paul played all the instruments and did all the vocal tracks on his 1970 recording of "Maybe I'm Amazed".

He was the only "ex Beatle" to appear on "The Ed Sullivan Show" with his 1970 video of "Maybe I'm Amazed".

In one of his first solo recordings following The Beatles breakup in 1970, Paul played all the instruments and did all the vocal tracks on "Maybe I'm Amazed".

Played over 40 various instruments on two of his solo albums, 'McCartney' and 'McCartney II' .

Played over 40 various instruments on two of his solo albums, 'McCartney' (1970) and 'McCartney II' (1980).

Paul played all the instruments and did all the vocal tracks on his 1970 "recording of "Maybe I'm Amazed". At the time, early 1970, The Beatles had not yet split up and the song was possibly a future "Beatle" recording. As it turned out, we have Paul with his own accompaniment, several other track and his first solo album "McCartney".

In one of his first solo recordings following The Beatles' breakup in 1970, Paul played all the instruments and did all the vocal tracks on "Maybe I'm Amazed".

He was the only "ex-Beatle" to appear on "The Ed Sullivan Show" with his 1970 video of "Maybe I'm Amazed".

Daughter, Stella McCartney, was born on September 13, 1971.

In 1971, he produced (but did not perform on) "Thrillington", an instrumental version of the album "Ram" he recorded with his wife Linda. The songs were presented in orchestral versions, and Paul's work as producer and director was pseudonymously credited to "Percy 'Thrills' Thrillington". The album was not well received by the critics, but is now a much sought-after collectable.

Had a remarkable 62 top 100 singles from 1971-2005, under a variety of categories. 17 of them went to #1.

In 1971, he produced (but did not perform on) "Thrillington", an instrumental version of the album "Ram" he recorded with his wife Linda. The songs were presented in orchestral versions, and Paul's work as producer and director was pseudonymously credited to "Percy 'Thrills' Thrillington". The album was not well received by the critics, but is now a much sought-after collectable.

Fined $200 in 1973 for growing marijuana on his Scotland farm. Arrested and jailed briefly in Japan in 1980 for carrying same substance.

He and John Lennon quibbled bitterly in the press after the break up of The Beatles. However, in 1977, they met in New York, and watched the episode of "Saturday Night Live" in which Lorne Michaels offered $3000 to see The Beatles get back together. He and Lennon considered turning up that night together as a joke, but were too tired to follow through.

He and John Lennon quibbled bitterly in the press after the break up of The Beatles. However, in 1977, they met in New York, and watched the episode of "Saturday Night Live" (1975) in which Lorne Michaels offered $3000 to see The Beatles get back together. He and Lennon considered turning up that night together as a joke, but were too tired to follow through.

Claims his nights in a Japanese prison in 1980 were the only time he had been separated from then-wife, Linda McCartney.

Winner of the Sony Award For Technical Excellence in 1983.

Winner of the British Phonographic Industry Award for British Male Solo Artist in 1983.

A lyric sheet to his song "Yesterday" is featured on the front cover of the Marillion album "Script for a Jester's Tear" (released 1983).

A lyric sheet to his song "Yesterday" is featured on the front cover of the Marillion album "Script for a Jester's Tear" (released 1983).

In 2002 he changed the writing credits to many of the songs he made with The Beatles to "McCartney & Lennon", to a large public outrage. It is a common misconception, however that this was the first time he had done this. He made the same credit change on his 1976 live album "Wings Over America" to little or no public scrutiny, and to no public comment from John Lennon (who was still alive at the time). Give My Regards to Broad Street also listed the credit "Songs Composed by Paul McCartney" - including the Beatles songs performed in the movie.

In 2002 he changed the writing credits to many of the songs he made with The Beatles to "McCartney & Lennon", to a large public outrage. It is a common misconception, however that this was the first time he had done this. He made the same credit change on his 1976 live album "Wings Over America" to little or no public scrutiny, and to no public comment from John Lennon (who was still alive at the time). Give My Regards to Broad Street (1984) also listed the credit "Songs Composed by Paul McCartney" - including the Beatles songs performed in the movie.

Plays piano on the song "Let it be." Performed "Let It Be" at Live Aid in 1985. During this performance, Bob Geldof, David Bowie, Alison Moyet and Pete Townshend (of The Who) all came on stage towards the end to sing backup vocals.

Plays piano for the song, "Let It Be". Performed "Let It Be" at Live Aid in 1985. During this performance, Bob Geldof, David Bowie, Alison Moyet and Pete Townshend (of The Who) all came on stage towards the end to sing backup vocals.

Inducted with John Lennon into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Beatles January 20, 1988. Citing business differences, he did not attend the induction ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City with his former bandmates George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

The three surviving members of The Beatles appeared on three separate episodes of "The Simpsons" . Starr appeared in a 1991 episode of "Brush with Greatness," Harrison appeared in a 1993 episode of "Homer's Barbershop Quartet," and McCartney appeared in a 1995 episode of "Lisa The Vegetarian".

The three surviving members of The Beatles appeared on three separate episodes of "The Simpsons" (1989). Starr appeared in a 1991 episode of "Brush with Greatness," Harrison appeared in a 1993 episode of "Homer's Barbershop Quartet," and McCartney appeared in a 1995 episode of "Lisa The Vegetarian".

Awarded the Polar Music Prize, the Royal Swedish Academy of Music Award, in 1992.

Is portrayed by Gary Bakewell in Backbeat .

Is portrayed by Mark J. Richardson in Love and Betrayal: The Mia Farrow Story (TV)

His younger brother, Michael, aka Mike McGear of the satirical group "The Scaffold". Michael chose to take the name of McGear as his professional name so as not to capitalize on the fame of his brother. Mike McGear was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1997 Queen's New Years Honours List while Paul McCartney was awarded Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire for his services to music.

He was awarded the Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire in the 1997 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to music. He is the only Beatle to be given a higher British honor since their MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1965 Queen's Birthday Honours List. John Lennon returned his MBE in 1969 out of protest.

He was conferred as a Knights Bachelor in the 1997 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to music. He is the only Beatle to be given a higher British honor since their MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1965 Queen's Birthday Honours List. John Lennon returned his MBE in 1969 out of protest.

His younger brother, Michael, aka Mike McGear of the satirical group The Scaffold. Michael chose to take the name of "McGear" as his professional name so as not to capitalize on the fame of his brother. Mike McGear was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1997 Queen's New Years Honours List while Paul McCartney was awarded Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire for his services to music.

In 1998, his song "Blackbird" was covered by Marillion for their live album "Unplugged at the Walls".

In 1998, his song "Blackbird" was covered by Marillion for their live album "Unplugged at the Walls".

Has five grandsons and one granddaughter: Mary McCartney's three sons Arthur Alistair Donald (b. 3 April 1999) Elliot Donald (b. 1 August 2002), and Sam Aboud (b. 11 August 2008), and Stella McCartney's sons Miller Alasdhair James Willis (b. 25 February 2005) and Beckett Robert Lee (b. 8 January 2008), and daughter Bailey Linda Olwyn Willis (b. 8 December 2006).

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 (as a solo artist).

Has five grandsons and one granddaughter: Mary McCartney's three sons Arthur Alistair Donald (b. 3 April 1999) Elliot Donald (b. 1 August 2002), and Sam Aboud (b. 11 August 2008), and Stella McCartney's sons Miller Alasdhair James Willis (b. 25 February 2005) and Beckett Robert Lee (b. 8 January 2008), and daughter Bailey Linda Olwyn Willis (b. 8 December 2006).

Is portrayed by Gary Bakewell in The Linda McCartney Story (TV).

In July 2001, shortly after their engagement was announced, his fiancée Heather Mills lost her $21,000 diamond and sapphire engagement ring, which was later found on a golf course.

Named one of E!'s "top 20 entertainers of 2001."

In July 2001, shortly after their engagement was announced, his fiancée Heather Mills lost her $21,000 diamond and sapphire engagement ring, which was later found on a golf course.

Made an honorary detective by the New York City Police Department for the benefit concert he gave for 9/11 victims, April 2002.

Won prize for drawing of a church at age 11. In 2002, from May-August, over 70 of his paintings from past 20 years on view at Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, England.

Contributes "Calico Skies" to the "Warchild Hope" album (released 21 April 2003).

28 October 2003: A daughter named Beatrice Milly was born to Paul and wife Heather Mills. She was named after Heather's late mother Beatrice and Paul's Aunt Milly.

Contributes "Calico Skies" to the "Warchild Hope" album (released 21 April 2003).

28 October 2003: A daughter named Beatrice Milly was born to Paul and wife Heather Mills. She was named after Heather's late mother Beatrice and Paul's Aunt Milly.

The Beatles were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame for their outstanding contribution to British music and integral part of British music culture.

Played bass on the Band Aid 20 re-recording of "Do They Know It's Christmas?".

Played bass on the Band Aid 20 re-recording of "Do They Know It's Christmas?". [November 2004]

Became the very first musician to perform live music for an audience in space. This music milestone occurred during his concert in Anaheim, California, when he sang "Good Day Sunshine" and "English Tea" for NASA Astronaut Bill McArthur and Russian Cosmonaut Valery Tokarev who were orbiting some 220 miles above earth in their Space Shuttle Discovery.

One of the guitars he used in his US tour was the one he used on The Beatles' appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" (aka The Ed Sullian Show) in the early 1960s.

One of the guitars he used in his US tour (2005) was the one he used on The Beatles' appearance on "Toast of the Town" (1948) (aka The Ed Sullian Show) in the early 1960s.

[Sunday 13 November 2005] Became the very first musician to perform live music for an audience in space. This music milestone occurred during his concert in Anaheim, California, when he sang "Good Day Sunshine" and "English Tea" for NASA Astronaut Bill McArthur and Russian Cosmonaut Valery Tokarev who were orbiting some 220 miles above earth in their Space Shuttle Discovery.

In 2006, he donated $2 million to Adopt-a-Minefield.

Named "Man of the Year" at the GQ awards ceremony. (6 September 2006)

According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industries in 2006, The Beatles are the biggest popular music act of all time, with over 400 million albums sold officially, while the total number of all Beatles' records sold was over 1 billion copies.

According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industries in 2006, The Beatles are the biggest popular music act of all time, with over 400 million albums sold officially, while the total number of all Beatles' records sold was over 1 billion copies.

Named "Man of the Year" at the GQ awards ceremony. (6 September 2006)

In 2007, before completion of the film Across the Universe , director Julie Taymor brought the post-production copy to a private screening with Paul McCartney, and he liked the film. Yoko Ono also approved the film.

Winner of the 2007 Q Icon Award.

Released his new album 'Memory almost full' in 2007.

Released his new album 'Memory almost full' in 2007.

In 2007, before completion of the film Across the Universe (2007), director Julie Taymor brought the post-production copy to a private screening with Paul McCartney, and he liked the film. Yoko Ono also approved the film.

Engaged to Nancy Shevell. Acquaintances for some 20 years, they re-met at a summer party in the Hamptons in 2007 and have been a couple since then. Nancy is vice-president, administration, of her family's New Jersey-based trucking business, New England Freight Motors, Inc. She's also a cousin of Barbara Walters, who has said that "Nancy is like a second child to me". [August, 2011].

Turned down the offer to write a new James Bond song for Quantum of Solace , and recommended singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse for the job.

Winner of the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution in 2008. The Beatles previously won the award in 1977 and 1983, putting McCartney in a select group with John Lennon, Sting and Freddie Mercury as the only people to have won the award in a band and as an individual.

In September 25th, 2008 performed in Tel Aviv, Israel, for the first time, after more than 40 years after the ban of the Israeli government on the Beatles performing in Israel. The concert was titled "Friendship First".

Because of his 2008 divorce, he became the fourth and final member of The Beatles to get a divorce. Among the four, McCartney had the longest marriage (to Linda McCartney), although Ringo Starr is still married to his second wife (and has been since 1981).

Turned down the offer to write a new James Bond song for Quantum of Solace (2008), and recommended singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse for the job.

In September 25th, 2008 performed in Tel Aviv, Israel, for the first time, after more than 40 years after the ban of the Israeli government on the Beatles performing in Israel. The concert was titled "Friendship First".

All 34 of his solo albums have made the Billboard Top 200, something very few solo artists have achieved. 12 of them, including "Wingspan", went to #1. As of 2009, has released 34 studio albums, of which 31 feature pop music and 3 feature classical compositions. He has stated that he hopes to compose more classical pieces in the future, as well as a desire to venture into jazz at some point.

The 2009 Sunday Times List estimated his net worth at $720 million.

All 34 of his solo albums have made the Billboard Top 200, something very few solo artists have achieved. 12 of them, including "Wingspan", went to #1. As of 2009, has released 34 studio albums, of which 31 feature pop music and 3 feature classical compositions. He has stated that he hopes to compose more classical pieces in the future, as well as a desire to venture into jazz at some point.

Recipient of the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors; other recipients that year were Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Herman, Merle Haggard, and Bill T. Jones.

Paul married for the third time, to Nancy Shevell, on Sunday, October 9, 2011 (John Lennon's birthday). In attendance were Paul's daughter, Beatrice, who was a flower girl; Nancy's son, Arlen; her cousin, Barbara Walters; Paul's brother, Mike McGear; Ringo Starr and his wife, Barbara Bach; and George Harrison's widow, Olivia Harrison. The couple wore clothes designed by Paul's daughter, Stella McCartney, and were married at Old Marylebone Town Hall, the same place where Paul had married Linda McCartney in 1969.

Married his third wife, American heiress Nancy Shevell, on what would have been lifelong friend and former Beatle John Lennon's 71st birthday (9 Oct. 2011).

Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 10, 2012.