Early Life
McCartney was born in Liverpool and met John Lennon in 1957, joining the Quarrymen as a guitarist before settling on bass in the Beatles.
Career
With the Beatles he co-wrote songs including “Yesterday”, “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be”. After the group's 1970 breakup he formed Wings, releasing albums such as Band on the Run (1973), and continued a solo career that included Flaming Pie (1997) and Egypt Station (2018). He was knighted in 1997.
Legacy
McCartney is regarded as one of the most successful songwriters in UK chart history. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, with the Beatles in 1988 and as a solo artist in 1999.
Sources and further reading
Last updated: 2026-09-24