Paul McCartney

June 18, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Sir Paul McCartney was born on June 18, 1942. He’s an English musician who was part of The Beatles. McCartney was the group’s co-lead vocalist, co-songwriter, and bassist. He’s one of the most successful composers of all time. His father influenced him to pursue a career in music; McCartney became a successful musician. Let’s celebrate him today!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

James Paul McCartney

Nickname:

Macca

Birth date:

June 18, 1942

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Gemini

Height:

5' 9"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$1.2 billion

Background

Sir Paul McCartney was born in Liverpool to a middle-class family. His father, James McCartney, was a volunteer firefighter during World War II, and military service made him miss McCartney’s birth. After the war, his father worked as a salesman for the cotton merchants A.Hannay and Co. Mary Patricia, McCartney’s mother, worked as a nurse. His siblings are Peter and Ruth. McCartney attended Stockton Wood Road Primary School for two years (1947 to 1949) till it became overcrowded. He then transferred to Joseph Williams Junior School and finished at Liverpool Institute.

When McCartney was 14, his father gifted him a trumpet, which he later traded for an acoustic guitar. McCartney wrote his first song, ‘I Lost My Little Girl,’ after his father advised him to become a musician. The next year, McCartney met John Lennon and his band ― The Quarrymen. Soon after, Lennon appreciated McCartney’s talent and invited him to join the band.

By 1960, they had tried different names before settling for The Beatles in August. In 1961, the band recorded professionally for the first time and caught Brian Epstein’s attention. Epstein became their manager and largely contributed to the group’s success. Lennon left the group in 1969. McCartney left in 1970 and filed a suit to dissolve the band. The band was legally dissolved on January 9, 1975, and members decided to pursue solo careers.

Career timeline

1957

He Joins a Band

McCartney becomes the rhythm guitarist for John Lennon and his band ― the Quarrymen.

1960

The Beatles Emerge

The band is called The Beatles.

1962

Brian Epstein Becomes Manager

The band catches Epstein’s attention; he becomes their manager.

1966

His First Musical Project

McCartney completes his first musical project and wins an Ivo Novello Award for Best Instrumental Theme.

2002

His Driving World Tour

McCartney goes on a tour with a new band and reportedly earns $126.2 million; “Billboard” ranks it the top tour of the year.

Why We Love Paul McCartney

He paints
McCartney loves to paint. He has over 70 of his paintings exhibited at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.
He’s a family man
McCartney avoided the trappings of a celebrity lifestyle. He raised several children who grew to become valuable members of society.
He’s generous
McCartney has lent his name to worthy causes. He has organized several fundraisers for the less fortunate.

5 Surprising Facts

He lost his mother at 14
McCartney lost his mother from complications of surgery for breast cancer.
He plays several instruments
McCartney can play the drum, piano, and guitar.
He failed his first audition
McCartney didn’t make the Liverpool Cathedral Choir when he auditioned at 11.
His father was in a band
McCartney’s father played the trumpet in a 1920s band.
He was arrested and jailed
McCartney and his bandmate, Pete, lit a condom on fire and were arrested for arson.