I know he is "Sir Paul McCartney" but I just can't get used to that, so let's agree that that I mean no disrespect whatsoever when I address him as just Paul McCartney or Macca. Don't be too overwhelmed by the latest story out there in the ether claiming that Paul's dad influenced The Beatles. Just a simple fact coming direct from a "Beatle".
In recent interviews promoting his soon to be released album, "Kisses On The Bottom", Paul praises his dad James for introducing him to music growing up in Liverpool when the family had to make their own entertainment.
"My first musical memories come from my dad. He would play the piano at home - he and his friend Freddie Rimmer, both of whom worked at the cotton exchange in Liverpool as salesmen. This was the old days, you know. We made our own entertainment because we didn't have anything else. And those old memories for me are of my dad playing the piano. I would lie on the carpet listening to him and taking it all in."
His father's influence stayed with him as he began writing songs for the Beatles on his own and John Lennon.
He said: "A lot of what informed the writing I did with John is that early period, and John and I shared that. When we started to talk about that music, John would say 'Oh I love such and such a song.' We didn't like rock'n'roll solely. And I think now if you look at the Beatles body of work it was sort of rock'n'roll informed by this back plot from this complete other era."
"Kisses On The Bottom" is to be released Feb. 6th & 7th worldwide on the Hear Music label and is available now on pre-order.
Last Updated: 01/30/12 18:13
Add a comment to this article:
Paul McCartney says his dad inspired the Beatles