(James) Paul McCartney

McCartney, (James) Paul (1942– ), English singer, guitarist, and songwriter, member of the Beatles (1959–70). Most of the Beatles' songs were sung and written by McCartney and John Lennon. McCartney's contributions were predominantly ballads, including “Yesterday” (1965), “Hey Jude” (1969), and “Let It Be” (1970). McCartney and his wife, Linda Eastman McCartney (1942–1998), subsequently formed and performed with the rock band Wings (1971–81), recording such albums as Band on the Run (1973). His more recent solo albums include Tug of War (1982), Off the Ground (1993), and Flaming Pie (1996).

See also: Beatles.