Paul McCartney's Renowned Hits: Free Gifts to the Music Industry

Paul McCartney, one of the most influential musicians of all time, has an impressive discography that spans over five decades. However, there's an intriguing aspect to his legacy that often goes unnoticed: he gifted several hit songs to other artists without even recording them. This piece delves into the stories behind these unconventional musical presents, exploring the motivations, outcomes, and the unique legacy they've left in the music industry.

The Origins of Unrecorded Hits

If You Want It Here It Is Come and Get It - This song was originally written for a different purpose and then given to Paul's friend Jerry Sers, better known as Bad Fingernails. The song was intended to be a gift to his musician mate, and he recorded it as a one-off track to pay homage to McCartney. Though it didn't hit the charts, it marked a unique collaboration and underscored the generosity and camaraderie that existed within the music community of the 1960s.

The Mersey Sound and Beyond

Ferry Cross the Mersey - Another intriguing gift from McCartney was the song Ferry Cross the Mersey, originally recorded as Ferry Across the Mersey by Gerry and the Pacemakers. This song became synonymous with the Merseybeat sound, which dominated British music in the late 1950s and early 1960s. McCartney's involvement with the song is like a musical breadcrumb trail, connecting different musical movements and artist collaborations.

A Love Song for a Special Occasion

Step Inside Love - This hit was given to Cilla Black, a close friend of Paul's. The story behind this song is both touching and heartwarming. Paul wrote it as a love song for the brother of his girlfriend, Jane Asher. Although Jane refused to release the song, Cilla Black—who had a close relationship with Paul—recorded and released it. This song not only became a hit but also highlighted the personal and professional connections in the music world of the 1960s.

The Stone Age and Its Influence

Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da - The iconic Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da was given to The Beatles' backing band, Marmalade. McCartney recognized their potential and thought this song would benefit from their unique sound. Marmalade released the song as a single in 1967 and it became a massive hit, reaching No. 3 in the UK and No. 1 in the US. This shows how giving away a song to the right artist can lead to unexpected success and recognition.

Paul's Non-Recording Hit: I Wanna Be Your Man

I Wanna Be Your Man - This pop classic is perhaps the most famous song on this list. Originally written by Paul and John Lennon, the royalties from this song were split between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. While both bands recorded and released the song, McCartney himself never sang on the version that topped the charts. The gift aspect of the song is doubly meaningful, as it not only introduced an iconic hit but also created a non-recording hit for McCartney.

The Pseudonym Connection

Woman - Another interesting tidbit from McCartney's catalog is the pseudonym he used for the song Woman. Written under the name Carlos Alomar, a pseudonym used to prevent his then-girlfriend Jane Asher from feeling jealous, this song had a hit when it was recorded by Paul Gordon. Gordon Waller, a singer and songwriter, recorded the song, and it became a hit in its own right, further adding to the intrigue surrounding McCartney's musical gifts.

Legacy and Influence

These unrecorded hits from Paul McCartney exemplify his generosity and his willingness to support and nurture other talents in the music industry. Each song, however unofficially gifted, has a unique legacy, influencing the careers of the artists who recorded them. They serve as a reminder of the collaborative spirit that defined the 1960s and continue to captivate music enthusiasts today.

Conclusion

The legacy of Paul McCartney extends far beyond his own recordings. By giving away hit songs to other artists without ever recording them, he has left a lasting impact on the music industry. These stories of generosity and collaboration are a testament to the unique spirit of the era and the mischievous creativity of one of the most beloved composers in music history. As music lovers continue to revisit these songs, the story behind their creation and initial gift remains an enduring fascination.