Paul McCartney named beautiful John Lennon hit as his favourite in perfect playlist

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Paul McCartney Reveals John Lennon Track Among Essential Songs

Paul McCartney, the celebrated musician, once curated a list of songs he deemed essential to his personal soundtrack, notably placing a lesser-known John Lennon composition at the very top. Speaking with Roy Plomley on BBC Radio 4’s esteemed program “Desert Island Discs,” a broadcast running since 1942, the iconic Beatles member shared insights into the music he would choose if deserted on an island.

The Songs McCartney Cherishes

In a heartfelt moment from the 1982 interview, McCartney highlighted a deeply personal John Lennon song, just two years after Lennon’s untimely death. Here are the tracks Paul McCartney selected as indispensable:

‘Heartbreak Hotel’ by Elvis Presley

Released in 1956, ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ stands as a seminal recording that profoundly influenced subsequent generations of musicians. It frequently appears on curated lists of beloved tracks from other notable artists.

McCartney reflected, “For me, it transports me back to my early days of purchasing records. Before that era, music was largely dominated by swing and bebop, but suddenly rock and roll exploded onto the scene. Elvis was among the first to genuinely capture my attention. I vividly remember being at school when this record was released.”

‘Sweet Little Sixteen’ by Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry, a transformative figure celebrated for his fusion of rock and roll and R&B during the 1950s, is represented by his significant hit ‘Sweet Little Sixteen’ in Paul McCartney’s selection. This track epitomizes Berry’s enduring musical legacy.

“For many of today’s selections, I could have easily chosen other songs from these artists’ extensive catalogs,” McCartney explained. “With Chuck Berry, I opted for ‘Sweet Little Sixteen’ as it encapsulates his essence for me.”

‘Gloriana: Courtly Dances: La Volta’ by Benjamin Britten and Julian Bream

Departing from typical rock and roll preferences, McCartney included a classical piece. ‘Gloriana’, initially released in 1953, musically paints a vivid ballroom scene set within Whitehall Palace’s Grand Room. It encompasses various dances, including “La Volta,” a spirited dance where women are lifted by their partners.

McCartney commented: “While my natural inclination leans towards rock’n’roll, I deeply appreciate classical music. Although my knowledge is limited, I am drawn to the captivating melodies within classical compositions. Ultimately, there is an undeniable quality that resonates with me, and it’s something I’ve cherished for many years.”

‘Be-Bop-A-Lula’ by Gene Vincent

Gene Vincent, a pioneer of rockabilly, revolutionized music with the quintessential anthem ‘Be-Bop-A-Lula’ (1956). The song is renowned for its sharp guitar riffs, prominent snare drum, and breathless vocal delivery.

McCartney revealed this as “the very first record I ever bought,” adding, “So it holds a special significance for me. He performed it in the film The Girl Can’t Help It, and it was always a personal favorite. We later had the opportunity to meet Gene during our time in Hamburg. But as I mentioned, it was the first record I ever purchased, leaving a lasting impression.”

‘Searchin’’ by The Coasters

‘Searchin’’ by The Coasters narrates the story of a man determined to locate his love, even employing detective-like methods, evident in the lyrics “Well, I’m searching, Yeah I’m gonna find her,” which reference popular figures of law enforcement.

“This is a song we frequently performed at the Cavern Club with the Beatles,” Paul recalled. “We had dedicated groups of fans there, and two girls named Chris and Val would often request, ‘Sing Searchin’, Paul! Sing Searchin’!’ So, we consistently included it; it was a crowd favorite.”

‘Tutti Frutti’ by Little Richard

‘Tutti Frutti’, a 1955 rock and roll anthem by Little Richard, the self-proclaimed “architect of rock and roll,” is celebrated for its dynamic energy and marks a crucial point in the genre’s evolution.

“Again, I selected just one track to represent his vast output,” McCartney stated. “But there are countless songs of his I admire. He’s been a friend since our days in Hamburg, Little Richard.”

‘Walking in the Park with Eloise’ by Wings

A deeply personal selection is ‘Walking in the Park with Eloise’, a jazz instrumental composed by Paul McCartney’s father, James “Jim” McCartney. Paul’s band Wings recorded and released it in 1974.

McCartney recounted a post-recording conversation with his father: “This song was actually written by my dad. To my knowledge, it’s the only song he ever composed. I once asked him, ‘Dad, you know that song you wrote?’ He replied, ‘I didn’t write a song, son.’ I clarified, ‘But you did. Remember Walking in the Park with Eloise?’ He then said, ‘No, I didn’t write it; I just made it up.’ I explained, ‘Well, these days, ‘making it up’ is considered writing it. You don’t necessarily have to physically write it down. Anyway, I’ve recorded it with some musicians in Nashville especially to play for my dad, as he really loved it.’”

‘Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)’ by John Lennon

McCartney’s top pick is ‘Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)’ by John Lennon. This poignant lullaby is dedicated to Lennon’s son Sean, conveying affection, encouragement, and a gentle outlook on life, featuring the iconic phrase, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

Paul conveyed his deep admiration for the song: “I intentionally haven’t chosen any Beatles songs or any of my own solo work. To truly encapsulate everything, I’ve selected a track from John Lennon’s album Double Fantasy, which I find exceptionally beautiful. It deeply moves me. Ultimately, I’d like to conclude by playing ‘Beautiful Boy’.”

When pressed to choose a single song from his list of eight, the Beatle admitted, “It would probably be ‘Beautiful Boy.’ But it’s an incredibly difficult decision. I most likely would take that record by John.”

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