How Paul McCartney Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Paul McCartney—a timeline of influence.

Sir Paul McCartney is a highly successful English singer, songwriter, and musician, most famously known for his role in the Beatles. He played bass guitar and piano for the band, sharing songwriting and lead vocal duties with John Lennon. McCartney is celebrated for his melodic bass-playing, wide vocal range, and musical versatility, spanning various genres. His songwriting partnership with Lennon remains the most successful in music history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1962: Start of successful songwriting

From 1962 to 1978, Paul McCartney wrote or co-wrote 43 songs that sold one million or more records.

1964: The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show

In 1964 The Beatles made their groundbreaking performance on The Ed Sullivan Show.

1966: The Beatles last concert for a paying audience

In 1966, Candlestick Park in San Francisco was the same venue at which the Beatles played their final concert for a paying audience.

1976: Inauguration of Buddy Holly Week

In 1976, on the fortieth anniversary of Buddy Holly's birth, Paul McCartney inaugurated the annual "Buddy Holly Week" in England.

1978: End of successful songwriting period

From 1962 to 1978, Paul McCartney wrote or co-wrote 43 songs that sold one million or more records.

1979: Guinness Recognition as Most Honored Composer and Performer

In 1979, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized Paul McCartney as the "most honored composer and performer in music", with 60 gold discs and significant sales as part of the Beatles.

1983: Reflection on Relationship with Lennon

In 1983, Paul McCartney expressed regret for not making more effort to connect with John Lennon before his death and reflected on his typically human and standoffish behavior.

1984: "Do They Know It's Christmas?" Sales Record

By 1984, the charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" overtook Mull of Kintyre's UK sales record, selling 2.5 million copies.

Loading Video...

1988: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Beatles

In 1988, Paul McCartney was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Beatles, celebrating the band's significant impact on music history.

1999: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a Solo Artist

In 1999, Paul McCartney was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, further recognizing his individual achievements and influence in music.

2000: VH1 film 'Two of Us'

In 2000, VH1 released the fictionalized television film "Two of Us", which depicted the events of Paul McCartney and John Lennon watching Saturday Night Live at Lennon's home in the Dakota on April 24, 1976.

2002: Lennon as Greatest Hero

In 2002, Paul McCartney told Mojo magazine that John Lennon was his greatest hero.

September 2009: Beatles catalogue reissue

On 9 September 2009, EMI reissued the Beatles catalogue following a four-year digital remastering effort, releasing a music video game called The Beatles: Rock Band the same day.

2009: Guinness Recognition as Most Successful Songwriter

In 2009, Guinness World Records again recognized Paul McCartney as the "most successful songwriter" for having written or co-written 188 charted records in the United Kingdom.

2011: Third Best Bassist of All Time

In 2011, Rolling Stone readers' poll voted Paul McCartney the third best bassist of all time.

February 2014: The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles CBS Airing

On 9 February 2014, CBS aired The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles, a primetime entertainment special taped on 27 January 2014 at the Ed Sullivan Theater featuring McCartney and Ringo Starr that celebrated the legacy of the Beatles and their 1964 performance on The Ed Sullivan Show.

August 2014: Final concert at Candlestick Park

On 14 August 2014, McCartney performed in the final concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, the same venue where the Beatles played their final concert for a paying audience in 1966.

November 2014: The Art of McCartney tribute album release

In November 2014, a 42-song tribute album titled The Art of McCartney was released, featuring artists covering McCartney's solo and Beatles work.

2014: Latest UK Number One

As of 2014, Paul McCartney's latest UK number one was the title track of his LP release that year, "Pipes of Peace".

2015: Quitting Cannabis

In 2015, Paul McCartney quit cannabis, citing a desire to set a good example for his grandchildren.

January 2017: Filing Suit Against Sony/ATV Music Publishing

In January 2017, Paul McCartney filed a lawsuit against Sony/ATV Music Publishing in United States district court. The suit sought to reclaim ownership of his share of the Lennon–McCartney song catalogue beginning in 2018.

June 2017: Confidential Settlement with Sony/ATV

In June 2017, Paul McCartney and Sony agreed to a confidential settlement regarding the ownership of his share of the Lennon-McCartney song catalogue.

2020: Ninth Greatest Bassist of All Time

In 2020, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Paul McCartney the ninth greatest bassist of all time. Also in 2020, Bass Player magazine ranked him the third best bass player of all time.

2021: Fifth Greatest Bassist of All Time

In 2021, a MusicRadar readers' poll voted Paul McCartney the fifth greatest bassist of all time.

2024: One of the wealthiest musicians in the world

As of 2024, Paul McCartney is one of the wealthiest musicians in the world, with an estimated fortune of £1 billion, reflecting his enduring success and financial achievements.