Tag: Paul McCartney

How many groups can carry the distinction of having an entire book of 300+ pages written about a single song – “Hey Jude” – in their catalog. The group: The Beatles, The Song: Hey Jude, The Book: Take a Sad Song, The Author: James Campion

Published by Backbeat on June 1, 2022

Hey Jude

When I first learned about this book, I must admit, I had my doubts. How could an entire book be written about a single Beatles song. I was educated very quickly upon receiving my signed copy from author, James Campion. The song written in 1968 was to become the biggest hit of the Beatles both in sales and the length of time it spent at #1 was unsurpassed by any other Beatles release. It had so many firsts accompanying it. It was one of the longest hit singles in length at over 7 minutes.

Radio would have to adjust its programming schedules to accommodate such a lengthy 45 but it was THE BEATLES. What a great melody, so infectious, you want to immediately sing along, and it had a chorus to end the number that was simply hypnotizing, inviting large numbers of people to join in, creating a sense of community.

The inspiration for this song written by Paul McCartney, was the ending of the marriage of Paul’s songwriting partner, John Lennon and wife, Cynthia. Paul, on his way to visit Cynthia and Julian Lennon wrote the tune under the original moniker of “Hey Jules” referring to John’s first-born son, Julian. The song was a melody and message of reassurance that things would get better for the young guy. Others infer that Paul was also referring to his new relationship with Linda or John’s new relationship with Yoko. John felt that it was Paul saying to him, “it is OK John, you have a new partner” and so do I.”

The song was written at a time where the Beatles were beginning to dissolve because of business differences, artistic differences and a myriad of other impactful events. George Harrison needed a greater outlet for his musical creations and he felt that both John and Paul were stymying his musical suggestions. Remember how George in the film “Let It Be” referenced the echoing guitar phrase that he had originally suggested for “Hey Jude” which was rejected by Paul. George seemed hurt at what had happened even though Paul probably made the correct musical decision. The solid unity of the band was ebbing away and the song seemed to be a plea to return to those happier times where everyone had a tighter common goal.

The flip-side of the 45 “Revolution” was the perfect B-side. It spoke of the tumultuous times especially in America during the peak of the Vietnam war. Anti-war protests were occurring everywhere and the Beatles spoke to those cultural anxieties perfectly in the rocking  backing track to “Hey Jude.” The first single appeared on their new Apple label with the Granny Smith green Apple on the A-side and the cut in half apple interior as the B-side.

Author James Campion does his homework, researching experts in the fields of sociology, philosophy, psychology, and history to develop a consensus of the importance of the song “Hey Jude.” Reading this book also inspired me to read another title about the Beatles main rival in the 60’s, The Rolling Stones! Ironically, there was a story in this book written by Tony Sanchez entitled “Up and Down With the Rolling Stones which highlights the impact that the song had on people. Tony Sanchez references a Rolling Stones party with several of the Stones attending as they were celebrating a new record release.

Tony in his book comments that a couple of Beatles were at the same party and strategically asked the DJ to play their new record “Hey Jude.” The audience at the party were awe-struck and they were amazed at the sound of this new set of recordings. However Sanchez does not believe everyone was happy as a few members of the Rolling Stones felt that they had been upstaged by the band who seemingly had the stranglehold on world popularity. I believe that Sanchez makes reference to Mick Jagger being incensed after the Beatles new song was receiving such positive comments from his audience.

This story coupled with the fascinating details of the creation of the song make the Campion book a surefire winner in my collection. Love how the book describes Ringo’s drum entry into the song as you do not hear drums at the beginning because he was apparently in the loo (bathroom) and got to his drum kit at the perfect time to begin. You can’t plan some of these things, it has to be FATE!

James Campion’s book is available on Amazon, Ebay and most Book search services such as Abe Books.

TAKE A SAD SONG… The Emotional Currency of “Hey Jude” – jamescampion.com

The Power of Song – YouTube

Years later, Julian Lennon released an album appropriately titled “Jude.” In interviews, Julian admits to having mixed feelings about the song “Hey Jude” because it reminded him of the sad time of his mom and dad breaking apart. However he loves the fact that his “Uncle Paul” had the kindness and sensitivity to write a song trying to cheer him up!

Julian Lennon

Julian with the album where he finally came to grips with his difficult childhood. He signed this print as a special addition to buying the album at his website

The book that had the Hey Jude story as the record was introduced at a Rolling Stone party. The book seems to imply that at least one of the Stones was incensed that the Beatles had apparently upstaged the Stones by having their new single “Hey Jude” being played at the party by the club’s DJ!

A NICE ENDING

Both Paul McCartney and Julian posted this photo which appeared across the internet where they ran across each other awaiting flights at the airport. Paul also sent out on his phone a photo of Julian’s Jude album cover.

Is this your favourite Beatles song, as it is for many? If not, which is your favourite?

Buzz

Barry Miles has a long history of dealing with prominent figures of the ’60s. From his interactions with Jon (John) Dunbar, and Robert Fraser at the famous Indica Gallery where John met Yoko, to the involvement of Miles with the International Times, to his interactions with Paul McCartney and John Lennon, Miles represents much of the ’60s countercultural movement to a public that may have followed his work over the years. His backlog of books of figures from that age includes titles about Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, William Burroughs, and Charles Bukowski.

Here is a limited signed edition of one of Barry Miles’s books. This title features his recollections of what he deems to be the most significant moments and issues of the ’60s. The slipcase that this book came in is not pictured in the photos provided below.

The back cover of the book:

The signature of Barry Miles on the copy that I was able to acquire:

Many Years From Now

The universally liked book that Barry Miles authored was about his good friend, Paul McCartney, called Many Years From Now. The book was well received by the public and sold many copies. It demonstrated that Paul was indeed at the forefront of examining subjects and artists that were considered avant-garde or experimental.

In a matter of historical irony, Paul was instrumental in Yoko Ono meeting John Lennon, when she was seeking famous people to contribute one of their musical transcripts or compositions as a celebratory gift to her artist friend, John Cage. She approached Paul first, and he was initially resistant to the request, and he suggested she go ask John Lennon first. This of course helped to set the wheels in motion and time and other events (like business) resulted in the songwriting partners drifting apart and helped to contribute to the eventual dissolution of the group.

This is further evidence that it is never a single factor that results in a major cultural decision or event, but it serves as a reminder that it is indeed a tangled web we weave by the things that are said and done!!! Fans speculate about such matters all of the time. It does not change what occured but people seem to have the NEED to know! The sad thing is that fans have a tendency to want to take sides and want to blame one party over the other. What we should be sad about is how lifelong friendships can deteriorate and fragment…. for whatever the reasons turn out to be!

The very rare book that was organized in part by Barry Miles (see the reference to him on the cover) was a collection of fan photos of the Beatles taken over the years. It was only on sale for about a week when either because of administrative hassles or copyright issues, the book was quickly withdrawn. Fortunately, I was able to acquire a copy from another collector, but I truly empathize with others who are frantically searching for a copy of the book and are unable to find it. I have had numerous requests from people asking me where they can acquire a copy of this book and I feel bad that I can only give them the information to keep their eyes open on eBay for someone who may be getting rid of their own personal copy.

The People’s Beatles

The Beatles – A Diary

While I was preparing this post, noted book publisher Steven Wilson reminded me of this book, which he was involved with publishing. Sometimes, keeping track of all of the Beatles-related books by a particular author and keeping them properly sorted is a difficult task. Here is a day-by-day Beatles diary authored by Miles…Thanks for the update and reminder Steven!

Finding my copy of the Beatles Diary in the collection thanks to Mr. Steven Wilson, reminded me of another Barry Miles limited edition book that I have that came in a slipcase – A special Limited Edition issued in 2012 – The Beatles Phenomenon. Published in 2012 by Omnibus and authored by Barry Miles, is described by Amazon in their promotion of the book as being; “The Beatles Phenomenon is a unique new Beatles chronicle that brings their astonishing legend to vivid life using sheet music, rare photographs and a detailed chronology of their gigs, venues, public quotes and most memorable moments.”

The Beatles Phenomenon

Of course we need to mention “The Zapple Diaries” by Barry Miles which was the first book to document the special label set up by the Beatles to deal with more non-conventional matters whether in musical expression or matters of literary concern. Zapple was a short-lived Beatles project.  

Leading literary and cultural figures of the time, including Allen Ginsberg, Charles Bukowski, Richard Brautigan, William Burroughs, and Frank Zappa are discussed in the book and projects that Zapple was considering regarding these individuals are mentioned. The Zapple Diaries details and summarizes the ill-fated venture and presents a revealing account of a little-known segment of Beatles’ history.

Publisher: Abrams Image

Publication Date: 2016

The Zapple Diaries

Earlier UK cover of the book

Title: The Zapple Diaries : The Rise and Fall of the last Beatles label

Publisher:  Peter Owen Limited

Publication Date: 2015

Barry Miles was such an influential part of the ’60s scene and his eyewitness accounts are essential reading.

Buzz

Discover More About The Beatles at The Beatles Bookstore