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Head shots of Paul McCartney superimposed on a graphic collage

Paul McCartney

When I was a kid, I grew up listening to the music of the Gershwin brothers and loved it. I had no idea that one day I might be in such a place getting an honor such as this.
—Paul McCartney


2010 Gershwin McCartney Videos

Paul McCartney is one of the most successful composers and performers of all time. He leapt onto the international stage in the 1960s as a lead vocalist and song-writer for the wildly famous and influential British band the Beatles, then pursued a solo career before forming Wings, one of the most successful bands of the 1970s, then joining up with Youth in the duo band the Fireman. Notable among his many collaborators in song-writing and performing are Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash, Elvis Costello, Eric Stuart, Tony Bennett, Kanye West and Rihanna.

Over his career, McCartney has written or co-written 32 songs that have topped the “Billboard” Hot 100. His honors include two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of the Beatles and as a solo artist), 18 Grammy Awards, an appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire, three BRIT Outstanding Contribution to Music Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor, an Oscar for Original Song Score (with the Beatles) for “Let It Be” and, most notably, a knighthood for services to music.