Happy 82nd birthday, Sir Paul McCartney: The life and career of the Beatles icon

Today, we celebrate the 82nd birthday of one of the most iconic musicians of all time – Sir Paul McCartney. As a founding member of the legendary band The Beatles, McCartney’s contributions to popular music are undeniable.

From his early days with the Fab Four to his storied solo career, he has left an indelible mark on the industry. That is also the reason why he is a name that leaves a deep impression on the audience

Paul McCartney was born on June 18, 1942, in Liverpool, England. He met John Lennon in 1957 and joined Lennon’s skiffle group, The Quarrymen, shortly thereafter. The two quickly bonded over their shared love of music and soon formed a songwriting partnership that would go on to change the world.

Kamil Krzaczynski, AFP Via Getty Images

In 1960, McCartney, Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr formed The Beatles, which would become the most successful and influential band of the 20th century. During the band’s heyday in the 1960s, McCartney was responsible for writing or co-writing some of their biggest hits, including “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude,” and “Let It Be.”

After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, McCartney embarked on a successful solo career, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums. His 1973 album “Band on the Run” was a commercial and critical smash, cementing his status as a musical force to be reckoned with.

Over the years, McCartney has continued to push the boundaries of his craft, collaborating with a wide range of artists and experimenting with different genres. He has also remained active in social and political causes, using his platform to advocate for issues such as animal rights and environmental conservation.

Happy birthday, Sir Paul McCartney! The former Beatle and award-winning singer celebrates his 82nd birthday on June 18, 2024. Take a look at his life and career in pictures.

AFP Via Getty Images

McCartney posed with his girlfriend, English actress Jane Asher, in 1968.

AFP Via Getty Images

McCartney and Michael Jackson posed for a picture on Dec. 19, 1983.

AFP Via Getty Images

McCartney performed on Nov. 6, 1989, in Lyon, France.Jean-Marie Huron.

AFP Via Getty Image

Princess Diana posed with McCartney and his wife Linda at the Lille Congress Hall on Nov. 15, 1992, just before a performance of Paul McCartney’s “Liverpool Oratorio.”Jacques Demarthon

McCartney held up the hands of the late John Lennon's son and wife, Sean Lennon and Yoko Ono, after Lennon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Jan. 19, 1994.

McCartney held up the hands of the late John Lennon’s son and wife, Sean Lennon and Yoko Ono, after Lennon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Jan. 19, 1994. Maria Bastone

Linda McCartney, Capitol Records

McCartney posed for a picture in 1997.

Miguel Riopa, AFP Via Getty Images

McCartney performed in Lisbon, Portugal, on May 28, 2004.

Jacksonville, Florida.Brian Bahr, Getty Images

McCartney performed during the Super Bowl XXXIX halftime show at Alltel Stadium on Feb. 6, 2005, in London.

Jo Hale, Getty Images

McCartney performed at “Live 8 London” in Hyde Park on July 2, 2005, in London.

AFP Via Getty Images

McCartney and his wife Heather Mills ventured onto the ice floes of the Gulf of St. Lawrence by helicopter to observe seal pups before the start of the seal hunting season on March 2, 2006, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The McCartneys were attempting to raise awareness of animal rights.

Uriel Sinai, Getty Images

McCartney signed autographs in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Sept. 24, 2008, a day before his first-ever show in Israel.

AFP Via Getty Images

McCartney cleaned George Harrison’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on April 14, 2009.Mark Ralston

Monica Schipper, Getty For The Recording Academy

McCartney attends the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year event honoring Jon Bon Jovi.Monica Schipper.

MIGUEL MEDINA, AFP Via Getty Images

McCartney (from left), Paris Jackson, Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach attend the Stella McCartney womenswear fall/winter 2024-25 show during Paris Fashion Week on March 3, 2024.

Randall Michelson / Hewitt Silva-Live Nation

As Sir Paul celebrates his 82nd birthday, we salute him for his incredible contributions to the world of music and his enduring legacy as a true icon of popular culture. Happy birthday, Sir Paul!