portrait of this blog's author - by Stephen Blackman 2008

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

POPCORN!



On this day in music history: June 18, 1973 - “Live And Let Die” by Wings is released (UK release date is on June 1, 1973). Written by Paul & Linda McCartney, it is the fifth solo top 10 hit for the former Beatles bass player. The song is composed as the main theme for the eighth James Bond film starring Roger Moore. The films’ producers Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman ask McCartney if he will write the title song. Paul agrees to write the theme, then goes into Abbey Road Studios in London with producer George Martin (for the first time since The Beatles break up and is also scoring the film) and an orchestra to cut the track. Upon hearing the finished recording, Saltzman wants a female vocalist (Shirley Bassey and Thelma Houston are both suggested) to sing it, but changes his mind when Paul only allows Wings recording to be used. Entering the Hot 100 at #69 on July 7, 1973, it peaks five weeks later at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 on August 11, 1973. Spending two weeks in the running up spot, the song is held off of the top by Maureen McGovern’s “The Morning After” and Diana Ross’ “Touch Me In The Morning”.  At the time of its release, “Live And Let Die” becomes the highest charting Bond theme in US to date, and is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song also becomes a staple of McCartney’s live concert performances, often accompanied by pyrotechnics being set off during the choruses. Wings original recording is also later featured in the film “American Hustle” in 2013. “Live And Let Die” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. 
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It always sticks in my ear like a worm of irritation . . . . . . . if this ever changing world in which we live in . . . . . . . . 2 tautological "ins' really Paul?!?  
  Sorry dreadful!

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