Paul McCartney: The Influences That Shaped a Legend

It’s hard to imagine a world without the music of Paul McCartney. From his early days in The Beatles to his decades of solo work, his melodies have become the soundtrack to generations. But even icons have their idols. Behind every note McCartney wrote or sang, there were artists, moments, and musics that lit the spark in his creative mind. Exploring who influenced him is like tracing the roots of a tree that grew into one of the most recognizable canopies in music history.

How did his father shape his musical tastes?

My dad, Jim McCartney, was a big influence in the earliest days. He wasn’t a professional musician, but he loved music and played piano by ear. He introduced me to the standards—artists like Bing Crosby, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter. We’d sit around the piano at home, and I’d listen to him play. He gave me a love for melody and harmony that stuck with me. When I was learning to write songs, I could always hear that Crosby-style warmth in the back of my mind.

What role did Little Richard play in shaping his style?

Oh, I was obsessed with Little Richard. His energy, his voice, his piano—everything about him was electric. When I first heard “Tutti Frutti,” it blew my mind. I tried to sing like him, I tried to play like him. John Lennon and I would joke that I was the “British Little Richard.” His influence is all over the early Beatles recordings—especially in the way I approached vocals. I’d push my voice to the edge, not just to copy him, but because he taught me how to feel a song.

Did Elvis Presley change the course of his music?

Absolutely. Elvis was the spark that lit the fire for all of us in the UK. Before Elvis, music was polite. After Elvis, it was alive. He made it okay to be wild, to be emotional, to be real. When I first saw him on screen or heard his records, I knew music could be more than just a hobby—it could be a calling. His influence is in the way I approach performance, even now. He made me want to be on stage, not just play on it.

How did his collaborations with John Lennon shape him?

John and I were like two halves of the same brain. We challenged each other constantly. He brought the edge, the sarcasm, the wit. I brought the melody, the warmth, the optimism. We’d push each other to go further—sometimes in opposite directions, sometimes in perfect harmony. Even after The Beatles, I’d hear his voice in my head when I was writing. He made me better, sharper. I wouldn’t be who I am without him.

What other artists did he admire and learn from?

So many. I loved Motown—Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder. Their songs were tight, emotional, and always had a great hook. Then there was Bob Dylan. He showed me how powerful words could be. I wasn’t just writing love songs anymore; I was telling stories. And later on, I found inspiration in classical music, in jazz, even in punk. I’ve always believed that if you keep your ears open, you never stop learning.

Talk to Paul McCartney on HoloDream to hear more about the artists who shaped his sound and the stories behind the songs that changed music forever.