Paul McCartney is no stranger to success. Some may argue that when it comes to success in the music industry, he is the very embodiment of it. In addition to being the leading musical voice of the most successful band of all time and having an incredible career with Wings, McCartney also had a terrific solo career. The accolades he scored are frankly too long to even list. However, one fact that quite literally proves his musical prowess is his $1.3 billion net worth. He is one of the few musicians to receive a net worth of that monetary value.
Videos by American Songwriter
However, money seemingly means nothing when it comes to McCartney’s expansive musical catalog and insurmountable cultural influence. The man has connected with numerous generations, dominated a plethora of different charts, and collaborated with some of the finest musicians in the history of the game. One musician who helped him accomplish that feat was the infamously talented Stevie Wonder.
Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney Strike Gold With “Ebony And Ivory”
Despite the success he garnered with the single, many folks have criticized McCartney’s 1982 hit song, “Ebony And Ivory”. As a matter of fact, Blender Magazine named it the 10th worst song of all time. In addition to that, BBC 6 called it the worst duet in the history of music. Those are pretty harsh reviews to say the least, but McCartney and Wonder still scored massive success with the pop tune about racial harmony.
Released in 1982, “Ebony And Ivory” is the only collaboration to transpire between Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. Following its initial release, the song peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 25, 1982, and stayed atop the chart for five weeks after debuting at no. 29. Furthermore, the single also peaked at no. 1 on the UK singles chart. This was McCartney’s 24th no. 1 hit as a songwriter, a number that very few songwriters have reached in their career.
Other than the singles chart history, Wonder and McCartney also scored a Grammy nomination and an AMA award. The negative reviews did not tarnish this song in the slightest, as “Ebony And Ivory” still exists as one of the more popular Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder tracks of the 80s. Some might not love the song, but regardless, the single’s chart history marks a major milestone in McCartney’s illustrious career. Yes, the title is a little cheesy. However, pop no. 1 hits typically are.
Tony Bennett 90th Birthday – Inside via Getty Images.
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.