In our penultimate Season 1 bonus episode, we examine another solo recording, this time Paul McCartney’s thrilling theme song for the 1973 James Bond film, Live and Let Die. I’m joined by Allan Kozinn, co-author of The McCartney Legacy Volume 1, who takes us through all the details of the writing and recording process. We also learn how Paul debuted the song before the film’s release, we walk through George Martin’s Grammy-winning arrangement, and we consider Martin’s droll story about the film’s producer, as well as what Martin left out of that story.
REFERENCES
The McCartney Legacy, Volume 1 (1969-1973) by Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair
Paul McCartney: Recording Sessions (1969-2013) by Luca Perasi
MUSIC
“Bond Meets Solitaire” from Live and Let Die, composed by George Martin
“Bond Meets Bambi And Thumper” from Diamonds Are Forever, composed by John Barry
“Belshazzar’s Feast” by William Walton, recorded by Andre Previn conducting the London Symphony Orchestra (1972)
