He sells out show after show. He was relevant in the ’60s and still is today. Given his unparalleled stamina in the music industry, Paul McCartney is arguably the most successful Beatles alumnus.

But was he key to the Beatles’ success 50 years ago?

During the latter half of the Beatles’ career, when the band’s drive was low, McCartney ensured the team was still churning out music. He pressed his bandmates to finish Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and it was an instant commercial hit; Rolling Stone later declared it the greatest album¹ of all time. McCartney essentially became the Beatles’ new director: Lennon² told Rolling Stone that “after Brian [Epstein] died … Paul took over.” While Lennon was adored by fans, McCartney thrust the group forward. McCartney whipped up the willpower required for the Beatles’ five final albums, works now praised.

Talent has always accompanied his passion. “Yesterday,” the first song recorded alone by a Beatle, is now the most covered song³ in history. McCartney’s skill allowed him to fill in where needed: when Ringo Starr⁴ briefly quit during the recording of The White Album, McCartney shined on the drums.

McCartney’s ability to persevere, play multiple instruments and string together lyrics quickly — “She’s A Woman” was reportedly written on the spot in the studio⁵ — made him the Beatles’ engine. He had a unique concern for the group, and the band’s legendary status proves his work has paid off.

Sources

1http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-20120531/the-beatles-sgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-band-20120531

2http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/rolling-stones-biggest-scoops-exposes-and-controversies-2-aa-624/lennon-opens-up-about-beatles-breakup-71767848

3http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/the-beatles/11680415/Yesterday-the-song-that-started-as-Scrambled-Eggs.html

4http://ultimateclassicrock.com/ringo-starr-temporarily-quits-the-beatles/

5http://genius.com/Ashley-chittock-how-to-write-like-paul-mccartney-annotated