Paul McCartney, one of the most influential musicians in history, has spent over six decades shaping the sound of rock and roll.

As a founding member of The Beatles and a prolific solo artist, his melodies and songwriting have left an indelible mark on music.

But beyond his own legendary career, McCartney’s admiration for other artists has played a crucial role in his creative development.

While publicly diplomatic, those close to him have revealed that behind his iconic smile lies a passionate music fan with discerning taste.

Today, we explore the six bands that McCartney loved the most, the influences that shaped his sound, and the artists who inspired a musical genius.

 

Coming in at number six is America’s band, The Beach Boys.

During the height of Beatlemania in 1963, Paul McCartney first encountered their harmonies and was immediately captivated.

Their intricate vocal arrangements and sunny melodies struck a chord with him.

According to Beatles insider Tony Barrow, McCartney was obsessed with their song *Surf in USA*, dissecting the vocal harmonies with scientific precision.

The relationship between The Beatles and The Beach Boys was complex—initially rivals, yet deeply respectful.

 

The release of Brian Wilson’s *Pet Sounds* in 1966 marked a turning point.

McCartney listened to *God Only Knows* over 100 times, calling it “the greatest song ever written.”

The album inspired The Beatles’ *Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band*, pushing them to new creative heights.

However, the admiration was tinged with guilt—Wilson suffered a nervous breakdown, possibly due to the intense rivalry and pressure.

Despite tensions, McCartney’s respect for The Beach Boys’ innovative harmonies and arrangements remained unwavering, influencing tracks from *Abbey Road* to *Back to the Egg*.

 

At number five is the flamboyant pioneer of rock and roll, Little Richard.

For a young McCartney growing up in Liverpool, Richard’s raw, electrifying vocal style was a revelation.

His energetic performances and primal screams became a blueprint for McCartney’s own vocal approach.

McCartney has spoken about practicing Richard’s style until his throat was raw, attempting to mimic his signature sound.

 

Their connection deepened when The Beatles shared a bill with Little Richard in Hamburg in 1962.

McCartney was so nervous to meet his idol that he nearly became ill backstage.

Richard took a liking to him, sharing his piano technique and encouraging him to hit the keys like he was punching his worst enemy.

The influence of Little Richard’s powerful vocals and uninhibited performance style can be heard in McCartney’s energetic singing on songs like *I’m Down*, *Oh! Darling*, and *Maybe I’m Amazed*.

 

Number four on the list is the harmony masters, The Everly Brothers.

Their pristine vocal blend and close harmonies became fundamental to The Beatles’ early sound.

Paul McCartney has openly acknowledged their influence, stating that John Lennon and he initially tried to emulate the Everlys’ vocal style.

From the age of 15, McCartney studied their recordings meticulously, fascinated by how their voices vibrated in perfect harmony.

 

Their influence is evident in early Beatles hits like *Please Me* and *From Me to You*, where close harmonies take center stage.

McCartney even reached out to Don Everly for advice on handling sudden fame, emphasizing how much they valued the brothers’ guidance.

The Everly Brothers’ mastery of harmony became a blueprint for McCartney’s own vocal arrangements and songwriting.

 

Ranked third is the legendary guitarist and songwriter Chuck Berry, often hailed as the architect of rock and roll.

McCartney has cited Berry as a profound influence on his approach to both songwriting and bass playing.

His energetic guitar riffs and storytelling lyrics set a new standard for rock music.

 

McCartney’s fascination with Berry began at age 14 after hearing *Rollover Beethoven*.

He meticulously transcribed Berry’s lyrics and analyzed his narrative songwriting, aiming to emulate his vivid storytelling.

This influence is evident in McCartney’s character-driven songs like *Penny Lane*, *Eleanor Rigby*, and *She’s Leaving Home*.

The relationship culminated in a memorable backstage encounter in 1972, where Berry was impressed that McCartney knew his entire catalog—an acknowledgment of Berry’s lasting impact on his craft.

Taking the second spot is none other than Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll.

For McCartney, Elvis’s influence was transformative—an inspiration that ignited his entire musical journey.

McCartney has often credited Elvis with shaping his understanding of performance, stage presence, and charisma.

 

He vividly recalls the first time he saw Elvis on television in 1956 at age 14, an experience that left him speechless.

McCartney’s admiration grew after meeting Elvis in 1965, when the two legends finally connected.

Paul was so struck that he couldn’t speak initially, just nodding in awe.

Elvis’s blend of musical talent and magnetic performance taught McCartney that being a rock star was as much about attitude and presence as it was about the music itself.

Elvis’s influence remains a cornerstone of McCartney’s approach to performance and songwriting.

Finally, at number one, is Buddy Holly and The Crickets—the band that profoundly shaped Paul McCartney’s musical identity.

McCartney has often declared that without Buddy Holly, there would be no Beatles.

The influence runs deep—both in his songwriting and his iconic look.

 

McCartney first heard *That’ll Be the Day* on his 15th birthday in 1957 and was instantly captivated.

He played the record repeatedly, studying Holly’s hiccuping vocal style, innovative guitar riffs, and storytelling approach.

McCartney admired Holly’s versatility—he wrote, sang, played lead guitar, and led the band, all at once.

This inspired McCartney to emulate Holly’s multifaceted role in The Beatles.

He even purchased the rights to Holly’s song catalog in 1976, not for profit but to honor and protect his hero’s legacy.

Paul McCartney’s musical journey is deeply rooted in the artists he admired and learned from.

From the harmonies of The Everly Brothers to the pioneering spirit of Buddy Holly, and from the raw power of Little Richard to the innovative genius of The Beach Boys and Elvis Presley, these bands formed the backbone of his creative evolution.

His willingness to acknowledge these influences not only highlights his humility but also reminds us that even the greatest legends build upon the work of those who came before.

Their music continues to inspire generations, echoing through McCartney’s timeless melodies.

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