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Few professional scribes received access to The Beatles like Ray Connolly. As a journalist with the Evening Standard, he found himself in the right place at the right time to cover the group during their final years. (It was to him that John confided that he’d quit the group; it was to Ray that Paul divulged: “I didn’t leave the Beatles – The Beatles left the Beatles.”)He later scripted the films That’ll Be The Day and Stardust; he also wrote radio plays and biographies. In 2018, he published Being John Lennon: A Restless Life. His e-book, The Ray Connolly Beatles Archive is essential.
We discuss John as he knew him, abetted by Lennon biographer Jude Kessler.
Ray’s site: https://www.rayconnolly.co.uk/
“In My Life” performed by Mary Ruane
(Talent scouted by Lisa Kasco)
Great episode.
Great episode.
This episode was off-the-charts terrific. Luved it.
This episode was off-the-charts terrific. Luved it.
Yes, really enjoyable episode. Interesting comment you made about Paul laying down Maybe I’m amazed when he realiesd Instant Karma was a serious move of John’s to go solo. Perhaps up until then Paul had it marked for the next Beatles album?
Yes, really enjoyable episode. Interesting comment you made about Paul laying down Maybe I’m amazed when he realiesd Instant Karma was a serious move of John’s to go solo. Perhaps up until then Paul had it marked for the next Beatles album?
Great episode.
Was in agreement over songwriting credits. Inspiration vs Cooperation shouldn’t be confused. I think George Harrison should of been listed as a writer on some Lennon and McCartney songs. The guitar rift often made the song.
This is my humble opinion.
I totally agree
agreed Keith, the little guitar riff of George’s on In My Life for example!!
Great episode.
Was in agreement over songwriting credits. Inspiration vs Cooperation shouldn’t be confused. I think George Harrison should of been listed as a writer on some Lennon and McCartney songs. The guitar rift often made the song.
This is my humble opinion.
I totally agree
agreed Keith, the little guitar riff of George’s on In My Life for example!!
So much life in this episode. Thoroughgoing credibility from Ray Connolly, well facilitated by Robert’s thoughtful questions.
SATB is consistently interesting.
So much life in this episode. Thoroughgoing credibility from Ray Connolly, well facilitated by Robert’s thoughtful questions.
SATB is consistently interesting.
I can see why Lennon would stick with Ray Connolly…he’s a wonderful man But I think he’s wrong about McCartney… it’s doubtful Paul is haunted by much, let alone of not having made any new Let it Be’s.. He’s a sincere optimist, has outdid everyone and done it all… is probably waking up each morning celebrating that he was one of the few humans to have been touched so deeply and so often by the angels of melody– honored at having received their favour for so long… the man’s still here, plugging away happily at guitar and piano, ready if they ever swoop down again. But if not, he’s still the chosen one, and nothing undoes that.
I can see why Lennon would stick with Ray Connolly…he’s a wonderful man But I think he’s wrong about McCartney… it’s doubtful Paul is haunted by much, let alone of not having made any new Let it Be’s.. He’s a sincere optimist, has outdid everyone and done it all… is probably waking up each morning celebrating that he was one of the few humans to have been touched so deeply and so often by the angels of melody– honored at having received their favour for so long… the man’s still here, plugging away happily at guitar and piano, ready if they ever swoop down again. But if not, he’s still the chosen one, and nothing undoes that.
also always great to hear Jude — her perspective on John is always so inspired and interesting!
also always great to hear Jude — her perspective on John is always so inspired and interesting!
Wow, thank you! Connolly was amazing to hear. I’m reading his John book currently and it’s absolutely lovely – unflinching while also evincing a fondness for John that comes through in every word. I will definitely listen to the next cast you have with him.
Just … Did she really say 15 minutes in that when John was distracted by Cynthia’s pregnancy, that Paul was able to move in and take control and use that to his advantage like he always did? Um. I’m really glad that sort of thing wasn’t backed up by the discussion.
Wow, thank you! Connolly was amazing to hear. I’m reading his John book currently and it’s absolutely lovely – unflinching while also evincing a fondness for John that comes through in every word. I will definitely listen to the next cast you have with him.
Just … Did she really say 15 minutes in that when John was distracted by Cynthia’s pregnancy, that Paul was able to move in and take control and use that to his advantage like he always did? Um. I’m really glad that sort of thing wasn’t backed up by the discussion.
Thank you. RIveting listening.
Thank you. RIveting listening.