behindthegrooves:On this day in music history: July 3, 1973 -...
On this day in music history: July 3, 1973 - “Live And Let Die” by Wings is released. Written by Paul & Linda McCartney, it is the fifth solo top 10 hit for the former Beatles bass player. The song is composed as the main theme for the eighth James Bond film starring Roger Moore. The films’ producers Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman asks McCartney if he will write the title song. Paul agrees to write the theme, then goes into Abbey Road Studios in London with producer George Martin (for the first time since The Beatles break up and is also scoring the film) and an orchestra to cut the track. Upon hearing the finished recording, Saltzman wants a female vocalist (Shirley Bassey and Thelma Houston are both suggested) to sing it, but changes his mind when Paul only allows Wings recording to be used. At the time of its release, it becomes the highest charting Bond theme in US to date, and is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song also becomes a staple of McCartney’s live concert performances, often accompanied by pyrotechnics being set off during the choruses. Wings original recording is also later featured in the film “American Hustle” in 2013. “Live And Let Die” peaks at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 on August 11, 1973, and is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
