In a recent interview on BBC Radio’s ‘Tracks of My Years’, music legend Paul McCartney delighted fans with the revelation that Prince recorded a cover of a Beatles classic, specifically “The Long and Winding Road.” The iconic Beatles song originally appeared on their 1970 album, ‘Let It Be’, and McCartney expressed a keen interest in potentially releasing this never-before-heard rendition.
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During the interview with presenter Vernon Kay, McCartney, who recently released his new album titled ‘The Boys of Dungeon Lane’, shared that Prince’s version of the song is “kind of rocky” and features impressive guitar work from the late artist. McCartney stated, “I’m going to ask them [Prince’s estate]. I could make it into something really good,” demonstrating his eagerness to revisit this intriguing piece of musical history.
The discovery of Prince’s cover came about when McCartney recounted a conversation he had with an individual who had previously worked with the artist. The man, who McCartney believed to be a photographer for Prince, asked if he had ever heard the cover, to which McCartney replied that he was unaware of it. “I don’t think he ever did it,” he initially said.
However, his disbelief was short-lived, as the man subsequently sent McCartney the recording. “So he sent it to me, and it’s really great,” McCartney exclaimed, likely thrilled to learn that Prince had indeed put his own unique spin on one of his songs.
Reflecting on Prince’s musical prowess, McCartney praised the artist, noting, “He plays some really good guitar on it.” He also highlighted Prince’s 1986 track “Kiss” as his favourite from the prolific musician, calling him a “wizard” and describing him as a “special guy.” This admiration for Prince’s talent underscores the deep respect that McCartney holds for his fellow musician.
In addition to discussing Prince, McCartney took time during the interview to draw parallels between the careers of Taylor Swift and The Beatles. He acknowledged the similarities in their fame, noting that Swift enjoys a level of global recognition comparable to that which The Beatles experienced during their height of popularity.
Despite the similarities, McCartney humbly stated that he believed Swift did not need any advice on navigating her illustrious career. “You do see the parallel, you know the fame and the amount of fame,” he explained. “But I don’t think she needs any advice to tell you the truth.”
McCartney’s comments highlight the evolution of the music industry and how iconic artists like him continue to inspire new generations of musicians. His reflections on Prince’s unreleased cover, as well as his insights into the current music scene, offer a fascinating glimpse into the minds of music legends and their perspectives on contemporary artists.
As fans eagerly await the potential official release of Prince’s rendition of “The Long and Winding Road,” McCartney’s enthusiasm for the project hints at what could be a major addition to the legacies of both musicians. For now, listeners can enjoy McCartney’s latest work, ‘The Boys of Dungeon Lane’, while continuing to celebrate the brilliant contributions of Prince to the world of music.