Julian Lennon, John’s older son with Cynthia, has saluted “Uncle Paul” McCartney on the 50th anniversary of “Hey Jude.” The time-busting single– clocking in at just over 7 minutes– was released on August 27, 1968 in the US. McCartney wrote the song for Julian, who was 5 years old at the time. Young “Jules,” as the song was originally sung, was upset about his parents’ divorce. Thank you, Julian. Classy as usual.
“Hey Jude” spent 7 weeks at number 1 after its release. It remains one of the most popular records of all time, and in the top 5 of the Lennon-McCartney songbook.
On the UK charts for the week ending September 11, 1968, “Hey Jude” began its run at number 1. Number 2 was the Bee Gees’ “I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You,” Number 3 was “Do It Again” by the Beach Boys” and number 4 was “I Say a Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin. Also in the top 25 that week: Simon & Garfunkel, the Kinks, the Four Tops, Tommy James, and Dusty Springfield.
And you wonder why we weep.
