Paul McCartney, a former member of The Beatles, embarked on a successful solo career in the 1970s and '80s, achieving nine number one singles and seven number one albums in the United States within the first 12 years of his solo endeavors. After leaving The Beatles in 1970, McCartney formed the band Wings with his wife Linda and guitarist Denny Laine, enjoying a decade of hit albums, singles, and tours. McCartney continued his solo career post-Wings, collaborating with artists like Michael Jackson and Kanye West, exploring various musical genres, and engaging in projects such as The Fireman and overseeing The Beatles' Anthology series.
McCartney's creative journey extended beyond music, with ventures into classical compositions, film directing, and ballet. Over the years, he released a diverse range of albums, from rock to standards, receiving critical acclaim and commercial success. McCartney's musical evolution continued with collaborations, extensive tours, and innovative projects, including his 2020 album McCartney III, recorded during the global lockdown, which secured his first number one album in the UK since the 1980s.