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Unless you’ve been willfully ignoring all pop culture since 1962, then you probably know who Paul McCartney is. One of the creative forces that made The Beatles one of the biggest musical groups ever has lived almost his whole life in front of a camera. McCartney could have called it a day after The Beatles broke up, but he’s continued making music and is one of the most celebrated talents we’ve ever seen.

Let’s take a photographic journey through Paul McCartney’s amazing life (including the one big reason he gave the thumbs-up on page 16).

1. Early life

Paul McCartney age 6, 1948
Beatle-to-be Paul McCartney (front) at the age of six with brother Mike in 1948. | Keystone/Getty Images

Photo date: Circa 1948

Paul McCartney was born at the height of World War II on June 18, 1942. He has a younger brother, Peter Michael McCartney, who also grew up to be a musician.

Next: All the McCartney boys.

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Jason Rossi

Senior Writer

I'm frequently inspired and impressed by how musicians can tell gripping and emotional stories in just a few minutes. Their songs soundtrack much of my life. When I'm not writing, you can find me cooking or dropping Led Zeppelin and The Beatles into my kids' Raffi playlist.

Contact at [email protected]