‘James Paul McCartney’ TV special starring Paul McCartney and Wings debuts on ABC 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Apr 16 1973)


Video: 'James Paul McCartney and Wings (TV special 1973)'

(Monday, April 16, 1973, 8:00 p.m. EST)James Paul McCartney, a television special produced by ATV and starring English musician Paul McCartney and his then-current rock group Wings, was first broadcast tonight on the ABC network in the United States.

James Paul McCartney was McCartney’s first such special since the Beatles’ 1967 television film Magical Mystery Tour and was intended to showcase his versatility as an artist and entertainer.

Many of the portions featured his band Wings; in others, he would perform alone.

ATV hired Gary Smith and Dwight Hemion as producer and director, respectively, although McCartney was assured full creative control over the program’s content.[1

It was broadcast in the United Kingdom on May 10, 1973.