On This Day in 1973, Paul McCartney Released a Movie Theme That Was Nominated for an Academy Award and Hit #2 on the US Chart
via Mr. Mojo Risin / YouTube
Release and Chart Success
On July 7, 1973, Paul McCartney released “Live and Let Die,” the theme from the James Bond film of the same name. The song became the most successful Bond theme to that point, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and climbing to number 9 in the UK. It was the first time a rock song opened a Bond movie, signaling a new direction for the series. Critics praised the song for blending melody with orchestral drama and elements of reggae, making it one of McCartney’s standout works.
View this post on Instagram
Academy and Grammy Recognition
“Live and Let Die” made history by becoming the first Bond theme nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 46th Oscars in 1974. It did not win, losing to Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were,” but the nomination marked a major achievement for McCartney. The song also earned a Grammy Award in 1974 for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s), highlighting the skill of producer George Martin.
Writing and Production
McCartney was approached by Bond producers Harry Saltzman and Albert R. Broccoli to write the theme before the film’s screenplay was finalised. He quickly read the Ian Fleming novel, penned the song that same afternoon, and recorded it at AIR Studios in October 1972. George Martin arranged the orchestral sections, and McCartney’s wife Linda contributed the reggae-style bridge. Saltzman initially considered other singers, including Shirley Bassey and Thelma Houston, but ultimately agreed to McCartney performing the final version after listening to the demo.
Legacy and Live Performances
“Live and Let Die” has remained a live staple in McCartney’s concerts. He often pairs it with pyrotechnics during live performances, and it appears on all of his live albums. The song also earned a BMI Million-Air Award for over four million plays in the U.S. Rock bands like Guns N’ Roses have covered it, with their version nominated for a Grammy in 1993.
Bond Music Milestone
The song is notable as the first rock-influenced Bond theme and led the way for future entries in the series. It remains one of McCartney’s most respected solo works and stands among the most memorable themes in Bond history.
Paul McCartney turned a commission into a hit that resonated worldwide, blending rock, orchestral power, and reggae, and paved the way for new musical approaches in film themes.
