Unveiling the Origins of 'Hey Jude': From Paul McCartney's Inspiration to Maynard Ferguson's Unlikely Cover
The iconic song 'Hey Jude' by The Beatles is one of the band's most beloved and enduring classics. However, the story behind its creation is even more intriguing. This article explores the origins of the song, from Paul McCartney's initial inspiration to Maynard Ferguson's surprising cover in 1987.
Paul McCartney's Initial Inspiration
Paul McCartney, as a songwriting genius, had a unique way of expressing his emotions through his music. The inception of 'Hey Jude' dates back to a time when John Lennon and Cynthia Lennon were going through a difficult divorce. In an emotional tribute, McCartney decided to write a song for John's son, Julian.
The song initially took the form of 'Hey Jules', named after Julian. McCartney referred to Julian as 'Jules' due to the affectionate camaraderie between them. Over time, he changed the title to 'Hey Jude' to add a harder consonant ending. This title change not only improved the song’s structure but also added a more powerful and resonant sound.
The Song's Evolution and Structure
Initially, the lyrics were intended to be a comfort to Julian amidst his parents' separation. John Lennon, who was close to Julian, found the lyrics moving and suggested keeping the phrase "the movement is on your shoulder." This line, now famously known as "the movement is on your shoulder, hey Jude don't make it bad," became a central part of the song.
The recording process for 'Hey Jude' involved several unique aspects. The Beatles were known for their unconventional working methods, often turning their own studio into a residence, and sometimes inviting friends or 'hangers-on' to hang around during recording sessions. According to Steve Turner's book, 'The Stories Behind Every Beatles Song', Paul McCartney recounted how Julian, while staying at the same hotel in New York, heard the story of the song firsthand. Julian admitted that he always felt closer to Paul than his own father.
Maynard Ferguson's Unlikely Cover in 1987
Interestingly, 'Hey Jude' saw another life in 1987 when it was covered by the Canadian jazz saxophonist Maynard Ferguson. Known for his energy and virtuosity, Ferguson's version of the song diverged significantly from the original. This cover became a hit and introduced the song to a new generation of listeners who might not have known it from the Beatles.
The distinctive sound of Ferguson’s saxophone and his dynamic style brought a new flavor to the song. From a studio residence filled with hangers-on during recording sessions to being remembered by its namesake, 'Hey Jude' has continued to be a story of musical evolution and the power of music to evolve and resonate over decades.