Who wrote Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da by the Beatles?
Paul McCartney wrote Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, though it was officially credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership. McCartney began writing it during the Beatles' stay in Rishikesh, India, in early 1968.
Questions about Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What is the origin of the phrase ob-la-di ob-la-da?
The phrase came from Jimmy Scott-Emuakpor, a London-based Nigerian musician and conga player who used it as a call-and-response routine in his stage act. McCartney, who knew Scott personally, adopted it for the song's title and chorus. Scott later tried to claim a composing credit, but ultimately dropped the claim after McCartney agreed to pay his legal bills.
Why did the Beatles not release Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da as a single in the UK?
McCartney wanted it released as a UK and US single, but the other Beatles vetoed the idea. The song was instead issued as a single in many other countries, where it topped charts in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland and West Germany.
Which band had a number one hit with Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da in the UK?
The Marmalade, a Scottish pop band, released a cover version that reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in January 1969, making them the first Scottish artist to top that chart. Their recording sold around half a million copies in the UK and a million copies globally by April 1969.
Why did Geoff Emerick quit working for the Beatles during the Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da sessions?
Emerick quit as the Beatles' recording engineer the day after a heated argument between McCartney and producer George Martin over McCartney's vocal part. He cited that exchange, along with the generally unpleasant atmosphere of the White Album sessions, as his reasons for leaving.
When did Paul McCartney first perform Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da live?
McCartney first performed the song live on the 2nd of December 2009, in Hamburg, Germany, on the opening night of a European tour. No Beatle had played it live before that date.