In the 2000s, James played backup percussion and guitar for some of his dad’s solo releases, like “Flaming Pie” and “Driving Rain.” He also played lead guitar for his mom on the track “The Light Comes from Within,” on the posthumously released album “Wide Prairie.”
When his mom died in 1998, James admits that his ‘perfect world’ was destroyed.
“When I was 17 I wrote my first song and then Mum was diagnosed with cancer. She died when I was 20 and that’s when I went into a very dark period,” he said. He continued, “I was studying art, photography and English at college. I had spent a lot of time at home with Mum and Dad. I got a bit of flak from the college because I wasn’t really present, but I never regretted spending that time with her.”
James found solace in drugs and alcohol, and distanced himself from the family. Adding to his struggles was his relationship his dad’s new wife, Heather Mills, whom Paul was married to from 2002 to 2008.
“My relationship with Heather was not very good. I didn’t like her. But I wouldn’t want to say anything negative about her because she’s a good mother to Beatrice and that’s the most important thing,” James said, speaking of his baby sister that Paul shares with Mills. “Beatrice is adorable. She’s great, a real joy for the whole family.”
In 2007, when his award-winning dad was hospitalized and had angioplasty surgery, James reconnected with his family. “Dad’s great now but that episode made me realize how important he is to me. He was suffering in his own way [because of his high-profile split from Mills]. He was under stress. In hindsight I wish I’d been more supportive,” James said.
In 2011, Paul married Nancy Shevell, to which James says, “Nancy’s my new mother. I feel that. Definitely. She’s very genuine.”
“I removed myself from my family for a while. Now I want to immerse myself in them,” James shared. “I love Dad so much. I’m in a happy place. I’m not high, which is a good thing. I just want to be the best person I can be.”
Slowly gaining traction as a reputable musician, James released his debut single “Available Light” (2010) and then, collaborated with his dad, who worked as co-producer, James delivered his first album, “Me” in 2013, followed by “The Blackberry Train” in 2016.
Though he lived a mostly private life, he told the BBC in 2012 that as a child, he aimed to be “better than the Beatles.”
“When I got to a certain age, I realized that I was somewhat better than other kids at school at guitar and took pride and enjoyment in that,” James said (as per the Daily Mail).
“I then dreamt of being better than The Beatles. I’m not sure if I can do that. If anything, I would love to be equal to The Beatles–but even that’s quite tough.”
He even revealed he was wanting to reanimate the Beatles with the progeny of the Fab Four, including John Lennon’s son, Sean, son of George, Dhani Harrison, and Ringo Starr’s two boys Zach and Jason Starkey.
But quickly shutting down the media explosion over a Beatles incarnation, NBC reports that James clarified that it was just a thought. “Well, looks like quite some attention being given to my BBC interview! Honestly, I was just thinking out loud about playing with Beatles family friends, nothing more. My band’s going to be on tour in the UK and US for most of this year, and the shows are going great! I’m so grateful…. Lots of love to you all…!”
Recently, James appeared with his dad and big sisters at the private viewing of the “Paul McCartney 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm” exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
The exhibition features extraordinary photographs taken by Sir Paul of The Beatles’ early days.
James, looking similar to his famous dad, was dapper in a black suit paired with a white shirt at the star-studded event.
Tossed into the spotlight where he’s vulnerable to criticism, fans shared their harsh opinions of James, who is a recovering addict.
“They look very much alike! I think this is what Paul would’ve looked like (in his heyday) if he was overweight and didn’t look after himself. His son needs to start looking after himself. It seems as though he over eats, probably an alcoholic. And doesn’t look like his hygiene is up to par.”
Many, reacted to the Daily Mail writing on Facebook that James is Handsome: “They have a different standard of what ‘handsome’ is….Yikes!” writes one user, while another said, “I don’t think I would say he was handsome got his dad’s eyes but that’s all.”
Some suggested that James aged poorly: “Sorry to say this but his son looks like his father and his father looks like his son.”
Falling into the minority of cyber citizens defending James, one follower writes, “Wow look at all the women body shaming the poor guy for his looks, if it was a woman they would be all up in arms if there was any negative comments, leave him alone ffs nothing wrong with him….probably gets more women than most men in here too lol.”
Have you heard any music released by James McCartney? Are you more likely to listen to his recordings because he is the son of a musical legend or are you the type of person who prefers independent artists?
The Legacy of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans: Meet the Cowboy Icon’s Nine Children
Roy Rogers, famously dubbed the “King of the Cowboys”, and his spouse Dale Evans, known as the “Queen of the West”, emerged as early luminaries in Hollywood’s nascent television era.
Rogers, celebrated for his role as the singing cowboy alongside his loyal palomino Trigger, ascended to become the preeminent star of Westerns during his time. He starred in more than a hundred films and headlined his own television series, The Roy Rogers Show.
Over the course of his life, Rogers fathered a total of nine children through his marriages with Grace Arline Wilkins and Dale Evans. While some of his offspring followed his footsteps into the entertainment industry, others pursued quieter lives away from public scrutiny. Here’s an individual glimpse into each of Roy Rogers’ children:
Cheryl Rogers: Adopted in 1941 with his second wife, Grace Arline Wilkins, from Hope Cottage in Texas. Cheryl grew up in the presence of her father’s beloved horse Trigger and appeared in several of his films during her childhood, including Meet Roy Rogers and Trail of Robin Hood.
Linda Lou Rogers: Born two years after Cheryl’s adoption to Grace. Linda married Gary Johnson, a minister, and the couple shared over four decades together until his passing in 2008. Linda now resides in California, surrounded by their children and grandchildren.
Roy Rogers Jr. (Dusty): The only biological son of Roy Rogers, born shortly before Grace’s untimely death due to childbirth complications. Dusty made childhood appearances on The Roy Rogers Show and later managed his father’s career. He also performed with the Sons of the Pioneers and formed his band, Roy Rogers Jr. and the High Riders.
Robin Elizabeth Rogers: The only child born to Dale Evans and Roy Rogers, Robin tragically passed away before her second birthday due to complications from the mumps. In her memory, Dale authored the book Angel Unaware.
Dodie Rogers: Adopted at seven months old, Dodie, of Native American heritage, married Jon Patterson, a NASA employee, and they welcomed a daughter named Kristin. Dodie now enjoys her role as a grandmother.
Mimi Rogers: Born Marion Fleming in Edinburgh, Scotland, Mimi was discovered by Roy and Dale in a children’s home due to her exceptional singing talents. She became a cherished member of their family, marrying Dan, a Marine Corps member, with whom she had three children before his passing. Mimi is now a grandmother herself.
Debbie Rogers: Adopted during the Korean War after becoming orphaned, Debbie tragically died at the age of 12 in a bus accident in Los Angeles while traveling with other children from her church.
Sandy Rogers: Adopted following Robin’s passing, John David “Sandy” Rogers later joined the U.S. Army but sadly passed away at age 18 in a choking incident at a military hospital in Germany.
Tom Fox: Dale’s biological son from her previous marriage, Tom was raised by Roy and Dale. He pursued a career as a school teacher and music minister before his passing in 2012.
The saga of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans’ family is marked by a tapestry of happiness, sorrow, and love, emblematic of their enduring family values and profound legacy.
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