Paul McCartney | Autograph letter signed, critiquing song lyrics in his capacity as a producer for Apple Records

Paul McCartney

Autograph letter signed (“Paul (McCartney etc…)”), critiquing song lyrics in his capacity as a producer for Apple Records

2 pages overall (253 x 201 mm, and 292 x 203mm); comprising a letter written from “7 Cavendish Ave NW 8 | W Apple REG 8232” and stamped 8 Oct 1968; and a photocopy of song lyrics, with annotations by McCartney; a few stray spots, faint old folds, paperclip marks, and edge tears to lyric sheet, which is adhered to a smaller sheet of lined paper (not visible from the front). 

McCartney as producer: "The song is beautiful, but as you can see, the words have been slightly wrecked"

Mary Hopkin was one of the first artists to be signed to the Beatles' label, Apple Records. She worked closely with Paul as a producer from around 1968 -1969. The present letter finds McCartney in the weeks after her debut single, "Those Were the Days," hit number one on the UK charts, looking to hone her next recording.

The letter reads:

"I’ve enclosed the lyrics of a song which one of your lot publishes. The song is beautiful, but as you can see, the words have been slightly wrecked. Prince of Avignon, is, for a kick off, a better title, and, if the words were bettered it would be great for Mary Hopkin. 

I’m starting an album with her soon, so see what you can get Gil (or someone) to do. 

Would you ring me about the answer."