Sir James Paul McCartney, born 18 June 1942 in Liverpool, England, was the bassist of The Beatles — the most commercially successful band in history. Co-author with John Lennon of one of the most consequential songbooks in 20th-century music. Knighted in 1997.
His Parents
Father: James McCartney (1902 – 1976) — cotton-trader and jazz pianist who led "Jim Mac's Jazz Band" in the 1920s.
Mother: Mary Patricia Mohin McCartney (1909 – 31 October 1956) — Irish-Catholic midwife; died of breast cancer when Paul was 14.
His Brother: Mike McCartney
Peter Michael "Mike" McCartney, born 7 January 1944 — younger brother; performed under the name Mike McGear with the band Scaffold. Photographer.
His Wives
Linda McCartney née Eastman (1941 – 1998) — American photographer and musician; The Beatles' Wings keyboardist. Married Paul 12 March 1969; died of breast cancer 17 April 1998.
Heather Mills — British model and anti-landmines activist; married 2002; divorced 2008.
Nancy Shevell — American businesswoman; married 2011.
His Children
Heather McCartney, born 31 December 1962 — adopted daughter (Linda's biological child from her first marriage).
Mary McCartney, born 28 August 1969 — daughter; photographer.
Stella McCartney, born 13 September 1971 — daughter; major fashion designer (House of Stella McCartney).
James McCartney, born 12 September 1977 — son; musician.
Beatrice McCartney, born 28 October 2003 — daughter with Heather Mills.
The McCartney Family Tree at a Glance
Father: James McCartney (1902 – 1976) — cotton-trader, jazz pianist.
Mother: Mary McCartney (1909 – 31 October 1956) — midwife.
Brother: Mike McCartney / McGear (b. 7 January 1944) — musician, photographer.
Wives: Linda McCartney (1941 – 1998); Heather Mills (m. 2002, div. 2008); Nancy Shevell (m. 2011).
Children: Heather McCartney (b. 31 December 1962); Mary McCartney (b. 28 August 1969); Stella McCartney (b. 13 September 1971); James McCartney (b. 12 September 1977); Beatrice McCartney (b. 28 October 2003).
Paul McCartney:
- Born 18 June 1942, Liverpool
- Liverpool Institute (1953–1960)
- Co-founded The Beatles with John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr (1960)
- Beatles dissolved 1970
- Wings (1971–1981)
- Solo since 1980
- OBE (1965); Knighted (KBE), 1997; Companion of Honour (2017)
What the McCartney Family Story Teaches Us
A jazz-pianist father. A midwife mother who died of breast cancer at 47. A brother who became a musician in his own right. A first wife (and creative partner) who also died of breast cancer. Two more marriages. Five children spread across photography, fashion, music, and adoption.
For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the McCartney story carries the same lesson. Sometimes a family is shaped by a particular illness across generations. Both Paul's mother and his first wife died of breast cancer — a fact he has spoken about publicly. Write down the illnesses that have run through your family. They are part of who the family is.
👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App
- Android: Family Root App on Google Play
- iOS: Family Root App on Apple Store
📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.
