“When I’m Sixty-Four” is a classic song by The Beatles that prominently features a trio of clarinets throughout.
The song was released in 1967 on the album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”.
The melody of the song was written by Paul McCartney when he was just 14 years old, probably at 20 Forthlin Road in April or May 1956.
The clarinet players on “When I’m Sixty-Four” were Robert Burns, Henry MacKenzie, and Frank Reidy.
They played two regular clarinets and one bass clarinet, and their contribution to the song is an integral part of its unique sound.
The song was the first from the “Sgt. Pepper” album to be recorded, and it was originally intended to be the B-side to “Strawberry Fields Forever”.
The Beatles and When I’m 64
Composition and Recording
“When I’m 64” is a song written by Paul McCartney, released on the Beatles’ 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
It was one of the first songs McCartney ever wrote, and was inspired by his father, Jim McCartney, who played the song’s melody on the family piano.
The song was recorded in December 1966, and was one of the first tracks recorded for the album.
The recording session for “When I’m 64” took place at Abbey Road Studios in London. George Martin produced the session, and the Beatles were accompanied by three clarinetists: Robert Burns, Henry MacKenzie, and Frank Reidy.
The session was completed in just two hours, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Instruments Used
The instrumentation for “When I’m 64” includes vocals by Paul McCartney, backing vocals by John Lennon and George Harrison, piano and bass by McCartney, guitar by Lennon, drums and chimes by Ringo Starr, and clarinets by Burns, MacKenzie, and Reidy.
The song is in the key of D-flat major and features a rhythm track that is reminiscent of a variety style.
The clarinet trio of “When I’m Sixty-Four” was played by three of England’s best reed players. Robert Burns and Henry MacKenzie played the clarinets, while Frank Reidy played the bass clarinet.
The clarinets were Paul McCartney’s request, and the session was completed quickly due to the skill of the studio musicians.
Other Details
“When I’m 64” was originally intended to be the B-side to “Strawberry Fields Forever,” but was eventually released as part of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
The song was also included in the Beatles’ 1968 animated film, Yellow Submarine, and was used over the opening credits of the 1982 film, The World According to Garp. Giles Martin remixed the song for inclusion on the album’s 50th anniversary release in 2017.
The song’s lyrics describe growing old together, and the desire to be loved and cared for in old age. The song’s cheerful, rooty-tooty melody and upbeat lyrics make it a fan favorite, and it has been covered by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Vera, Chuck, and Dave.
Overall, “When I’m 64” is a charming and whimsical song that showcases Paul McCartney’s songwriting and the Beatles’ musicianship. The inclusion of the clarinet trio adds a unique and playful touch to the song, and the recording session was a testament to the skill of the Beatles and their collaborators.
The Clarinet in When I’m 64
Who Played the Clarinet?
“When I’m 64” is a song by the Beatles, released in 1967 on their album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
The clarinet trio on the song was played by Robert Burns and Henry MacKenzie on clarinets, and Frank Reidy on bass clarinet.
These three musicians were among the best reed players in England at the time.
The Role of the Clarinet in the Song
The clarinet plays a prominent role in “When I’m 64,” adding to the nostalgic, old-timey feel of the song.
The clarinet trio is featured in the song’s introduction and is also heard throughout the song.
The clarinet’s light, airy sound provides a nice contrast to the heavier, more complex instrumentation of the song.
The song was written by Paul McCartney when he was just 14 years old, and it is a tribute to his father, Jim McCartney.
The lyrics of the song describe a couple growing old together and still being in love when they are 64 years old. The clarinet trio adds to the song’s whimsical, sentimental tone, and helps to create a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.
Other Contributors to the Song
In addition to the clarinet trio, “When I’m 64” features lead vocals by Paul McCartney and backing vocals by John Lennon and George Harrison. The song was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, where the Beatles recorded most of their music.
The lyrics of “When I’m 64” were inspired by Paul McCartney’s childhood home at 20 Forthlin Road in Liverpool. The song’s lyrics describe a couple living together in a small house, which was similar to McCartney’s childhood home.
Overall, “When I’m 64” is a charming, nostalgic song that showcases the Beatles’ versatility and songwriting skills. The clarinet trio adds to the song’s whimsical, sentimental tone, and helps to create a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.