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?
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans: The Legendary Hollywood Family
Famed Hollywood stars Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were not only known for their iconic roles on the big screen but also became beloved television stars. Roy, known as the “King of the Cowboys,” captivated audiences with his singing cowboy persona and his faithful palomino horse, Trigger. He had his own show, the Roy Rogers Show, and appeared in over a hundred films.
Between his marriages to Grace Arline Wilkins and Dale Evans, Roy Rogers had a total of nine children. While some followed in their famous father’s footsteps in Hollywood, others chose quieter paths. Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating lives of Roy Rogers’ offspring.
Cheryl Rogers and Linda Lou Rogers: Two Paths, One Family
Grace Arline Wilkins and Cheryl Rogers adopted Cheryl when she was young. As a child, she made cameo appearances in films alongside her father and his famous horse, Trigger. Linda, Roy Rogers’ biological daughter with Grace, lived a quieter life. She was married to priest Gary Johnson for over 40 years until his passing in 2008. Linda now enjoys her time with her children and grandchildren in California.
Dusty Rogers: The Legacy Continues
Roy Rogers Jr., affectionately known as Dusty, is Roy Rogers’ only biological son. Dusty made his first appearance on The Roy Rogers Show as a young boy and later went on to manage his father’s career. He was also a talented musician, leading the bands Roy Rogers Jr. and the High Riders and being a member of the Sons of the Pioneers.
Honoring the Lost: Robin and Deborah Lee Rogers
Dale Evans and Roy Rogers’ daughter, Robin, tragically passed away at a young age due to mumps complications. To honor her memory, Dale wrote the heartfelt book “Angel Unaware.” Deborah Lee Rogers, adopted during the Korean War, found a loving home with the family. Sadly, Deborah and other children from her church were involved in a devastating bus accident in Los Angeles, resulting in her untimely death at the age of 12.
Dodie Rogers and Mimi Rogers: Love and Adoption
Native American Dodie Rogers joined the family when she was just seven months old. After marrying NASA worker Jon Patterson, Dodie became a mother to their daughter, Kristin, and now enjoys being a grandmother to her own grandkids. Mimi Rogers, originally named Marion Fleming, became a member of the family after Roy and Dale adopted her from a children’s home in Scotland. Mimi went on to have three children with her husband, Marine Dan, before his passing. Now a grandma herself, Mimi cherishes her role in the family.
Tom Fox: A Musical Life
Tom Fox, Dale Evans’ biological son from her previous marriage, was lovingly brought up by Roy and Dale. Throughout his life, Tom pursued a career as a music minister and educator, leaving a lasting impact on those he encountered. He passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of music and family values.
Through happiness, sorrow, and love, the remarkable story of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans’ family stands as a testament to their unwavering family principles and lasting impact on Hollywood and beyond.
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