Paul McCartney : I Saw Him Standing There [Hardcover]

Jorie B. Gracen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2000

Paul McCartney: I Saw Him Standing There presents an insider's glimpse into the private persona of one of the world's greatest musician-singer-songwriters or our time. It has sure-fire, multigenerational appeal for the legions of fans who have followed the star's career for decades. All of the pictures in the book are the work of one professional photographer who has had unique access to McCartney from 1976 to the present. Her exclusive photos, taken during tours, record signings, private parties, press conferences, award ceremonies, backstage moments, and numerous personal encounters, show the many faces of McCartney-the musician, devoted husband, proud father, environmentalist, and animal rights activist. Revealing statements by the artist himself, lively accounts by many of his fans, and commentary by the author complete this remarkable chronicle of an internationally beloved entertainer.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Photojournalist Gracen is a McCartney maven by avocation. In this neat rock bio, her photos take center stage, and the text describes the vicissitudes of various McCartney and Wings tours. The occasional rock road show revelation is definitely included. For instance, Gracen recounts the 12-minute film used to open concerts on the 1993 world tour. "This film showcased a musical history of the rock star with some never-before-seen footage of the Beatles, . . . home movies of the McCartney family, and some graphic scenes of vivisection, animal mutilation and torture." The latter were parts of "McCartney's ongoing campaign against animal cruelty." Yow! All that and silly love songs, too. Does the mop-top knight know how to put on a show, or what? Politics and gory visuals at rock concerts--shades of Marilyn Manson!--aside, this is a feel-good book for boomers. Uncritical and packed with pix and exasperatingly upbeat anecdotes, it is a must-have item for Beatlemaniacs. Mike Tribby
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Jorie B. Gracen specializes in entertainment, editorial, and public relations photography. Her celebrity photos have appeared in People, Rolling Stone, Newsweek, Cosmopolitan, The New York Times, and a dozen other major publications. One of her best-known photos appears on Paul McCartney's Tripping the Live Fantastic album. She lives in Chicago

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill Publications (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823083721
• ISBN-13: 978-0823083725
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,654,210 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spend an afternoon with Paul!, September 13, 2000

By 

Pamela Dupre "dayztrekker" (Mundelein, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paul McCartney : I Saw Him Standing There (Hardcover)

This book is a class act! From the very first page, readers are lovingly drawn into the life and times of Paul McCartney, through Jorie Gracen's incredible photographs that capture the essense of a man and his music. The concert photos simply vibrate with life and give the reader a visual front seat perspective of Paul ripping up the stage or quietly enthralling his audience with a solo years hit, or a classic Beatles song. In addition, the off-stage photos of Paul portray the human side of a man who is husband, father, friend, businessman and fellow musician, simply living his life and loving it. The sensitive candid photos cover Paul's many moods and multi-faceted personality, from the irrepressible to the contemplative. The intriguing and colorful personal stories from enthusiastic fans who have had a close encounter with Paul, add humor, warmth and historical reference points that nicely compliment the stunning array of photographs. Jorie Grayson, a dedicated highly respected professional, with extensive music celebrity photo credits, is seen on the Intro page getting an affectionate hug from one of her favorite subjects -- Paul himself! Over the years Paul invited and readily posed for Jorie on numerous occasions, including the unforgettable picture on the book's back cover, of Paul on the steps of Abbey Road Studios! This book is a fun romp back through time that allows Paul's fans to see both the musical legend and the man, through the author's unique perspective.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Concert Photos!!!, August 30, 2000

By 

Ann Keen (Wilmington, DE USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paul McCartney : I Saw Him Standing There (Hardcover)

This is an absolutely delightful book for anyone who loves the Beatles, Paul McCartney or great photography. The photos are full of energy and showcase Paul's powerful stage presence. The text written by fans who attended the concerts and by the author are fun and catch the spirit of the shows.

This is a must have book!

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First Class McCartney, October 6, 2000

By 

Joy M. O'donnell (Schererville, Indiana USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paul McCartney : I Saw Him Standing There (Hardcover)

This book is probably one of the finest photographic accounts of Paul McCartney. The other ex-Beatles (that are still with us) should be so lucky! Ms. Gracen has done a wonderful service to all of us McCartney fans, by sharing her talents and fortitude to get the right photo, sometimes under very extreme circumstances. The selection of her photos were made to be a book. The accounts of the various fans and venues was very entertaining. Also, the layout and design of the book is very professional, no shortcuts here! Anyone who has seen the Beatles in concert, Paul and his various bands, I really recommend Jorie's book. It takes you back and makes you smile and remember all of the wonderful music this legend has given tp us over the years! Well done, Jorie!!