Paul McArtney on Larry King

Hardly any rock/pop musicians "read" music. They may know as much or more than anyone that does, but they never bother to learn the actual language. Unlike jazz musicians, they can afford to pay someone to transcribe the score for them. :-)

Phild, other than the really big time rock stars, the Rock musicians I know make far less than their Jazz counterparts. The Jazz players can fit into more money making music situations than the Rock guys can. This has been so in my 28 years as a paid musician, Aftra Signatore and 802 member. Believe me, the Marsalis Brother's can afford anything they need, including someone to transcribe if they want.

Bmpnyc- Nice paragraph. I agree whole heartdly with your views on music as it pertains to Paul or any gifted musician. Wouldn't be surprised if he never had a singing lesson either. Do they still call that gift perfect pitch? I tried studying music full time in college but dropped out after a year. Couldn't keep up on the theory end of it. I still play and write original tunes but never felt like I could compete. 3 years in L.A. confirmed it. Paul is an undisputed and absolute genius. Great interview very honest guy.

Irving Berlin could not read music. Dave Brubeck cannot read music. Pavarotti can not read music. This is not as unusual as you think.

Remember that although Pavarotti cannot read music, he has committed dozens of operas to memory. Can't bring the music on stage. Quite amazing when you think of it. Being able to read music is pointless to an opera singer it they can't memorize the parts.