Album This song officially appears on the Live At The BBC Official live.
Timeline This song was officially released in 1994
From Wikipedia:
“Clarabella” is a pop song composed by Frank Pingatore and recorded by the Jodimars (a group made of former members of Bill Haley & His Comets) in 1956. Today, it is best known for being recorded by the Beatles for the radio programme “Pop Go the Beatles” on 2 July 1963, which was broadcast on the 16th of that month. It was released commercially on compact disc much later, on the 1994 compilation album Live at the BBC, although years earlier a similar rendition by Billy Preston (who would later work with the Beatles on their later recordings) was performed on a 1965 episode of Shindig!. […]
In Live At The BBC liner notes:
In the Beatles’ set list since 1960, this obscure favourite of Paul’s was originally recorded in 1956 by the Jodimars – refugees from Bill Haley’s Comets.
From The Beatles Bible:
In contrast to the slower, Elvis-style original, The Beatles’ version of Clarabella was a souped-up rocker, complete with the first recorded outing for Paul McCartney’s Little Richard impersonation.
Although it was never recorded by the group for EMI, McCartney has suggested that the song was put forward as a possible cover version. Talking about the songs recorded for the BBC, he said:
“I think we probably played them all to George [Martin] and said, ‘How about this one?’ Clarabella was one.” – Paul McCartney, The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions, Mark Lewisohn
Well, I've got a baby
Crazy for me
Yeah, I've got a baby
Won't let me be
Whoa, baby baby, Clarabella
Baby baby, Clarabella
Baby baby, whoa, whoa, yeah
Well, she needs no
Coachin' on makin' love
All she needs is the stars up above
Whoa, baby baby, Clarabella
Baby baby, Clarabella
Baby baby, whoa, whoa, yeah
Well now, Clarabella
You're my honey, Clarabella
Ooh yeah Clarabella
I said you're my baby, Clarabella
Yeah, Clarabella, baby
Wo wo, yeah yeah
Well, she's got no time for-a dungarees
Already knows her ABCs
Whoa, baby baby, Clarabella
Baby baby, Clarabella
Baby baby, whoa, whoa, yeah
Well now, Clarabella, yeah
You're my honey, Clarabella
Whoo, you're my baby, Clarabella
You're my honey, Clarabella, yeah
Yeah, Clarabella, baby
Whoa whoa, well, oh yeah
Official live • Released in 1994
2:39 • Radio show • L1
Paul McCartney : Bass, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Harmonica, Rhythm guitar George Harrison : Lead guitar
Concert From "Pop Go The Beatles" in London, United Kingdom on Jul 16, 1963
Live At The BBC (2013 remaster)
Official live • Released in 2013
2:39 • Radio show • L1.2013
Paul McCartney : Bass, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Harmonica, Rhythm guitar George Harrison : Lead guitar Guy Massey : Remastering Alex Wharton : Remastering
Concert From "Pop Go The Beatles" in London, United Kingdom on Jul 16, 1963
The Beatles At The Beeb - Volume 4
Unofficial live • Released in 2003
3:08 • Live • L1
Concert From "Pop Go The Beatles" in London, United Kingdom on Jul 16, 1963
Unofficial album • Released in 2015
2:48 • Live
Concert From "Pop Go The Beatles" in London, United Kingdom on Jul 16, 1963
“Clarabella” has been played in 1 concerts.
Jul 16, 1963 • Part of BBC Sessions
Paul McCartney: Music Is Ideas. The Stories Behind the Songs (Vol. 2) 1990-2012
This new book by Luca Perasi traces Paul McCartney's post-Beatles output from 1990 to 2012 in the form of 250 song entries, filled with details about the recordings, stories behind the sessions and musical analysis. His pop albums, his forays into classical and avant-garde music, his penchant for covering old standards: a complete book to discover how these languages cross-pollinate and influence each other.
The second volume in a series that has established itself as a unique guide to take the reader on a journey into the astonishing creativity of Paul McCartney.
Notice any inaccuracies on this page? Have additional insights or ideas for new content? Or just want to share your thoughts? We value your feedback! Please use the form below to get in touch with us.
Susan Silver • 2 years ago
Clarabella is one of my favourite Paul vocals - he absolutely belts it out.