Released in 1969
Rosetta
Written by Earl Hines • William Henri Woode
Last updated on October 14, 2021
Released in 1969
Written by Earl Hines • William Henri Woode
Last updated on October 14, 2021
Album This song officially appears on the Rosetta / Just Like Before 7" Single.
Timeline This song was officially released in 1969
This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:
Early February 1969
“Rosetta” is a track written by Earl Hines and his arranger William Henri Woode in 1933. Paul McCartney suggested the Merseybeat band The Fourmost (previously managed by Brian Epstein like The Beatles) to record a cover of it. Paul produced it, and it was released as a single in February 1969.
Not too many weeks ago Paul took up with a new girlfriend, Rosetta. You might say she was a very old flame, for Rosetta is the title of an old jazz standard which Paul “re-discovered” and felt would be just right for the Liverpudlian group The Fourmost. He called Fourmost leader Brian O’Hara with the suggestion that Rosetta be considered for the group’s new single on CBS.
This led to Paul not only attending The Fourmost session but producing the finished single which was released on February 21. That’s not really the end of the McCartney involvement because Paul’s Scaffolder brother Mike has been taking a personal interest in the plugging of the disc, taking copies to deejay mates and telling them how highly he thinks of The Fourmost and their new 1969 chances of hitting the Top 20 jackpot with Rosetta!
From the Beatles Monthly Book, N°68, March 1969
7" Single • Released in 1969
2:11 • Studio version • Mono
Paul McCartney : Piano, ProducerPerformed by : Brian O'Hara • Billy Hatton • Dave Lovelady • Ian Edwards
Session Recording: Early February 1969
Paul McCartney has never played this song in concert.
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