Paul McCartney: Legendary Songwriter with Deep Arizona Roots
Though known around the world as a founding member of The Beatles and one of the most influential songwriters of all time, Sir Paul McCartney also shares a meaningful and lasting connection to Arizona. His ties to the desert Southwest are not just incidental—they are heartfelt, personal, and poetic in nature, echoing throughout both his music and his memories.
In 1979, Paul and his late wife, Linda McCartney, purchased a 150-acre ranch nestled in the Tanque Verde area of Tucson. This desert sanctuary became the family’s cherished retreat, where they enjoyed quiet days of horseback riding, hiking the arid trails, and relaxing under the vast Arizona skies. It was here, in April 1998, that Linda passed away from cancer, and her ashes were lovingly scattered on the property—forever linking her spirit with the land she loved.
Linda’s deep affection for Tucson and the Southwest was well known. She embraced the region’s landscape, culture, and lifestyle with open arms, and the McCartney family was often seen around town shopping, dining, or quietly blending into the local community. Neighbors fondly remember them as kind, grounded, and generous.
Arizona continues to be part of McCartney’s life. In November 2024, he made a heartfelt visit to Arizona State University in Tempe, where he attended a special event honoring his current wife, Nancy Shevell McCartney, who was inducted into the W.P. Carey Alumni Hall of Fame. It was a touching moment that brought Paul back to a place full of personal history and resonance.
Paul’s creative legacy also includes visual tributes to Arizona. His music video for “Stranglehold” was filmed in the small town of Amado, capturing the rustic charm of Southern Arizona’s landscape. And in 2023, the University of Arizona’s Center for Creative Photography hosted The Linda McCartney Retrospective, a deeply moving exhibition that celebrated Linda’s groundbreaking work as a photographer and animal rights advocate.
While Paul McCartney’s poetic songwriting has spanned continents and cultures, his connection to Arizona is unmistakably personal and poignant. From the quiet beauty of his Tucson ranch to his public appearances in Tempe and beyond, McCartney’s presence in Arizona adds a layer of intimate meaning to his legendary body of work.
You can learn more about Paul McCartney, his poetic contributions, and other poets with Arizona ties on AZPoetry.com.