“Hey Jude” was the first song released by The Beatles on their own Apple label in 1968. It was credited to “Lennon/McCartney” as many Beatles songs were, even if they had been written just by John Lennon or just Paul McCartney. “Hey Jude” was written by McCartney. It was apparently written to Lennon’s son Julian and originally cast as “Hey Jules.” McCartney had concern for Julian after John and Cynthia Lennon separated. He changed the title to “Hey Jude” before sharing it, and it was many years before Julian recognized it as a song for him. John had meanwhile wondered if they song was actually written to him. Paul had once suggested to John that he wrote the song about himself. In any case the song was quite long for a pop single (over seven minutes), but it was by The Beatles after all, and while some radio stations faded the long and repetitive ending, most just played it through. “Hey Jude” would be the biggest Beatles hit, spending nine weeks at the Number 1 spot. McCartney’s concern for Julian was perceptive. Julian Lennon didn’t enjoy a close relationship with his father, and dedicated his album “Photograph Smile” to his stepfather Roberto Bassanini, whom he said had actually raised him.

Paul McCartney and friends, including Elton John and Sting, do “Hey Jude”

The late Linda McCartney singing “Hey Jude” audio clip, poor quality, of just her mic in the mix. This is what people mixing sound always do — check out channels individually while the band plays.