So, when Paul McCartney wrote When I'm Sixty-Four, I'm pretty sure that he wasn't really thinking that 64 would actually show up. I mean, who can imagine that? But, sure enough, it showed up for Paul in 2006. And it showed up for me two days ago. Just like that.
But I was thinking about 64 a good bit when I was 63. It seemed like a particularly notable milestone, mostly (or entirely) because of what the Beatles included on their Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band album back in 1967. And I wondered why no one had written the follow-up to When I'm Sixty-Four. So, I figured, if it hadn't been done, I should be the one to do it. I mean, why not? Sixty-Four was on the horizon. And the song was crying out to be written. So I wrote it.
So, on April 8, 2018, Well, I'm Sixty-Four "dropped." The song is the title track to the new EP by Bruce Rits Gilbert & The Missing Years.
Who are The Missing Years? Well, they are an amazing group of musicians who I was so honored to have join me in the studio to record seven new songs:
Matt Lyons, my guitar teacher and guitar mentor, played electric lead guitar on all of the songs. He's simply amazing.
Glenn Ferracone, who has a Grammy nomination for record production to his credit, both produced the album and played drums. His fantastic work set the tempo for the entire project.
Nick Gunty and Brian Powers are the brilliant duo, Frances Luke Accord, and it was such a thrill for me to have them join the band for this EP. They did backing vocals together on three songs (including Well, I'm Sixty-Four), and Nick did his stunning harmonies on two more songs and did a lead verse on one song. These two guys are so talented and so darn nice!
Paul Klinefelter played the upright bass on three tracks (including Well, I'm Sixty-Four) and electric bass on two tracks. He's is the consummate professional. So good!
Luke Ferracone added his superb rhythm guitar on five tracks.
And my fabulously talented nephew Teddy Grossman co-wrote one song (Christmas in Philly) with me, and joined us in the studio for that song, on which Teddy's sweet vocals can be heard in the harmonies and front and center in the third verse. He also played the piano and organ on the track.
And that brings us to the song. Here's the official music video of "Well, I'm Sixty-Four." It stars Calder and Jane. They're so awesome! Thanks for listening.
And, as a bonus, here's a live version of "Well, I'm Sixty-Four" that Matt, Nick and I did at the Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts on July 21. It was raining. But it was a great night.