In honor of Sir Paul McCartney’s birthday later this week (Thursday, June 18 for those needing a reason to celebrate and eat cake-you’re welcome). I thought I’d pass along a bit of dog trivia.

McCartney wrote the song “Martha My Dear” in October 1968 and releasing it in November on the double album The Beatles (known as The White Album) and inspired by his Old English Sheepdog. The song however was ostensibly about his longtime love interest, Jane Asher who broke off their engagement in a few months earlier. Asher inspired a number of songs including “We can Work it Out”, “Here, There and Everywhere”, “For No One”, and “I’m Looking Through You”.

Sir Paul also recorded a high pitched whistle along with some randomly spliced Beatles studio chatter in “A Day in the Life” audible only to dogs for Martha’s amusement. It appeared on the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album.

Hats off to a fellow dog-lover and soon to be a 73 year old rocker (yikes!). Happy Birthday, Sir Paul. Here’s our own OES lineup (when Sam joined the Ranch, he had a brother and sister OES).

Know of any other songs inspired by famous artists?

Live, love, bark! <3