Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have shared a remarkable journey of achievements throughout the more than half-century that they’ve been friends. Even though their days as bandmates are behind them, the iconic musicians continue to accomplish impressive feats together. This week, their names resurface on the Billboard charts, and they achieve something special that neither has experienced in their storied careers.
McCartney and Starr make a joint appearance on the latest edition of the Country Digital Song Sales chart, a weekly Billboard ranking that measures the sales performance of country songs. It’s worth noting that this chart differs from the Hot Country Songs ranking, which takes into account radio airplay and streaming data to gauge the popularity of country tracks in the U.S. With their latest rendition of “Let It Be,” the two legendary artists debut at No. 22 on the chart, securing the highest entry of the week.
“Let It Be” marks a significant milestone for both McCartney and Starr as it represents their first appearance on the Country Digital Song Sales chart. Since their musical contributions to the country genre have been limited, this absence from the chart isn’t entirely unexpected. What might raise an eyebrow, however, is the classification of this reimagined Beatles classic as a country track rather than rock, considering the talent involved and the inspiration behind the cover.
In a reunion of the former Beatles—the two that are still left, that is—McCartney and Starr lend their talents to a fresh rendition of their timeless hit, “Let It Be.” The song takes on a new life via the inclusion of Dolly Parton, and it credits both McCartney and Starr as featured artists.
This updated version was recorded for Parton’s upcoming album Rockstar, which is set to be a notable departure from her usual country genre as she ventures into the rock world. This artistic shift, albeit not a complete departure, follows her recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Parton said she felt she needed to earn that honor, and thus the idea for Rockstar was born.
As “Let It Be” makes its mark on the Country Digital Song Sales chart, its commercial success also earns it a place on several other notable Billboard rankings. The tune debuts on both the Rock Digital Song Sales chart and the all-genre Digital Song Sales chart this week.
McCartney has seen his name on these two charts before, so for him the true triumph in this instance is securing a spot on the country ranking. Meanwhile, for Starr, this marks a new experience as he enters all three of these charts for the first time.
