Sir James Paul McCartney (born June 18, 1942) is an English singer, songwriter, and musician who gained global fame with the Beatles, for whom he played bass guitar and shared primary songwriting and lead vocal duties with John Lennon. One of the most successful composers and performers of all time, McCartney is known for his melodic approach to bass-playing, his versatile and wide tenor vocal range, and his eclecticism, exploring styles ranging from pre-rock 'n' roll pop to classical and electronica.