Episode 046: “Long Tall Sally”
The Beatles may have written hits by the dozen, but when it came to raw vocal power, they turned to “Long Tall Sally.” In this episode, Peter and Kenyon examine how Paul McCartney tackled Little Richard’s blistering classic and made it his own. From the song’s gospel-tinged triplets to McCartney’s throat-shredding vocal performance, this cover became a defining moment in Beatles live sets—often saved for their explosive finales. The hosts explore the band’s deep reverence for American R&B, the subtle modifications they made to the original arrangement, and how the recording captured their ability to walk the line between homage and transformation. With a spotlight on the blistering guitar solo, relentless tempo, and the song’s pivotal role in the Beatles’ stagecraft, this episode unpacks what made “Long Tall Sally” one of their most electrifying—and enduring—covers.
Listen to full episode :
