Recording: Hey Jude

Trident Studios, St Anne’s Court, London
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Barry Sheffield

Having recorded the basic rhythm track for ‘Hey Jude’ the previous day, The Beatles finished the recording during this 5pm-3am session.

The session took place at Trident Studios in London’s Soho, which had been chosen for its eight-track recording facilities. Overdubs added to take one included lead and backing vocals, bass guitar, tambourine, handclaps, and a 36-piece orchestra.

Hey Jude promo film, 4 September 1968

The orchestra featured 10 violins, three violas, three cellos, two flutes, contrabassoon, bassoon, two clarinets, contrabass clarinet, four trumpets, four trombones, two horns, two string basses and percussion.

The session musicians were also asked, for a double fee, to clap their hands and contribute backing vocals; one musician reportedly refused, saying: “I’m not going to clap my hands and sing Paul McCartney’s bloody song!”

Paul McCartney's handwritten lyrics for Hey Jude

Last updated: 22 June 2023
Recording: Hey Jude
Mixing: Hey Jude
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