In the summer of 1968, The Beattles’ song “Hey Jude” topped charts around the world and was the best-selling single of 1968 in the UK, US, Australia, and Canada. Now, the hastily scribbled handwritten lyrics to the song have sold for a USD910,000 through auction house Julien’s Auctions.
That high valuation is roughly nine times its original estimate and was one of more than 250 items of Beatles memorabilia went on sale as part of a massive online auction organised by Julien’s Auctions in New York in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the band’s breakup.
The song was written by Paul McCartney originally as “Hey Jules” to comfort Julian, the son of fellow Beattle’s John Lennon who left his wife Cynthia Lilian Powell for the Japanese artist Yoko Ono. The song’s message was meant to encourage the titular Jude to pursue opportunities to find love.
“Hey Jude” has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Originally, the sale was meant to take place both online and at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square in New York City but due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, it was only held online.
