Chapter 1: Badfinger’s Breakthrough Powered by Paul McCartney
Released in late 1969, Badfinger’s “Come and Get It” became the band’s breakthrough hit and one of the first major successes for Apple Records outside of The Beatles. Written and produced by Paul McCartney, the song was originally recorded by McCartney as a demo for the film The Magic Christian, starring Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr. Rather than release it himself, McCartney handed it to Badfinger with one instruction: record it exactly as he had written it. Led by Pete Ham’s confident vocals, the single climbed to No. 7 on both the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100, selling more than a million copies. Its irresistible melody, tight harmonies, and polished production introduced Badfinger to the world and established them as one of Britain’s brightest new rock bands.
