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Released in 1968

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da

Written by Lennon - McCartney

Last updated on August 22, 2014

  • A

  • Anthology 3

    Official album • Released in 1996

    2:56 • OuttakeC • Stereo • Alternate version. The fruit of three days' work in number two studio at Abbey Road, this outtake of Paul's Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da included overdubs of three saxophones and conga drums. Passed over in favour of a re-make that began the following week, however, it proved the first instance that the Beatles had brought in session musicians to augment a recording that would remain unissued.

    Paul McCartney : Acoustic guitar, Bass part on distorted acoustic guitar, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Acoustic guitar, Backing vocals George Harrison : Acoustic guitar, Backing vocals George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Engineer, Recording engineer Rex Morris : Saxophone Richard Lush : Second engineer James Gray : Saxophone Jimmy Scott : Conga drum Cyril Reuben : Saxophone

    SessionRecording : Jul 03, 1968Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road

    SessionOverdubs : Jul 04, 1968Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road

    SessionOverdubs : Jul 05, 1968Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road

  • Anthology 3 (2016 remaster)

    Official album • Released in 2016

    2:56 • OuttakeC2016 • Stereo • Alternate version. The fruit of three days' work in number two studio at Abbey Road, this outtake of Paul's Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da included overdubs of three saxophones and conga drums. Passed over in favour of a re-make that began the following week, however, it proved the first instance that the Beatles had brought in session musicians to augment a recording that would remain unissued.

    Paul McCartney : Acoustic guitar, Bass part on distorted acoustic guitar, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Acoustic guitar, Backing vocals George Harrison : Acoustic guitar, Backing vocals George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Engineer, Recording engineer Rex Morris : Saxophone Richard Lush : Second engineer James Gray : Saxophone Jimmy Scott : Conga drum Cyril Reuben : Saxophone

    SessionRecording : Jul 03, 1968Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road

    SessionOverdubs : Jul 04, 1968Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road

    SessionOverdubs : Jul 05, 1968Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road

  • T

  • The Beatles (50th anniversary boxset)

    Official album • Released in 2018

    2:54 • OuttakeF • Take 3

    Paul McCartney : Acoustic guitar, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Engineer Richard Lush : Second engineer

    SessionRecording : Jul 03, 1968Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road

  • The Beatles Anthology Collection (2025)

    Official album • Released in 2025

    2:56 • OuttakeC • Stereo • Alternate version. The fruit of three days' work in number two studio at Abbey Road, this outtake of Paul's Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da included overdubs of three saxophones and conga drums. Passed over in favour of a re-make that began the following week, however, it proved the first instance that the Beatles had brought in session musicians to augment a recording that would remain unissued.

    Paul McCartney : Acoustic guitar, Bass part on distorted acoustic guitar, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Acoustic guitar, Backing vocals George Harrison : Acoustic guitar, Backing vocals George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Engineer, Recording engineer Rex Morris : Saxophone Richard Lush : Second engineer James Gray : Saxophone Jimmy Scott : Conga drum Cyril Reuben : Saxophone

    SessionRecording : Jul 03, 1968Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road

    SessionOverdubs : Jul 04, 1968Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road

    SessionOverdubs : Jul 05, 1968Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road

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