Little Wing: The Jimmy McCulloch Story by Paul Salley -- A Book Review

 I must admit that I’ve always been a sucker for the underdog. I always root for the supporting character in the story. For whatever reason, those are the people that I find interesting. It’s easy to focus on the central figure. That’s why they’re there. It’s the people on the side, or in the background that very rarely get the acclaim they deserve. Or at the very least, they don’t have enough people interested in their story. Such is the case here. Thankfully, first-time author, Paul Salley took far more than a passing interest in guitarist, Jimmy McCulloch, and has penned a thorough accounting of Jimmy’s life and career in “Little Wing: The Jimmy McCulloch Story” (Lotown Publishing)

While most people only Jimmy McCulloch as the lead guitarist for “Paul McCartney & Wings” from 1974-1977 (most prominently featured during the 1975/1976 Wings’ World Tour, and 1976 “Wings Over America” album), Jimmy’s career was rather storied despite his young age. At age 16, he was mentored by none other than Pete Townshend, and given the job as guitarist in the band “Thunderclap Newman”. Jimmy had also been in “Stone the Crows” and other bands, and also done session work for many artists before being hired by McCartney. After leaving Wings, McCulloch joined Steve Marriott in a short-lived incarnation of “Small Faces”, as well as his own projects, and done more session work, before his tragic passing at age 26.

Salley’s first book contains interviews with Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, Kenny Jones, John Mayall, Geoff Britton, (Jimmy’s brother) Jack McCulloch, and many others, painting a vivid picture of a young man who started out playing a guitar that was almost twice as big as he was, and ended up conquering the world at the side of an ex-Beatle. But through it all, always remained the “wee lad” with a big smile and a bigger talent.

The book is loaded with photos, and also contains a complete Discography of Jimmy McCulloch’s appearances on record, as well as a complete rundown of all the guitars and amps Jimmy owned and used during his life & career (as a musician and gearhead myself, I LOVED this section!)

Lastly, the book contains a wonderfully touching section of tributes to Jimmy from other musicians.

My thoughts about this book, are much the same about author Jim Berkenstadt’s excellent book about (temporary Beatles’ drummer Jimmie Nicol) “The Beatle Who Vanished”: I never thought the story of someone I (mistakenly) considered an afterthought in music history could be so compelling.

Jimmy McCulloch was a Phoenix who never had the chance to rise up from the ashes. This book gives Jimmy’s legacy the chance to soar.

Little Wing: The Jimmy McCulloch Story is available on Amazon.