Wendy Whitworth, executive producer of CNN’s “Larry King Live” and a huge Paul McCartney fan, received an unforgettable 50th birthday present: a private concert from the former Beatle.
Whitworth’s husband, financier Ralph Whitworth, came up with the unusual gift idea and offered McCartney $1 million to do the San Diego gig. McCartney agreed, saying he would donate the money to the anti-landmines charity Adopt-A-Minefield.
Wendy Whitworth, broke into tears when her husband announced McCartney was taking the stage Saturday before 150 guests, including Katie Couric of NBC’s “Today” and King.
Near the end of the 90-minute set, which included the Beatles’ classics “Let It Be” and “Yesterday,” McCartney called Wendy Whitworth on stage and presented her with 50 roses. The band then went into the Beatles’ song “Birthday” while the Whitworths danced at McCartney’s side.
The show served as a warm-up for McCartney’s upcoming tour of Europe, which starts next month.
Afterward, McCartney said: “Ralph gets to be the great husband for organizing the surprise, his wife gets a rocking party, I get to rehearse the band for the tour, and most important, Adopt-A-Minefield gets one million dollars.”
