On this day in music history: January 12, 1970 - “Come And Get It” by Badfinger is released in the US. Written and produced by Paul McCartney, it is the debut single for the Welsh and British rock/power pop band from Swansea, Wales and Liverpool, UK. Originally known as The Iveys, the bands’ line up consists of Pete Ham (guitar, lead vocals), Tom Evans (guitar, lead vocals), Mike Gibbons (drums) and Ron Griffiths (bass). They are brought to the attention of The Beatles by their long time road manager Mal Evans and Apple Records A&R head Peter Asher, after seeing them perform at the Marquee Club in London. Among the first acts signed to Apple, The Iveys record and release their first single “Maybe Tomorrow” in November of 1968, followed by their debut album of the same name in early 1969. Both fail to chart in the US and UK, and the band find themselves back at square one. In the Summer of 1969, Paul McCartney is commissioned by the producers of the comedy “The Magic Christian” (starring Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr), to write a song for the film. McCartney composes “Come And Get It” during sessions for The Beatles “Abbey Road”, recording a demo of the song on July 24, 1969, playing all of the instruments and singing all of the vocals. The Iveys are given the task of recording the final version for the film, with specific instructions to the band to copy his demo exactly while learning the song. With McCartney producing and Tom Evans on lead vocals, the track is recorded at Abbey Road Studios on August 2, 1969. In October of 1969, bassist Ron Griffiths leaves the band, citing “family concerns” and growing friction between the other three band members. With Evans switching to bass, fellow Liverpudlian Joey Molland becomes their new guitarist. Rechristened Badfinger, “Come And Get It” is released in the UK first in December of 1969. An immediate hit there, it peaks at #4 on the UK singles chart. Issued a month ahead of the US release of “The Magic Christian” in mid January 1970, the single repeats its UK success. Entering the Hot 100 at #92 on February 7, 1970, “Come And Get It” peaks at #7 on the Hot 100 on April 25, 1970, also putting the accompanying album “Magic Christian Music” (#55 Top 200) on the US pop album chart. Regarded as one of Badfingers’ signature songs and a power pop classic, “Come And Get It” has also been covered by Toots Hibbert and Sly & Robbie, Elton John and also performed live by Paul McCartney in concert for the first time during his “On The Run Tour” in 2011.

















