GEORGE DAY

George Harrison was born today in 1943! I was teaching at The Putney School when he passed away in 2001. I'll never forget standing up during morning assembly to announce that I'd heard the news- oh boy. When I began to speak my throat closed with emotion and it was hard to get the words out. George was a special person to many of us and for many different reasons. Here are a few thoughts in celebration of his birthday. He was the young lad who obsessively doodled guitars in his school notebooks and brought iconic hooks, solos, and songs to Beatles records. He also played a large role in bringing Indian music and culture to mainstream radar. Inspired by a sitar player on the set of Help! (1965), George went on to study with sitar master, Ravi Shankar, who became a kind of adopted father to the young Beatle. A wonderful box set came out a while back called Collaborations, which included all of the music released by George and Ravi, as well as some video performances. George explored music, meditation, and spirituality throughout his life, and he produced records by Indian musicians and spiritual groups (as well as many Apple artists). He also helped to establish the Bhaktivedanta Manor as the UK center of the Hare Krishna movement. The manor sports a beautiful garden devoted to George with areas named after many of his songs (well worth a visit!). His family announced last April the launch of Harisongs, a label devoted to George's personal archive of classical Indian and world music. George is also remembered today for the role he played in producing Monty Python's Life of Brian and other great independent film projects. Through his company, Hand-Made Films, Harrison was the executive producer of cult classics such as Mona Lisa, How to Get a Head in Advertising, Withnail and I, and two personal faves, Powwow Highway and Time Bandits. The Beatles grew up to the music and humor of UK stage-sensation, George Formby, and Harrison was especially drawn to the ukulele. Since George's passing in 2001, Paul McCartney has included a ukulele tribute to his old buddy in each of his concerts with a performance of the powerful Harrison classic "Something" from Abbey Road (1969). In the clip below, Paul mentions that his old friend was even a member of the Formby fan club. So sweet. I really appreciated George for his music, his thoughtful contemplation, for introducing me to Indian music, and ultimately for his quirky humor. I had a chance to visit the childhood homes of each of The Beatles in Liverpool about two years ago, with special visits inside John and Paul's homes. I was only able to view George and Ringo's places from the outside. My impression in each case was one of very humble beginnings, but I also got the sense that their lives were filled with family and friendships. Liverpool is a fantastic city and I urge Spy Vibers to make the trip if they haven't already. Check out Paul's tribute below. I've also added some George images, including some that illustrate his other huge hobby: sports cars (note the DB5, XKE, and the in-dash record player!), and nice moments with Ravi and with Eric Idle (Monty Python). Top image by Richard Avedon. Enjoy! Related posts: Baby You Can Drive my DB5.

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Fantomas Blu, Dark Shadows Doc, Bedazzled Blu-ray, Mary Quant Exhibit, Laika Calypso, Lost in Space Japan, Spy Dust Calypso, Atomic Cafe, John Barry Mono, Interview: John Barry Book, Land of the Giants Score, Skyfall Concert, Dearest Emma, Spy Vibe Radio: Upperseven, Ogilvy at Elstree, Mabuse Propaganda, Bond Beatles Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Liquidator, Diabolik LP, Fab Dresses, Eurospy Music Collection, Beetle Bailey in West Berlin, Why Mort Walker?, Spy Vibe radio: The Beatles Help!, Avengers Critical Guide, The Spotnicks, Benny Spies, James Pond 0017', Satire Stones, Annette Andre Book, Cat Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Get Smart, Caine: My Generation, Interview: Ian Ogilvy, Horror of Party Beach, Sylvie Vartan Renown, Ringo At 78, Dark Shadows Strips, Spy Vibe Radio: Flint, Archie Batman 66, Paul at 76, Beatles Pac-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Jerry Cotton, The Invaders, 007 Horowitz Book Tour, McGoohan/Prisoner Event at Elstree, The Prisoner Interviews Vol 1, British Underground Press, Interview: Fab4 Mania, Bond Cocktail Book, Bond at Bletchley, Spy Smasher, Spy Vibe Radio: Peter Gunn, Agent Zero M, New Prisoner Comic, Dr. No Villains Edition,  Spy Vibe Radio: Danger Diabolik, Dr. No 60th, Oy-Oy-Seven, Spy Vibe Radio (UFO), Cold War Comic Strips, Thunderball Event, Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Batman 66 Exhibit, Prisoner Fifty Event, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Mata Hair Exhibit, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.