George Harrison was known as the quiet Beatle.
I will always remember the lead guitarist of the band that changed rock music for all time - as the Peaceful Beatle.
Ten years ago he lost his battle with cancer. He was only 58. The Associated Press reported that Harrison passed away in Los Angeles at a friend’s home with his wife, Olivia Harrison, and his 23-year-old son Dhani by his side.
Some of his well known later compositions with The Beatles included, “Here Comes the Sun,” “Something,” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” His most amazing work, “My Sweet Lord,”
appeared in late 1970 on All Things Must Pass – which was the first triple album released by a solo artist.
But George Harrison’s greatest work was the groundbreaking Concert for Bangladesh.
In 1971 longtime friend Ravi Shankar came to Harrison to help raise awareness for his war ravaged country of Bangladesh. The aim of the event was to raise money to aid the starving refugees fleeing the Bangladesh Liberation War.
On 1 August 1971 the Concert for Bangladesh drew over 40,000 people to two shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event was the first ever benefit concert on such a scale. It featured a supergroup of performers that included Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton,
George Harrison, Billy Preston, Leon Russell, Badfinger, and Ringo Starr.
Although I couldn’t feel the pain, I knew I had to try .. Now I’m asking all of you .. To help us save some lives
The concert did not raise worldwide awareness or cash by today’s standards, but it paved the way for the contemporary music industry to reengage with social justice responsibility.
The concert was reported to have raised over $240,000.00 for Bangladesh relief which was administered by UNICEF. Sales of the album and DVD continue to benefit the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF.
New York, at Strawberry Fields in Central Park thousands gathered to sing and pay tribute and mourn, at the Imagine Monument, a memorial to fellow ex-Beatle John Lennon.
Thank you and God bless you George Harrison.
Peace to You..
