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Tribute to George Harrison
Posted
12-6-2001
This article isn't a normal one about the world of politics, but I
think it is indisputable that the Beatles had a profound influence on our
culture since 1964. I've been reflecting on George Harrison's death for the
last few days and wanted to pay tribute to a kind, gentle, creative person.
I was only seven years old
when the Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, but like so many
other kids and teens of that time, life was forever different. I have two
brothers who were teens then. So, they started buying Beatles 45's and
albums, and we became part of the greatest musical and, ultimately, cultural
revolution of all time.
Lots of people had a favorite
Beatle. I really didn't. I liked them all for different reasons. For kids my
age, beyond the Ed Sullivan Show, we even had Beatle cartoons every Saturday
morning. There were Beatle trading cards and much, much more. They really
became prominent influences for many people in so many different ways.
Each Beatle had his own
magical charm. John was smart, cool, and outspoken. Paul was likable,
energetic, and happy. Ringo was the lovable, fun-loving clown. But, George
was different. He was quiet, cool in that Beatles way, but not the extrovert
the others were. While they all were really just ordinary guys, George
seemed harder to get to know than any other Beatle.
As time went on and they
evolved musically, their imprint on not just pop culture, but culture in
general, grew larger. They're transformations were our transformations. From
pointy-toed, mop-topped mods, their hair grew, their clothes changes, and
they expanded their consciousness. So did we.
While Paul and John dominated
so much of the Beatles music and expression, George's influence was vital.
Not only was he the strongest musician, his exploration of Eastern cultures
and mysticism led the band in that direction too. Those influences began to
appear in the Beatles music with songs on Sgt. Pepper's. Their sound
transformed from rock and roll and pop to a much more sophisticated sound.
As much as the early Beatles' music changed our lives, there was never
anything like Sgt. Pepper's Magical Mystery Tour and the White Album.
Actually, there never have been any albums like them since then either.
George Harrison was at the
heart of that sound. He was also a subtle, quiet part of the Beatles'
influence on young people. "Hippy-ness" was more than just flower children.
It also brought in music and mystical concepts from different parts of the
world. As the Beatles were exposed to those influences, they shared them
with us. It dramatically changed young people across our country and the
world, regardless of how their parents tried to prevent it.
When the Beatles parted ways,
George emerged as not only a seasoned, creative artist, but also a leader on
social issues. The Concert for Bangladesh was probably the first benefit
concert of the rock era. The soundtrack won George an Emmy. He continued to
put out good music as a solo artist, and as time moved on and we all grew
older, the Beatles aged pretty gracefully.
John Lennon's tragic death
sent the message of our own mortality and ended speculation of the Fab 4
ever reuniting. Since then, many fans there had a lingering hope that the
three remaining Beatles may reunite and have Julian Lennon fill in for his
dad. Time and George's failing health ended that dream too.
For people of my generation,
the Beatles left an indelible mark. They touched us not only through their
music, but also as people. Their artistic, cultural, and political interests
influenced the baby boom generation like no other group. I don't play a lot
of Beatles music anymore, but I do play enough that my daughters who are six
and nine years old can recognize a Beatles song when they hear one. They are
more fascinated with film footage of early Beatle concerts with all the
screaming teenage girls.
With George Harrison now
passing away, any fantasies of Beatle reunions also passes. In music and
video, he will be remembered and appreciated for many more years. His role
in the Beatles and the music world cannot be understated. Beatle fans will
cherish his persona as a gentle, thoughtful, talented musician for a long
time. We'll miss George Harrison, but he will not be forgotten. |
