Today is the 10th anniversary of the death from lung cancer at age 58 of former Beatle George Harrison.
And what better way to mark the day than with news of a book about “the quiet Beatle”?
According to the Herald Tribune, George’s sister Louise, will publish a tome about her sibling in 2013.
The paper says that fans have been bugging Louise Harrison to write the book for more than 40 years and she “finally relented.”
Apparently, she’s nearly done writing and is now sifting through never-before-seen photos and documents.
"So much garbage has been written about George and the Beatles," says Louise, 80, who oversees the stage production of the Beatles tribute band Liverpool Legends.
"Half of the stuff has been written by people who spent maybe an hour on a plane with the Beatles. Now I think it's my duty to get the truth out. There's been all kinds of myths and fantasies written about them. At least I have some facts to go on, because I was there -- from even before they were the Beatles."
As for the “quiet” tag, which her brother earned during an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964?
“He wasn't quiet," Louise tells the Tribune. He was sick. “The weekend they flew into New York to do 'Ed Sullivan,' George was very sick. They were staying at the Plaza Hotel, and we got him to see the hotel doctor, Dr. Gordon. Dr. Gordon said, 'This is a very sick kid. He's got a 104-degree temperature and has strep throat.'
"He was given some shots and vaporizer treatments, and I was in charge of watching over him. George was told to use his voice as little as possible. That's why at all the press conferences he was so quiet, and so the press thought he was the quiet one. George used to have a good laugh about it."
Among Harrison's songwriting contributions were “Within You, Without You,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Here Comes the Sun” and “Something.”
George was always my favourite Beatle. I remember seeing them on the Ed Sullivan show (I was 11) and thought him to be the best. I was saddened at his passing so early in life (at least by my standards) and I will enjoy the book when it comes out.
"All Things Must Pass" was hailed as a masterpiece by my classical musician friends. George played every note of every instrument and every voice on that album. Still a masterpiece to many.
George was always my favourite Beatle. I remember seeing them on the Ed Sullivan show (I was 11) and thought him to be the best. I was saddened at his passing so early in life (at least by my standards) and I will enjoy the book when it comes out.
Posted by: Linda | 11/29/2011 at 09:22 PM
I remember seeing all the news reports, the day George died. Didn't miss a single one. It was def a sad day in my house.
Posted by: Kari Chandler | 11/29/2011 at 09:31 PM
By far the most intellectual of the four, if not the most talented. Demonized from within, oh well, he lived a short but full life. thanks George.
Posted by: brad gilker | 11/29/2011 at 10:16 PM
Hope I'm still around to read the book - another 2 years and who knows - it should have been written all those years ago.
Posted by: Bill | 11/29/2011 at 10:44 PM
Musically the best Beatle. They wouldn't have been without him.
Posted by: T. Shaw | 11/29/2011 at 11:33 PM
"All Things Must Pass" was hailed as a masterpiece by my classical musician friends. George played every note of every instrument and every voice on that album. Still a masterpiece to many.
Posted by: T. Shaw | 11/29/2011 at 11:38 PM