In this post about the excellent biography of the Bealtes by Bob Spitz, I wroteI did notice two errors, both involving George Harrison: he mentions “Everybody’s Tryin’ to Be My Baby” as a song Harrison wrote (he only sang it, I believe it is a Carl Perkins song) and said that George embraced traditional Christianity at a point late in his life which, I think, is just plain wrong. It’s my understanding that George remained a Hindu. I’d love for someone to give me confirmation one way or the other regarding this.Now today, looking at a recent post in an email list that I used to be part of I saw this in a posting:
But I was chatting with a guy I know who is a professional musicianSo, it appears that I may have been wrong about that. But how do we explain, some of the lyrics on George's last album, Brainwashed? One way is to recognize that George wrote these songs over a period of about ten years and that they may not all reflect his thinking at the end of his life. Plus, I'm willing to bet that IF (still a big if in my book) George did indeed convert to Christianity that it was more of a "hey this sort of makes sense to me" kind of conversion rather than a "throw everything else I ever did or thought overboard" kind of conversion. I'll leave it to the reader to decide if that still "counts." Actually, I'll leave it to God - he's better at that anyway.
and who did some consulting for Beatlemania. He told me about a book
by Bob Spitz (The Beatles: The Biography) which makes that point on
p. 567:
"Later in life he would become vegetarian, consult an astrologer,
and devote himself to Transcendental Meditation before embracing
traditional Christianity."
When my friend contacted Bob Spitz about his source for that fact,
the reply included the following excerpt:
"As for the source of George's return to traditional Christianity,
the source was the man himself, conveyed to me some months before he
died. Because of agreements with the Harrison estate, I was unable
to list him as a source." [note - this is slightly edited from the longer post which you can find here.]
I'm also, frankly, a little skeptical that the source is George but he "couldn't t list him as a source ." Why can he tell this now? On the other hand, I've been in correspondence with another Beatles book author who was able to tell me some things that did not get in the book (which I'm not telling) so it could be true that Spitz knows things that he was unable to write but yet is willing to tell people personally. So, the jury is out but Spitz got so much right in his book that I'm leaning toward admitting that he was right about this too.
But I'm still convinced that Carl Perkins wrote "Everybody's Tryin'..."
31 comments:
I appreciate learning anything i can about the BBeatles; they were so "instrumental"' in putting form to our generation. I learned TM by a sung introductory Lecture which, i just found out was inspired by a guy who was with the Beatles in India; Ric Stanley? interesting for me. I was a typical open minded wide eyed youth of the esciting 60's!
Sue Crittenden
Hi, Bob.
I just read Spitz's book back in February and the bit about George converting to "traditional Christianity" stood out like a sore thumb.
I do recall in one of George's later-in-life (last year or two) interviews him quote scripture. I think he quoted, "I stand at the door and knock..." It also struck me as interesting that he talked about "God" and not the gods. Wouldn't Hindus speak about many gods as opposed to a god?
Notice that George signed his name on the 'Brainwashed' cover (shown in your post) with a Hindu symbol followed by the Christian cross. That would seem to represent some belief in Christ.
So now I see it is the Om symbol followed by the Christian cross.
I practice, actually, what Ringo called himself in the new book about George Harrison, "Living in the Material World," that went along with the HBO documentary, which is "A Christian Hindu with Buddhist tendencies."
I chiefly practice Christianity, and believe that Christ is my savior, though I don't discount other religions' validity and place in both culture and truth, which I've blogged about on my site here on Blogger (theoffbeatdrummer.blogspot.com).
I stumbled upon your blog when trying to print out a large photo of the "Brainwashed" cover art. I am going next week to get a tattoo of the Hindu "OM" next to the Christian cross EXACTLY as George had drawn them underneath his signature on the album.
As far as Harrison's "conversion" to Christianity, I would agree with Bob speculating that IF George embraced Christianity towards the end of his life, and the "Brainwashed" cover isn't the only place I'd seen him sign with both the OM and the cross, he most likely looked upon it as something that could very well also have truth and meaning to it. He would've, at the very least, acknowledged Christ and Christianity, and I highly doubt he would've completely thrown away any of his Hindu faith. Yes, the album was the result of over a decade's worth of material, some of it Hindu laced (the chanting on "Brainwashed," for example, the line in "Pisces Fish" where he says "I think of all the gods and what they feel," though in that song he also acknowledges the Pope.
We'll never know, bottom line, what happened to Harrison's soul until we ourselves are united with him either in the Christian version of Heaven, meeting his soul in some sort of Nirvana, or if our souls (which I believe all souls do, go on for eternity) cross in the universe after we die.
Very interesting topic, thanks for posting.
When I was 3, my mom joined the Hari Krishna movement, and I went along for the ride. When I was 11, my mom was born again at a pentecostal country church and while I had no intension to follow along, God embraced me the following week.
You may be able to imagine, that the sights and sounds (and smells! - every time I walk into an Indian restaurant I am transported back to my childhood) of the Hari Krishna experience made quite a lasting impression on a 3-5 year old.
Many, many years later, I have come to understand that ISKON teaches a monotheistic view of Hinduism. Yes, there is a pantheon of gods, but there is a single God-head, Bramah; an expression of the person(s) of the God-head, Vishnu; and an avatar of Vishnu appearing to man-kind in the form of Krishna... (and again in the person of Jesus, among others). This is a gross simplification, but it hits the main idea.
It is important to understand, then, that Harrison's central conception of God even as experienced during his time in the Hari Krishna movement would still be essentially monotheistic.
Buddism is, of course, highly derivative of Hinduism, and while it uses the forms and even reinterprets the stories of the various gods of Hinduism, it is non-theistic... The gods of Buddism are characters in a story to illustrate a moral point.
Now, through all of the trials of my faith over the past 30 years, I remain a Christian, I profess the faith as summarized in the Appostle's Creed, yet my background in Hinduism colors my view... So I doubt that my view of Christianity is what most would call "traditional" (much of that tradition being rooted only in the past couple hundred years).
Harrison was always my "favorite" Beatle - at least from a musical standpoint, so I was delighted to learn about his profession of Christianity toward the end of his life in my men's Bible study this morning. While my own experience leads me to doubt that what he embraced was what many would call "traditional," I havd no problem believing that it was, indeed, Christian.
I think it is interesting that this five-year-old post has gotten two comments recently. Thanks, to KW and Annie for bringing these new insights to the conversation.
What you both say makes sense to me as far as George's beliefs are concerned. Thanks
KW,
Thank you so much for explaining how ISKON actually worked. I admittedly dabble in more traditional Hinduism and was not aware that the Hari Krishna movement was essentially monotheistic, and actually embodied more of the version of "God" that Christians worship (the Holy Trinity, one God in three persons).
I'm not sure how long Harrison actually followed ISKON versus that of traditional Hinduism in his later years. I know he did a lot of musical work and advocating for them in the late 60's/early 70's.
I also don't know if Olivia was a practicing Christian when they met. Her history, other than that she was a secretary for Dark Horse Records, is limited.
KW, I was born, raised and still am Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, though it's one of the most conservative synods in all of Lutheranism. I don't agree with or go along with a lot of the practices of my own denomination, though I'm an active participant in my church's contemporary rock/pop band (drums). I brought "My Sweet Lord" to the band to cover (we do all covers, blech) and said we could just sing "Hallelujah" instead of the Krishna chants, and was blatantly rejected by the Pastor since, he said, the song wasn't WRITTEN by a Christian and that too many people would walk out of church humming "Hare Krishna" to themselves and OH MY that wouldn't be good. It remains my favorite song of all time.
People ask me all the time about my Harrison OM/Cross tattoo, and why I chose those two symbols, and it did turn out exactly like George drew it on "Brainwashed." I'm very pleased with it. My own blog post about the tattoo experience is at http://theoffbeatdrummer.blogspot.com/2012/02/on-what-wouldve-been-george-harrisons.html.
In thinking of my next tattoo, I'm considering the word "SAVED" in either Aramaic or Hebrew.
Thanks for your incredibly enlightening post and God bless.
I just recorded the true story on video of how Ap. Sergio Lopes of Sao Paulo Brazil led George Harrison of the Beatles to Jesus and how he was filled with the Holy Spirit before Georges death. I hope to put it on youtube someday. John Duncan
Someone is about to accuse me of being narrow and perhaps uncharitable, but I'll offer something which, if properly received and acted upon, can literally save your soul, whoever is reading this, perhaps nobody.
There is One God. His name is Jesus Christ. There is no alternative, and for those who believe there are many paths to God and it is preferable to worship a nebulous, Hindu-like "god" is completely false and for your eternal soul, horribly dangerous.
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father, except by me." We should take him at his word.
I hope with all hope that George Harrison, a profoundly spiritual man, found Christ before that last breath, I really do. He obviously was seeking him all his life, and I hope he embraced Him and acknowledged Him as Lord before it was over. One story I remember hearing. During that break in at his home, where a strange man got into the house and actually stabbed George Harrison, in his fear he yelled the name of a Hindu god. It had no effect, if that was his goal, it did not help. I always wondered if things changed for him after that.
I love George Harrison. However, Christianity is unlike any other religion in the world. You cannot have Christ and the Hindu gods, Buddha, etc. It is CHRIST ALONE. You cannot be Catholic and embrace the Pope and all he believes and be a true Christian, true follower of Christ. Jesus states: I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes unto the Father but by ME. Exclusive? Yes, indeed. The God of Abraham sent a part of himself to earth in the form of a child who was born of a virgin. This child was fully God and fully man. He came not to bring peace but a sword. He divides families even today with the mandate of Christ ALONE. Love no one more than Jesus. He wanted to draw ALL men unto himself. He is not in the business of sharing. God gave Jesus certain ones to gather and he lost NONE of them. He is the Good Shepherd. He is God incarnate. He died for the sins of those whom God gave to HIM. He resurrected and ascended into heaven from which He came. He will return shortly to JUDGE this world. I Believe in Jesus Alone. And if George embraced Jesus and relinquished all other gods, he too will be resurrected and spend eternity with God. If not, he will be thrown into the lake of fire with the devil and all his demons. There is a straight and Narrow road we must follow. Romans 10:9-13 makes it very clear that we must CONFESS and BELIEVE in JESUS. The Gospel of John is profound. Read and fall in love with Jesus. He is the ONLY man that died and LIVES TODAY.
I guess I have to comment now. What do you do when an 800 pound gorilla wishes you a happy birthday? YOU HAVE a happy birthday!
What do you do if God allows us to come to him through multiple paths? You accept his Loving Grace, and allow that our finite minds likely, (read as TOTALLY), can't conceive of the depth and breadth of his mercy and Grace. Did you ever consider that IF Christ was indeed the messiah... Then conceivably, HE can be the Way, the Truth, and the path to reconciliation with the Great Creator... And YET, some may come to reconciliation with the Great Creator, without KNOWING the actual name of Jesus Christ? The Gentile may be judged apart from the Law, for he has the law of God written on his heart! (God put it there, right?)
Be careful, before you tell our Gentile friends who gets in, and who doesn't... Based on one Scripture, and your narrow interpretation of it. You deride those of the Catholic Faith? They are not close enough either? Careful. Christ warned that there will be those within the church, who believe that they are sanctified and did good things in the name of Jesus Christ, and he said "get away from me evildoers! I never knew you!"
You shall know a tree by it's fruit, and if a Gentile is unlucky enough to be born in the 3rd world, he may never fully hear the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, but he could still be with Jesus in paradise... If Christ is the WAY, the Truth, and the Life, he may judge those far from God, by their fruits, and find them righteous, by Faith. "BUT you… who knows the law and does not do it?" He might spit you out.
Careful... Work out your Faith in fear and trembling... Cautiously and without judgement on those outside the Church. Your job is to judge those within the church. And so I give you this gentle rebuke. As you judge, so shall you be judged. The measure you use shall be used against you. Many will quote that the way to test a spirit, is to see if it denies the name of Jesus Christ. Perhaps... But do not hang all of the worlds salvation on one Scripture. Did Abraham know the given name of Jesus Christ? No. Yet he was the father of Faith.
Some may deny the name of Jesus Christ, and they may still be forgiven... But do not deny the spirit of Jesus Christ. For THAT, there is no forgiveness. And his spirit is restorative. His spirit is Love. His spirit is forgiveness. Infinite Grace and Mercy for those who seek it. Can you conceive of what infinite means? I can't.
So I can't say where George was in his seeking... But I leave room for George Harrison in Heaven. To the Jew, be as a Jew... And to the Gentile, be as a Gentile... So that as far as is possible, none shall be lost.
Peace Out.
Thank you, I will say I've been very dismayed by the fact that George may have not excepted Jesus Christ before his death. I would love to hear more about it. I believe you gave the answer, praise God!
I certainly hope so, perhaps the attack was meant for him to get right, born again before his death. Thank you for your message..
There are certainly quite a lot of particulars like that to take into consideration. That is a great level to bring up. I provide the ideas above as basic inspiration but clearly there are questions just like the one you convey up where the most important factor will probably be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if greatest practices have emerged round issues like that, however I'm sure that your job is clearly identified as a good game. Both girls and boys feel the impression of just a moment’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives. online casino gambling
Where does it say that God allows us to come to Him through multiple paths? It doesn’t ... I wouldn’t try to dismiss that verse if I were you.
Jesus is the leader, the master ., and the only true religion. We do not need to attend one of the many varieties of churches. There is only one. But understanding and insight is crucial. There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed. Not now but during His Kingdom reign! Then on judgement day every man will have to give an account for himself.
I found a YouTube video once, with a quote by a person who said that George Harrison had found Christ. (But content at this and other links may have changed or links may now be broken) So I looked up the name of this man. Emerson Pittifaldi was a race car driver who had known George for some time (George Harrison had a love of race cars, and George's song "Faster" is about racing).
* George made a video for this Brazilian friend, Emerson Pittifaldi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQKCr5B1XtY
* Following on from our article on Bob Marley playing football in Brazil we now have the story of George Harrison’s love for Brazil and Emerson Fittipaldi. http://www.soundsandcolours.com/articles/brazil/george-harrison-in-brazil-and-singing-tribute-to-emerson-fittipaldi/
* In September 1997, Fittipaldi, while recovering from injuries in a crash at Michigan International Speedway a year earlier, was flying his private plane across his orange tree farm estate in São Paulo, Brazil. The plane lost power and plunged 300 feet (91 m) to the ground. He suffered serious back injuries. He recovered, and became a born again Christian. He was a close friend of George Harrison and was with The Beatles guitarist shortly before he passed away in November 2001. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerson_Fittipaldi
* "He (George) showed me many new songs that he was recording for a new CD. Many of them talked about Christ...I then knew he had accepted Christ in his heart and believed in eternal life." - Emerson Fittipaldi, 2001 Source: Beware of Darkness tribute posted by WhisperoftheGarden http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5aSspIVrK0
God Bless you Roxanne and thank you for this comment!! I really appreciate it. I wish I could have heard some of his songs about Christ. His estate signed a written agreement not to talk about it. VERY STRANGE!!!
Well said
I interviewed (on video) a Pastor Lopez in Brazil who knows this race car driver and claims he was taken to George Harrisons house and George Harrison was powerfully converted to Christianity just before his death. No sure what to do with it.
The best he already had accomplished before the fear of death may or may not have forced him to convert to the cult of Christianity, the zombies always try to wait you out, he funded the "The Life of Brian" by pawning his house for 5 mil, that was the greatest accomplishment on the planet earth ...ever.
For those who do know the love and unbelievable grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, don't you think that when someone is so sincere in his seeking as George was, that He would be sure to make Himself found to that seeker? I have long hoped George had found the truth that leads to eternal life with the "sweet Lord" he so desired, so this news is a great comfort.
I agree Sherie! Are you the Sherie from Denver??/
Fantastic, so perfectly said, thank you
Thank you so much Patty. I will look at it now!! God Bless you!!!
Thanks, Patty. I looked at it and it confirms something I heard from another source as well.
I yes, I listened to him and he is telling the absolute truth I believe. I know George was interested in car racing.
I also heard that before his death George rejected all of the pagan Indian gods.
Wow, I wish he could have lived longer to proclaim this.
Yes, his estate promised to keep it quiet about Georges conversion.
But his music was so beautiful and "living in the material world" I think is his very best collection
God Bless.
He was born Catholic and married a Catholic girl, and I think he was actually more Chrisitian than he wanted to admit. It is too bad, but I think being a beatle and so famous, he may of felt he had to be more exotic than those boring churches who seem in many cases to have lost sight of who Jesus really was and IS!.
God Bless you Patty. Write me anytime at TruthisPeace@protonmail.com
I love talking about and discovering the real truth of the scriptures. It is so reasonable and wonderful also!!!
is
I'm not sure how recent any of these comments are since Blogger annoyingly records the times but not the dates, but I'd like to put on record here the plans George made for his passing about two weeks before the fact: https://www.bvmlu.org/contemporary/tlmogh.html
I'm not going to recount it blow-by-blow, but everyone can read it for themselves and see George expressly desired his remains to be handled in accordance with Hindu tradition which was promptly carried out by his loved ones. For obvious reasons, this puts a good dent in the claim that George converted to anything resembling "traditional Christianity" in his final months. If I may speculate for a moment, it's clear from George's statements on religious matters made over the years that he was by no means hostile to elements of Christianity he considered to contain truth and my guess would be that he took a greater interest therein while remaining fundamentally a Hindu as he was dying, hence the Om and cross placed together under his signature on the album art for Brainwashed, and the conversion myth took hold either through unintentional exaggeration or as an outright pious lie. In regards to the email group message, either the original poster thereof, his "friend", or Mr. Spitz are utterly full of it. It's also disappointing to see George's good friend Emerson Fittipaldi has passed off this distorted (if not totally fabricated) narrative as truth to bolster his activity in Evangelical efforts. This came to my attention when I saw a pathetic video by Ray Comfort (perhaps most well known for his infamous banana argument in favor of Young Earth Creationism) where he recounts the conversion myth as he learned it from watching YouTube videos of Fittipaldi interspersed with clips of him badgering random people in public about "getting saved": https://youtube.com/watch?v=SMl5dfl3fEI
Since this is a day and age where everyone and their mother is looking for something to be offended at and play the victim over, I must clarify I hold no vitriol towards Christians. That being said, I cannot deny the disdain I feel towards slimeballs like Mr. Comfort and similar such crazies who have manifested here in haranguing over how you have to be part of their club to be a good person and alluding to some grand conspiracy by the Harrison estate to cover up his alleged conversion.
Hope that clears things up.
—B.V.
Thursday, May 30, 2024
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