On this day (July 7) in 1969, George Harrison began recording “Here Comes the Sun” for the Beatles’ final album, Abbey Road. The track became his best-known composition and a fan favorite from the album. More importantly, it helped showcase Harrison’s songwriting skills.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Here Comes the Sun” came during a stressful time for Harrison and the rest of the Beatles. Their longtime manager, Brian Epstein, died in 1967. As a result, the band had to handle more of the business side of their career than ever before. This resulted in several Apple Corps business meetings.
George Harrison Wrote the Beatles Classic While Hanging Out with Another Rock Legend
George Harrison wrote what would become one of the best-known Beatles songs while hanging out with Eric Clapton. According to Songfacts, Harrison was spending time at Clapton’s house after a round of business meetings. After a long winter, the warmth of an early spring day inspired him to pen the song.
“It was just sunny and it was all just the release of that tension that had been building up on me,” Harrison said. “It was just a really nice sunny day, and I picked up the guitar, which was the first time I’d played the guitar for a couple of weeks because I’d been so busy,” he recalled. “The first thing that came out was that song. It just came. I finished it later when I was on holiday in Sardinia.”
Clapton recalled being with Harrison when he wrote the song. “It was one of those beautiful spring mornings. I think it was April, we were just walking around the garden with our guitars. I don’t do that, you know? This is what George brought to the situation. He was just a magical guy,” he said. “We sat down at the bottom of the garden, looking out, and the sun was shining. … He started singing the opening lines and I just watched this thing come to life.”
Featured Image by Fox Photos/Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.