Book
Here Comes the Sun: The Spiritual and Musical Journey of George Harrison
by Joshua M. Greene
📖 Overview
Joshua M. Greene's biography follows George Harrison's path from Liverpool youth to global music icon to spiritual seeker. The narrative tracks Harrison's journey through Beatlemania while exploring his growing interest in Indian spirituality and meditation.
The book draws on interviews, letters, and personal accounts to document Harrison's relationship with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and his deep study of Hindu teachings. Greene examines Harrison's integration of Eastern philosophy into his music, from his introduction of the sitar to his solo albums after The Beatles.
This biography moves beyond Harrison's public persona to reveal the intersection of his artistic and spiritual development. Through Harrison's story, Greene presents a broader examination of Western counterculture's embrace of Eastern wisdom traditions and the lasting impact of that cultural exchange.
👀 Reviews
Readers note this biography provides details about Harrison's spiritual path while maintaining focus on his musical career. Many appreciated Greene's research into Harrison's devotion to Krishna consciousness and how it influenced his songwriting.
Likes:
- Clear explanations of Hindu concepts and beliefs
- Balance between spiritual and musical aspects
- Personal interviews with Harrison's friends and associates
- Coverage of his post-Beatles years
Dislikes:
- Some found the writing style dry
- Limited coverage of Harrison's early life
- Too much emphasis on religious aspects for casual fans
- Several factual errors about Beatles history noted by readers
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,456 ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (198 ratings)
"A thoughtful look at George's spiritual side that other biographies miss" - Amazon reviewer
"Too preachy at times, reads like religious propaganda" - Goodreads reviewer
"Would have preferred more about his music and less about Hinduism" - Goodreads reviewer
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This collection of Lennon's prose, poetry, and drawings offers insight into the spiritual and creative mind of another Beatle during the same transformative era.
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda This spiritual memoir chronicles the life journey that influenced Harrison's own path into Eastern spirituality and meditation practices.
The Love You Make: An Insider's Story of The Beatles by Peter Brown This behind-the-scenes account reveals the spiritual and personal transformations of all Beatles members during their most influential periods.
Indian Music and the West by Gerry Farrell This examination of Indian classical music's influence on Western musicians traces the cultural exchange that shaped Harrison's musical evolution.
Chants of a Lifetime by Krishna Das This memoir details one Westerner's immersion in Indian spirituality and music during the same era as Harrison's own exploration.
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda This spiritual memoir chronicles the life journey that influenced Harrison's own path into Eastern spirituality and meditation practices.
The Love You Make: An Insider's Story of The Beatles by Peter Brown This behind-the-scenes account reveals the spiritual and personal transformations of all Beatles members during their most influential periods.
Indian Music and the West by Gerry Farrell This examination of Indian classical music's influence on Western musicians traces the cultural exchange that shaped Harrison's musical evolution.
Chants of a Lifetime by Krishna Das This memoir details one Westerner's immersion in Indian spirituality and music during the same era as Harrison's own exploration.
🤔 Interesting facts
🎸 Author Joshua M. Greene served as a consultant for the Martin Scorsese documentary "George Harrison: Living in the Material World"
🪘 The book reveals that Harrison first encountered Indian spirituality through the sound of instruments - specifically after hearing a sitar on the set of "Help!" in 1965
🎵 Greene conducted over 100 interviews spanning three continents to gather material for this biography
☮️ The book details how Harrison secretly funded the Hare Krishna movement in London, purchasing their first temple and helping establish their presence in the UK
🌟 Harrison's wife Olivia provided previously unpublished letters and personal stories to Greene, offering intimate glimpses into the musician's private spiritual practices