We continue our look at post-Beatles solo work by members of that legendary group, which leads us to today’s classic song of the day, George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord.” This was George’s first solo release post-breakup, featured as the centerpiece of his three-disc album, All Things Must Pass. Released as a single in November of 1970, it was a number-one hit worldwide.
George Harrison wrote “My Sweet Lord” in praise to the Hindu god Krishna, while at the same time intending the lyrics as a call to abandon religious sectarianism. Musicians on the track included Eric Clapton, Pete Ham, Joey Molland, and Peter Frampton on acoustic guitars; Gary Brooker on piano; Bobby Whitlock on organ; Klaus Voorman on bass; Ringo Starr on drums; and Alan White on tambourine. George himself played acoustic and slide guitars; John Barham provided the string arrangement.
“My Sweet Lord” hit the #1 position in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and West Germany. In the U.S., the single hit #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100. It was nominated for the Record of the Year Grammy, but lost to Carole King’s “It’s Too Late.” (No shame in that.)
Interestingly, George originally gave “My Sweet Lord” to Billy Preston to record; Billy’s version came out first, on the keyboardist’s album Encouraging Words, which was released in September of 1970. Mr. Preston’s track, which features the Edwin Hawkins Singers, has more of a gospel feel and somewhat de-emphasizes the “Hare Krishna” bits. It was released as a single in Europe but was only a minor hit. It’s an interesting and energetic take on the tune, however, and one I can get into.
Unfortunately, George Harrison (unintentionally, it appears) copped the song’s melody from the tune “He’s So Fine,” which was written by Ronnie Mack and a hit in 1963 for the Chiffons. George always denied this, instead saying he was inspired by the Christian hymn, “Oh Happy Day” (later turned into a hit by the Edwin Hawkins Singers). In February of 1971, Mack’s music publisher (Bright Tunes Music Corporation) filed a copyright infringement suit against Mr. Harrison and related companies. Five years later, the court found in favor of Bright Tunes, writing:
“Did Harrison deliberately use the music of ‘He’s So Fine’? I do not believe he did so deliberately. Nevertheless, it is clear that ‘My Sweet Lord’ is the very same song as ‘He’s So Fine’ with different words, and Harrison had access to ‘He’s So Fine’. This is, under the law, infringement of copyright, and is no less so even though subconsciously accomplished.”
As a result, Harrison was ordered to pay Bright Tunes almost $1.6 million in royalties. Things got complicated in 1976 when his former manager, Allen Klein, bought the rights to “He’s So Fine” (and all its litigation claims) and subsequently sold the song back to Harrison for $587,000, dismissing the previous claim.
Whatever inspired “My Sweet Lord,” it is a truly memorable song, one of the best of the former Beatles’ solo efforts. And here’s your daily bonus track of the day, George Harrison and friends performing “My Sweet Lord” live for the Concert for Bangladesh on August 1, 1971. No free video available, sorry, just the audio, which is terrific enough on its own.
