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George Harrison Remembered: 10 Favorite Cover Versions of His Songs
- Posted by Pat Pemberton
Alvan Meyerowitz/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
'While My Guitar Gently Weeps,' Santana
This Beatles song, performed with the aid of Eric Clapton on lead guitar, has been covered by scores of artists, from Phish and the Jeff Healey Band to ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro. But Santana's 2010 version combines his Latin influences with the folk and soul touch of India.Arie and the classical imprint of cellist Yo Yo Ma. Harrison's widow, Olivia, told guitarist Carlos Santana that George would be proud of this version.
Christie Goodwin, Getty Images
'Long, Long, Long,' Jim James
In the days immediately following Harrison's death, My Morning Jacket's front man Jim James recorded several Harrison classics, including this sleepy 'White Album' waltz. Performed in the dreamy, echo-y manner that characterized earlier MMJ songs, this cover was one of six Harrison songs included in 'Tribute To,' a 2009 EP James put out under the transparently pseudonymous Yim Yames.
Simone Joyner, Getty Images
'Something,' Frank Sinatra
Through the 1950s, Sinatra often criticized rock music, once telling Western World magazine it was "sung, played and written for the most part by cretinous goons. It manages to be the martial music of every sideburned delinquent on the face of the earth." Apparently, he got over it, later calling this Beatles tune "one of the best love songs, I believe, to be written in 50 or 100 years." Elvis Presley -- the man Sinatra often referred to in his rock criticisms -- would also perform 'Something,' as would James Brown, Joe Cocker, Julio Iglesias, Tony Bennett and dozens of others.
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
'Here Comes the Sun,' Richie Havens
Havens earned his fame for creating the song 'Freedom' on the spot before tens of thousands of fans at Woodstock. Despite that incredible boost -- his intense performance was captured in the 'Woodstock' movie -- Havens would score only one hit single, a 1970 cover of this optimistic Harrison Beatles tune. Using his long thumb to barre chords on an open-tuned acoustic guitar, his unique interpretation is both somber and hopeful with a spiritual flavoring.
Ian Dickson, Redferns
'All Things Must Pass,' Billy Preston
Having met the Beatles while on tour with Little Richard in the mid-'60s, this Houston-born keyboardist would contribute to several of their songs, becoming the only non-Beatle to receive credit on a Beatles record ('Get Back': "The Beatles with Billy Preston"). Even before Harrison released his jam-packed 'All Things Must Pass' solo album, Preston put out this soulful, light rock cover -- originally written while Harrison was still with the Beatles -- for his 1970 album 'Encouraging Words.'
Echoes, Redferns
'Try Some, Buy Some,' David Bowie
While Bowie had a direct line to the Beatles -- he performed 'Fame' with John Lennon -- he actually recorded this Harrison solo song as a Ronnie Spector cover. Spector released her version of 'Try Some, Buy Some' in 1971, two years before it would appear on Harrison's 'Living in the Material World' album. Bowie, a big Spector fan, said he was channeling Spector when he recorded this lush, Wall of Sound cover for his 2003 album 'Reality.'
KMazur, WireImage
'Beware of Darkness,' Leon Russell
After working as a nightclub piano player at age 14, Russell became an elite session pianist who has worked for Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, the Rolling Stones, the Byrds and several others. So by the time he was a solo act, he had no problem getting contributions from people like Harrison, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood. He performed this song as a duet with Harrison at the 1971 'Concert for Bangladesh' and released his faithful cover that same year.
Jan Persson, Redferns
'Taxman,' Junior Parker
Parker had serious blues cred, having performed with Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin' Wolf, Bobby Bland and B.B. King. But he was also versatile, as he proved in this soulful Beatles cover, from 1971. Featuring funky guitar riffs, laid-back -- at times talking -- vocals and a mellow groove, this cover takes the edge off of tax day.
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
'Give Me Love,' Dave Davies
When the Kinks opened for the Beatles, John Lennon let it be known that as the support band they were merely there to keep the crowd occupied until the headliners hit the stage. But Davies, the Kinks lead guitarist, apparently didn't hold a grudge against the Fab Four, recording this Harrison cover for 'Songs From the Material World: A Tribute to George Harrison' in 2003. Though not particularly a fan of covers, Davies provides a faithful one here -- he made an exception due to Harrison's "shining spirituality" -- duplicating Harrison's trademark guitar fills.
Ebet Roberts, Redferns
'My Sweet Lord,' Nina Simone
Known more for her jazzy cover of 'Here Comes the Sun,' Simone's 1972 single, recorded live, presents Harrison's solo effort as a soul revival, complete with a robust gospel choir. The High Priestess of Soul, known for her unique interpretation of other artists' works, also recorded an impressive version of Harrison's 'Isn't It a Pity,' slowing down the tempo to bring focus to her calming vocals.
David Redfern, Redferns
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Add a Comment
PETE
6 IF YOU COUNT PETE BEST
December 01 2010 at 12:42 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
lisa
1 reply to lisa's comment
Where is Across the Universe?
November 30 2010 at 10:44 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
MIchael A.
We were talking Harrison songs.
Though Across the Universe sounds like a Harrison song (certainly, John was heavily influenced by George's writing when he penned this) it is a John Lennon song, to be filed under the Lennon/McCartney category.
Great song, nonetheless.
Stu Z
James Brown and Ray Charles did fantastic covers of "Something" George once commented they were the best.
Sheryl Crow did an amazing cover of "My Sweet Lord" at McCartney's concert for TM last year at Radio City.
For us older folks, the only time most of us ever got to see him live was his US tour in 1974.
Unfortunately, when he came to the Maryland/DC area Ravi was sick and didn't perform that evening. The whole band including Ravi was at the White House that day though.
Jean
Rest in PEACE Sweet Beatle, You are surely missed.
November 30 2010 at 1:52 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Alex in Lakewood
1 reply to Alex in Lakewood's comment
My wife and I raised our three daughters with the Beatles as our soundtrack. We lost one of our daughters several years back. To this day, Here Comes the Sun, The Long and Winding Road, and Imagine, bring tears to my eyes, along with heartfelt memories. THE greatest rock band...EVER!
Liz
My favorite cover of a Harrison song is actually by Paul McCartney, when he sang All Things Must Pass at the Concert for George, held to honor him after his death. McCartney does a simple, gorgeous version of the song.
November 30 2010 at 9:28 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
TOM BRUNS
Amazing tributes to an amazing Beatle. Lennon was obviously a phenom artist, musician, and vocalist but sometimes a real ass as a human being. We hope you are looking down with a smile on your face because your brilliant music is alive and well down here!!
November 30 2010 at 9:10 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
tom r.
kenny rankin rest in peace. sweet sweet voice. u willl be missed
November 30 2010 at 1:10 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Dr. Macias
This thread is not about sadness, just the opposite.
It's about one of the greatest groups in history and a celebration of wonderful music.
You wouldn't knock down Beethoven, why make an issue of the Beatles?
They're still the most famous and richest group in rock music history. The quality of their music surpasses almost everything done since their breakup. I'm not saying that there isn't a lot of good music out there, but look at the sheer volume of the stuff, it fills a warehouse!
They should be acknowledged as a rock phenomenon because they are the only group that has millions of worldwide followers forty years after their breakup.
Thousands of foreign young people who were born after the Beatles breakup breakup can sing every word and note of Beatles songs despite their lack of English. It's inspiring!
Jane
George was always my favorite Beatle. He died on my birthday November 29th.
November 30 2010 at 12:50 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
22 Comments