WILL THE RESPECTIVE ESTATES EVER CONSIDER RELEASING A PHOTO BOOK OF THIS JOHN AND YOKO PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION FROM FEBRUARY 16, 1977 IN STOCKBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS?
John and Yoko drove to Massachusetts to visit Yoko’s Fluxus friend, George Maciunas in 1977. While they were in the State, they stopped by the photography studio of Sanford Kreger who conveniently had multiple costume changes in his building offering an excellent opportunity for John to have special photos taken for Yoko’s February birthday that year!
A few internet articles that deal with Sanford Kreger and some background information of the photo session!
I was very fortunate to be able to purchase two signed prints of the photographer’s work on eBay in recent years and I am presenting those two framed pieces here for you to see and enjoy!
My hope as both a fan and collector that the respective powers that be that can make these decisions, should consider releasing a book of the full photo session to the public
TWO SIGNED SANFORD KREGER PRINTS FROM MY COLLECTION:
John and Yoko’s quirky sense of humor took over in this role reversal photo where Yoko is portrayed as the military commander and John is featured as the Southern belle! They both knew instinctively that some would laugh whereas others would criticize and become hot under the collar viewing the photos. As artists, they both sought to elicit a reaction or response from their audience.
This 1977 photo session from Massachusetts is one of my personal favorites. I was very fortunate to be able to acquire two signed Kreger prints from this session several years ago. At one time many of the photos from this session were being offered on a Kreger website, then inexplicably one day, the site disappeared. Kreger passed away in 2018. The photo session was precipitated by John, Yoko, and Sean visiting Yoko’s friend George Maciunas who was ill with cancer at the time. Maciunas is also featured on one of the photos that I purchased shown at the bottom of this post! He is the third figure, the one with the beard!
I sincerely hope that the Lennon estate in conjunction with the Kreger estate will strongly consider issuing a book of photos from this session. They will bring smiles and happiness to many people!
A 2-year-old Sean Lennon also appears in several of the Kreger prints from this photo session!
Hope you enjoyed viewing these prints from my personal collection!
What are your viewpoints of this photo session? Would you like to see a complete collection of the session to be released as a book if the powers that be would make the determination to do so?
THE SPINETTI’S-ANOTHER TALENTED FAMILY! VICTOR & HENRY!
Recently acquired this signed drumhead of Henry Spinetti on eBay! Henry is the younger brother of the late film actor Victor Spinetti who played character roles in The Beatles films of A Hard Day’s Night, Help, & Magical Mystery Tour. He also co-wrote the stage play version of In His Own Write with John Lennon and Adrienne Kennedy!
This signed drumhead by the excellent drummer who has recorded and backed such musicians as Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and many more!!!
HenrySpinetti is the younger brother of actor Victor Spinetti (1929–2012). Henry was born on 1951 so quite a few years separated the brothers. Henry Spinetti married Susan Styles in Coventry, Warwickshire, England in 2004.
Enrico Antonio Giorgio Spinetti (born 31 March 1951) is a Welsh session drummer whose playing has featured on many prominent rock and pop albums.
Career Spinetti was born in Cwm, near Ebbw Vale, Monmouthshire, Wales.) His first band, aged about 12 1/2 or 13, was The Toby Four (named after Toby beer), which rehearsed in the Ambray Hotel and played songs by The Shadows, amongst others. He then joined another group called The Choice from Tredegar, with a guitarist influenced by Jimi Hendrix. After this he got into a group in Cardiff called The Clockwork Motion, which played as far afield as Newcastle and Birmingham, with Spinetti playing a Premier Black Pearl drum kit. He then secured an audition for a London band Floribunda Rose. He travelled to London, with his drums, on the train, and went to the band’s flat in Earls Court; he played four or five numbers and got the job. The band became Scrugg and went to the Top 10 Club in Hamburg.
Spinetti began his recording career with Scrugg, which recorded on the Pye label. Band members included fellow Welshman Jack Russell, Christos Demetriou and the South African singer-songwriter, John Kongos. In the early 1970s, Spinetti appeared with Kongos on BBC Television’s Top of the Pops performing Kongos’ chart hit single, “He’s Gonna Step on You Again”. After leaving Scrugg, Spinetti’s early work included spells with The Herd and Judas Jump, who were the opening act at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970. The line-up of The Herd and Judas Jump included Andy Bown, who later joined Status Quo. He was a member of the UK band Hustler which released two albums—High Street (1974) and Play Loud (1975), the latter of which was produced by Roy Thomas Baker.
Spinetti played on eight of the ten tracks on Gerry Rafferty’s album City to City (including the hit “Baker Street”) and also played in the 2002 memorial concert for George Harrison, “The Concert for George”. In 2011 Spinetti recorded with Andy Bown again, playing drums on Bown’s solo album, Unfinished Business. Spinetti was a member of Eric Clapton’s touring band in the 1980s and the 2010s.
Victor Spinetti mentions his younger brother Henry, in this Beatles documentary:
Recording credits from Wikipedia-though incomplete
This list is incomplete; (please be aware) Spinetti’s recording credits include the following:
With Joan Armatrading
Whatever’s for Us (Cube Records, 1972) Show Some Emotion (A&M Records, 1977) To the Limit (A&M Records, 1978) With Vicki Brown
Lady of Time (RCA Victor, 1989) With Chanter Sisters
Shoulder to Shoulder (Safari, 1978) With Eric Clapton
Another Ticket (RSO Records, 1981) August (Warner Bros. Records, 1986) Old Sock (Surfdog Records, 2013) I Still Do (Surfdog Records, 2016) With Roger Daltrey
Ride a Rock Horse (Track Records, 1975) With Bob Dylan
Down in the Groove (Columbia Records, 1988) With Roger Chapman
Chappo (Arista Records, 1979) Hybrid and Lowdown (Polydor Records, 1990) With George Harrison
Gone Troppo (Dark Horse Records, 1982) With Paul McCartney
CHOBA B CCCP (Melodiya, 1988) With Katie Melua
Call Off the Search (Dramatico, 2003) Piece by Piece (Dramatico, 2005) Pictures (Dramatico, 2007) The House (Dramatico, 2010) Secret Symphony (Dramatico, 2012) Ketevan (Dramatico, 2013) With Gerry Rafferty
Can I Have My Money Back? (Line Records, 1972) City to City (United Artists Records, 1978) With Cliff Richard
Stronger (EMI, 1989) With Leo Sayer
Silverbird (Chrysalis Records, 1973) With Pete Townshend and Ronnie Lane
Rough Mix (MCA, 1977) With Bonnie Tyler
Diamond Cut (RCA Records, 1978) With Gary Brooker
Echoes in the Night (Line Music Gmbh – Phonogram, 1985) With Procol Harum
The Prodigal Stranger (Zoo Entertainment, 1991) With Bill Wyman
Groovin’ (Roadrunner Records, 2000)
Gone Troppo (1982) – Spinetti played drums on this George Harrison album!
A1 Wake Up My Love Bass, Guitar, Lead Vocals – George Harrison Drums – Henry Spinetti Keyboards, Synthesizer – Mike Moran Percussion – Ray Cooper 3:33 A2 That’s The Way It Goes Bass – Herbie Flowers Drums – Henry Spinetti Keyboards, Synthesizer – Mike Moran Lead Vocals, Guitar, Synthesizer – George Harrison Voice [Bass] – Willie Greene* 3:32 A3 I Really Love You Bass – Herbie Flowers Drums – Henry Spinetti Effects [Feet], Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Glockenspiel – Ray Cooper Keyboards – Mike Moran Vocals, Backing Vocals – Bobby King, George Harrison, Pico Pena, Willie Greene* Written-By – Swearingen* 2:53 A4 Greece Bass – Herbie Flowers Drums – Henry Spinetti Guitar, Voice – George Harrison Keyboards, Synthesizer – Billy Preston, Mike Moran 3:57 A5 Gone Troppo Bass – Herbie Flowers Drums – Henry Spinetti Keyboards – Mike Moran Lead Vocals, Guitar, Marimba, Effects [Jal-tarang], Backing Vocals – George Harrison 4:27 B1 Mystical One Bass – Herbie Flowers Drums – Henry Spinetti Keyboards – Mike Moran Lead Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Synthesizer – George Harrison Mandolin – Joe Brown Synthesizer, Percussion – Ray Cooper 3:43 B2 Unknown Delight Backing Vocals – Bobby King, Pico Pena, Willie Greene* Bass – Willie Weeks Drums – Jim Keltner Lead Vocals, Guitar, Synthesizer – George Harrison Percussion – Ray Cooper Piano – Neil Larson* Synthesizer – Gary Brooker 4:14 B3 Baby Don’t Run Away Backing Vocals – Billy Preston, Rodina Sloan Drums – Jim Keltner Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Synthesizer – George Harrison Percussion – Ray Cooper Synthesizer [Bass], Keyboards, Synthesizer – Mike Moran 3:57 B4 Dream Away Backing Vocals – Billy Preston, Sarah Ricor, Syreeta* Bass – Alan Jones (4) Drums – Dave Mattacks Guitar, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – George Harrison Percussion – Ray Cooper Piano, Synthesizer – Mike Moran 4:27 B5 Circles Bass, Synthesizer, Lead Vocals, Guitar – George Harrison Drums – Henry Spinetti Organ, Piano – Billy Preston Percussion – Ray Cooper Synthesizer – Jon Lord, Mike Moran
Henry Spinetti also backed Paul on his Russian Album:
All tracks recorded 20 July 1987 except “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”, “Ain’t That a Shame” and “Crackin’ Up”, recorded on 21 July.
20 July Paul McCartney – bass guitar, vocals Mick Green – guitar Mick Gallagher – piano Chris Whitten – drums 21 July Paul McCartney – guitar, vocals Nick Garvey – bass guitar, backing vocals Henry Spinetti – drums Mick Gallagher – keyboards
Henry Spinetti was also one of the drummers at the Concert for George:
The Concert for George (2002) – Spinetti participated in this memorial tribute to George Harrison, which featured many Beatles-associated artists and was a major event in the Beatles’ legacy
DETAILS OF BROTHER VICTOR”S INVOLVEMENT IN THE LENNON STAGE PLAY: In His Own Write — John Lennon, Adrienne Kennedy, and Victor Spinetti
In His Own Write – Wikipedia “In His Own Write is a 1964 nonsense poetry and short story collection by John Lennon, first published by Jonathan Cape Wikipedia. It consists of whimsical, surreal, and often irreverent pieces influenced by Lewis Carroll, Spike Milligan, and James Thurber, with illustrations in the style of Thurber’s cartoons. The work blends wordplay, satire, and personal in-jokes, and became a commercial success, selling around 300,000 copies in the UK.
In 1968, Lennon’s two books — In His Own Write and A Spaniard in the Works — were adapted into a one-act stage play titled The Lennon Play: In His Own Write. The adaptation was co-written and directed by Victor Spinetti, with the idea and co-authorship credited to playwright Adrienne Kennedy The Beatles Bookstore+1. The National Theatre, under Sir Laurence Olivier, produced it at the Old Vic Theatre in London on 18 June 1968 as part of a triple bill Theatricalia.
The play dramatized the themes and characters from Lennon’s books, featuring a central “Me” character (played by Ronald Pickup) whose thoughts and fantasies explored growing up, family, and escapism. It incorporated Lennon’s eccentric language, satire, and visual style, and was performed alongside A Covent Garden Tragedy and An Unwarranted Intrusion Theatricalia. Lennon, Yoko Ono, George and Pattie Harrison, and Ringo Starr and Maureen were present for the opening Theatricalia.
The stage version was both a creative and personal milestone for Lennon, who later recalled feeling emotional upon seeing the rehearsals, as if he had written the adaptation himself The Beatles Bible. The play has since been reissued in book form by Simon & Schuster, with Spinetti’s and Kennedy’s names listed as co-authors
In summary: In His Own Write began as Lennon’s 1964 literary nonsense work, was adapted in 1968 into a stage play by Victor Spinetti and Adrienne Kennedy, and became a notable cultural moment in the Beatles’ public life.“
A copy of the stage play book adaptation:
My signed copy of the book obtained at a Fest for Beatles fans convention!
Another signature and a self-portrait sketch done by Victor in my collection:
Ome of the other participants in the stage play adaptation of John’s book also wrote a book with her son, Adam, about her brief but eventful encounter with a Beatle-Adrienne Kennedy!
Published by Samuel French Ltd, GB, 2010
Hope you enjoyed this post about the multi-talented, Spinetti family!
Anyone who has followed the Beatles for more than 30 years should be distinctly aware of two very prominent people named Bill who have made their mark in Beatle circles in so many ways during those years.
First, we have Bill Last. Bill is a fellow Connecticut native (a Nutmegger) who I can recall seeing at the earliest Beatle conventions. Overhearing many of his conversations with fellow-Beatle fans, I instantly knew this was a very well-informed and bright Beatles fan. He was good friends with fellow Connecticut Beatles fan and expert, Charles Rosenay. Bill would write columns for Charles’ excellent Beatles fanzine, Good Day Sunshine! Over the years I was so impressed that several items that I was looking for in my Beatles collection I was able to find through Bill. They include a beautiful copy of Ringo Starr’s Scouse the Mouse LP and a rare LP by a saxophone player named Raphael Ravenscroft featuring one of the first ever singing performances of a young Julian Lennon.
Bill also writes a great Beatles column for an excellent current Beatles fanzine/magazine run by Tom Aguiar in Massachusetts called Octopus’ Garden.
Bill has now entered the realm of being a Beatles book author and here is his book that was inspired ny his large collection of Beatles-related video performances over the years!
Don’t panic, fellow Beatles book collectors. It is certainly not the last Beatles book but it is a wonderful new book by longtime Beatles fan and collector, Bill Last! Over the years, as a fellow collector I purchased quite a few rare items from Bill Last. To me personally, that was the first indicator to me of Bill’s great Beatles knowledge-base. The fact that he not only knew of the very rare Beatles-related items that I was looking for, but he already had them in his personal collection spoke volumes to me as the Beatles items I was looking for would only be known to hardcore Beatles fans. I was so happy to learn that he has recently published a new book.
This is the description and background information concerning the book which also appears on the back cover photo…
The Beatles Collected Videography is a comprehensive guide to collecting The Beatles group and solo videos from 1962–2024. “Part checklist, part critical assessment, and balancing the scholastic and the fun, this Videography will be a welcome addition to many a Beatles fan and collector’s reference desk. Notice I didn’t say ‘bookshelf’, it’s not one you’re gonna display, it’s gonna be one you refer to… constantly.” Tom Frangione The Beatles Channel SiriusXM Radio
“Six decades after The Beatles invaded America, we still love all the music, laughs, joy, and memories they provide us. Part of that gift to the world was their great films and videos. I can say, without hesitation, that Bill Last has put out the most complete and well-assembled work on the subject of Beatles video. It’s a must-read for any Beatles fan and a crucial addition to any Beatles library.” Charles F. Rosenay !!! Liverpool Productions
About the Author Bill Last is a first generation Beatles fan and collector. He is a singer-songwriter, musician, producer, arranger, educator, and author. He did script research for the 1978 Stephen Spielberg executive produced film “I Wanna Hold Your Hand”, and provided videos for the 2007 release “Photograph, the Very Best of Ringo”. His column “The Last Word on Collecting” appeared for years in the Beatles fanzine Good Day Sunshine and currently in the fanzine Octopus’ Garden.
SIGNED BOOK INFORMATION:
Readers can order Bill’s book signed directly from him using PayPal. International customers will have to contact Bill at his email address first for an exact postage quote. billlast@att.net
Regarding people domestically in the US- ordering his book directly from him. Current prices posted at the time of the writing of this post are
$25.00 shipped Media Mail
$28.00 shipped Ground Advantage
His PayPal account is his email address: billlast@att.net
Here are a few examples of the rare videos that Bill Last has informed me about
From WIKIPEDIA
“The short film “Who Goes There?” was directed by Ringo Starr and features Maurice Gibb, one of the Bee Gees. The film includes some comedy sketches and has been featured in Ringo’s 2024 promo video for the songs “Gonna Need Someone”. This collaboration highlights the playful and comedic side of Ringo Starr and Maurice Gibb, showcasing their ability to blend music with humor.” Ringo lived close by to Lulu and Maurice when he lived in Surrey and they often partied at each other’s homes!
Though not the Beatles this rare Bee Gees video called Cucumber Castle has many Beatles connections. It was aired at a time that Robin Gibb had quit the group after the Bee Gees’ Odessa album. Ringo Starr was buddying around with Maurice Gibb and singer Lulu, who Maurice was married to, and they (Ringo and Maurice) produced a short comedy film together called “Who Goes There?”
This is the rare Bee Gees film from the BBC that was posted on YouTube called Cucumber Castle. See how many Beatles connections to other people that you can find in this film….
“This hour-long TV special was produced by the Robert Stigwood Organisation as a vehicle for The Bee Gees and aired on BBC2 at 1.30 pm on Boxing Day 1970.
On his death bed, The King (Frankie Howerd) orders his kingdom divided into two halves, the Kingdom of Jelly and the Kingdom of Cucumbers. Before the King even dies, his son Prince Frederick (Barry Gibb) declares himself King of Cucumbers and the other son Prince Marmaduke (Maurice Gibb) the King of Jelly.
The film intersperses (bad) comedy sketches with Bee Gees songs plus performances By Blind Faith and Lulu with cameo appearances from other music stars of the day.
Barry and Maurice Gibb display very little acting ability but Frankie Howerd is delightfully over the top as the hypochondriacal King whose death scene lasts the entire film.
Robin Gibb does not appear in the film as he quit the group earlier in the year following the release of their fourth album Odessa.“
See how many Beatles connections you can spot in this cast listing:
An uncredited Mike Mansfield (TV music guru) assisted Hugh Gladwish with the direction.
Prince Frederick, King of Cucumbers-Barry Gibb Prince Marmaduke, King of Jelly -Maurice Gibb The King-Frankie Howerd Lady Margerie Pee-Eleanor Bron Nurse Sarah Charles Bottom-Pat Coombs Lord Chamberlain-Julian Orchard Lulu the cook-Lulu Court Jester-Spike Milligan Wicked Count Voxville-Vincent Price Narrator-Peter Blythe Blind Faith-Themselves Roger Daltrey-Himself Donovan-Himself Marianne Faithfull -Herself Mick Jagger -Himself
The Beatles magazine by Tom Aguiar entitled Octopus’ Garden features a Collecting the Beatlescolumn by Bill Last
Contact: For subscription Information:
Tom Aguiar
P.O. Box 3683, Peabody, MA 01961-3683, USA
Email: ogfanzine94@gmail.com
And now…Mr. Bill King!
The digital age is considered to be the INFORMATION AGE where information is conveyed immediately to the masses via the internet. However, Bill King has always done much better than that for the world in that he conveys much information but places it in the proper context so that you are not overwhelmed by it as we often are, in the world of the internet!
Bill King has always provided a wealth of information to his readers whether it was at his full-time job at a prominent Atlanta newspaper to his creation and role of being the founder & the publisher of Beatlefan magazine since the 1970s, Bill was always my own personal source of credible information about the Beatles. Despite now facing the challenges of continuing his print magazine in a digital age, Bill has weathered the storm through his high journalistic standards and his superb network of information contacts that he acquires much information from. To this day I prefer to read and collect print media as it relates to the Beatles. I thank Mr. Bill King for that great gift.
Recently, Bill King wrote a book about music in the Southern part of the US from the years 1976-1986. This book was largely inspired by many of the well-known and popular musicians that Bill was pleased to interview during those years! Though my own personal obsession remains the Beatles, I was captured by the information conveyed in his Large Time book and you will too! The interviews are always first-class and not based on fan worship. Bill always attempts to get to the heart of the matter with his questions and with this book he certainly succeeds!
BILL KING’S-LARGE TIME ON THE SOUTHERN MUSIC BEAT, 1976-1986:
Back cover of the book:
Bill King with the front and back dustjacket covers of his book:
Bill King covered the Southern and Georgia music scenes from 1976 to 1986, writing about a broad range of acts that included classic rock, new wave, country outlaws, mainstream Nashville, soul music, modern R&B and disco, and even a little gospel. “LARGE TIME: On the Southern Music Beat, 1976-1986” includes expanded versions of some of King’s favorite interviews with Southern acts from that era, along with previously unpublished stories behind the stories. You’ll find chats with The Allman Brothers, James Brown, R.E.M., Dolly Parton, Isaac Hayes, the B-52s, B.B. King, the Oak Ridge Boys, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Roy Orbison, Randall Bramblett, Jimmy Buffett, Barbara Mandrell, The Brains, the Dregs, Tanya Tucker, Stillwater, the Swingin’ Medallions, the Tams, Chips Moman, Brenda Lee, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Amy Grant, Chet Atkins, Willie Nelson, Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers, Millie Jackson, Tammy Wynette, Charlie Daniels, Phil Walden, Buddy Buie, Bill Lowery and more. It’s all Southern music!
It can be ordered directly from The Goody Press for $39.99 each postpaid in the U.S., $69.99 each postpaid outside the U.S. Add $10 to the cost if you’d like a numbered, signed copy!
Send a check, money order or credit card information to:
The Goody Press Books, 3009 Delcourt Drive, Decatur, GA 30033
Credit card orders must include address, expiration date and CVV number. You also can pay via PayPal togoodypress@gmail.com, or via credit card at 404-713-6432. Address all inquiries togoodypress@gmail.com.
BEATLE REFERENCES DEALT WITH IN THE “LARGE TIME” BOOK:
Much to my delight, Bill King’s book about Southern music also has many Beatles references demonstrating how the love of music has many overlaps and cross-references!
“And The Beatles make quite a few cameo appearances in the book, too! The Fab Four came up frequently in King’s conversations with Southern music stars. And it’s undeniable that quite a few Southern musicians were major influences on all four Beatles.
From his pre-Wilburys days, Roy Orbison talks about the role that touring with The Beatles played in his decision always to wear sunglasses onstage. You’ll read how George Harrison was thrilled that country guitar great Chet Atkins was one of the first major stars to record an album of Beatles covers. You learn why Jerry Lee Lewis said, “John Lennon was nobody’s fool.” You’ll find out about the blind Atlanta piano player from whose band The Beatles got the obscure song “Mister Moonlight.” Delbert McClinton talks about teaching Lennon harmonica licks. The Commodores explain how they patterned themselves after the Fabs. You’ll find out about Ringo Starr’s dispute with producer Chips Moman. And Paul McCartney and Harrison are major players in the chapter on Carl Perkins.“
BILL KING’S LONG-STANDING MAGAZINE MAINSTAY: BEATLEFAN MAGAZINE
One of the best if not THE BEST Beatles magazines in the marketplace. Published since the 70s. I always am thrilled at receiving the newest issues. It is one of the few Beatles fanzines/magazines that I have every issue of! It would drive me mad to be missing an issue!
AND MORE GOOD NEWS- A FORTHCOMING BEATLES BOOK PROJECT FROM BILL KING IN EARLY 2027!
Bill King has given me the permission to announce that he currently is at work on a collection of the best of his 50 years of writing about The Beatles! He hopes to have this exciting book out by early 2027.
We all anxiously await to add this book to our Beatles book collections!
Hope you get the opportunity to check out the 2 books written by the 2 Bills. You will enjoy their work and will ultimately be a better educated follower of music by doing so in my humble opinion!
1 As You Lie There 2 Lost Horizon 3 Days We Left Behind 4 Ripples in a Pond 5 Mountain Top 6 Down South 7 We Two 8 Come Inside 9 Never Know 10 Home to Us 11 Life Can Be Hard 12 First Star of the Night 13 Sailsman Saint 14 Momma Gets By
NEW ROLLING STONES ALBUM “FOREIGN TONGUES” -PAUL McCARTNEY GUESTS ON ONE TRACK(July 10, 2026)
Foreign Tongues, the vibrant 14-track album from the Rolling Stones, arrives less than three years after the Grammy-winning Hackney Diamonds. Led by the infectious single “In The Stars,” it was recorded in under a month at Metropolis Studios with producer Andrew Watt. Blending their signature sound with fresh sonic territory, the album features Charlie Watts on one of his final sessions, plus contributions from Darryl Jones, Steve Jordan,Paul McCartney, Robert Smith and more. Limited edition Amazon exclusive 2-LP set on heavyweight 180g baby pink vinyl with an alternative yellow cover in a gatefold jacket.
(Full Track listing, as of this writing not yet available)
Rolling Stones Foreign Tongues
After all of these years, Baby Boomers and subsequent generations are soon to have albums by both the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney.
Richard Hewson the arranger of “The Long and Winding Road” on the The Beatles Let It Be album has long been given bad press for his lush production of that number. However, in the United States the public disagreed as the song made it to #1 on the Billboard charts. Maybe let “Bygones be Bygones”?
WHICH VERSION OF ‘THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD” DO YOU PREFER? Read on!
Would such a large audience have bought the record if they were disgusted with the song’s production?
The one factor in the controversy that I see as valid criticism is that Paul McCartney should have had more direct involvement in the song’s final production as presented to the world because it was “his” song.
However, there is more to this story than I believe that we are all aware of…
For example, it is apparently not the strings that Paul was really upset with but with the female vocal chorale that was upsetting to him according to others. Perhaps we will never know the full story!
THE “LET IT BE” RECORDING WITH THE RICHARD HEWSON ARRANGEMENT:
“On 2 April, Spector sent each of the Beatles an acetate of the completed album with a note saying: “If there is anything you’d like done to the album, let me know and I’ll be glad to help … If you wish, please call me about anything regarding the album tonight,”, along with a lengthy letter justifying his changes. All four Beatles, including McCartney, sent Spector a telegram giving their approval.”
This is why we must be careful in judging some of the history shared with us as FACT concerning certain events that we take as being the gospel truth. Everyone emphasizes their own predispositions as to what actually happened especially when there are conflicting views as to the events that may have occurred. In my opinion, if the Beatles really did not want the album to come out as it did, it WOULD NOT have been released. They wiped their hands, tired of all of the business hassles, and it ultimately came out despite their personal disappointments at the time.
APPLES AND ORANGES:
“The Long and Winding Road” reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in June 1970.
“The Long and Winding Road” was never officially released as a standalone 45 single in the UK.
The Long and Winding Road
THE LET IT BE “NAKED” VERSION OF THE SONG:
In order to satisfy Paul’s original vision for his number, this LP was released featuring the stripped-down version of the song:
Much controversy surrounded Richard Hewson’s involvement with the Beatles story. When Phil Spector arrived on the scene to remedy the displeasure the band had with the original Get Back/ Let It Be session tapes, he had Richard Hewson, Brian Rogers, and John Barham handle the new string, orchestral, and choral backings on several of the songs. Many Beatles fans to this day say that that was not what the Beatles had wanted in their original concept of the LP which was slated to be a return to their rock ‘n’ roll basics. (The raw Beatles without overdubs).
Obviously, there was a big conflict here as Paul in particular objected to the production values on “The Long and Winding Road” which irritated and angered him as it was done without his permission. He thought the string and the vocal background choir were unwarranted and went against his vision of the song. Ringo has claimed in interviews that all four of the Beatles did sign off on the album’s release, however. In the ultimate irony, years later Paul when performing the Long and Winding Road live it had a very lush arrangement of the song somewhat similar to the Beatles album version. My supposition was that it probably was a “control” based issue in the power politics of the group!
Let It Be
RICHARD HEWSON’S FIRST LOVE IS “JAZZ”
The RAH band is an acronym for Richard Anthony Hewson’s initials. Despite his numerous forays in the pop music field over the years, his first love was always JAZZ. I recently acquired a live album of the RAH band, but I must admit I had a very selfish motivation to do so. As many people on this blog are aware, as a collector I always make the attempt to acquire the signatures of people that have somehow contributed to the Beatles musical legacy. I wrote to someone who assists Richard Hewson with promotion and publicity, and he said that signed copies of the RAH band album were available to purchase and that signed postcards from Richard Hewson were available in the album. Sure, enough I received my copy of the album shown below and they were signed by Richard Hewson but indirectly by indicating Peace! The RAH (RICHARD ANTHONY HEWSON) Band!
I have to be honest I would have enjoyed it more if he had signed the postcard with his signature but the publicist that had told me about the album did say that the signing was indeed from Richard himself which made me feel so much better!
TOO OFTEN THE PRESS CAN BE THE MAIN CULPRIT IN PERPETUATING THE “CONFLICTS” OR “AGITATIONS” OF CELEBRITIES:
Whatever your opinions of the production of “The Long and Winding Road” may be, it does a disservice to the song by making it a contest. We have the full production, and we have the bare version so we all should be happy! My personal preference is the Richard Hewson full production. From the first time I heard the song on an acetate of the then named Get Back album I personally saw the song as being a majestic number with lush overtones. I may be in the minority in that song vision but apparently, I am not alone as the Richard Hewson production became #1 in the United States Billboard charts in 1970. Oh, and by the way, when Paul first began to perform the song live when he decided to once again perform Beatles songs, his version onstage was closer to a full lush presentation than his Let It Be Naked version!
Nuff said!
Meaning and Usage The phrase “let bygones be bygones” is commonly used to encourage individuals to forget about past conflicts or unpleasant events. It suggests that one should not dwell on past mistakes or grievances but instead focus on the present and future. This idiom promotes the idea of forgiveness and reconciliation, allowing relationships to heal and grow.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment
In a relatively short time after The Long and Winding Road production fiasco, Paul asked Richard Hewson to do the string arrangements for his Thrillington album which were his revisitations of songs from his RAM album! The project was completed rather smoothly yet there was a very long inexplicable delay between the album’s recording and its eventual release!
THRILLINGTON:
Richard is credited at the bottom of the sleeve in the smaller print:
And his lovely treatment to the McCartney penned track for Mary called Goodbye: While McCartney wrote the song and produced the recording, Richard Hewson was the arranger responsible for the full orchestral and backing track.
JAMES TAYLOR IN HIS APPLE LP HAD SEVERAL ARRANGEMENTS DONE BY RICHARD HEWSON:
James Taylor
Credit listing for the James Taylor Apple album provided at the DISCOGS website:
A1a Don’t Talk Now Handclaps [Clapping], Percussion – James Taylor (2), Peter Asher Organ – Don Schinn* 2:36 A1b Link Greensleeves Arranged By, Performer [Played By] – James Taylor (2) A2a Something’s Wrong Arranged By [Bassoon, Oboe, And The Aeolian String Quartet], Conductor [Bassoon, Oboe, And The Aeolian String Quartet Conducted By] – Richard Hewson Performer – Aeolian String Quartet 3:00 A2b Link Arranged By – Richard Hewson Performer [Played By] – Aeolian String Quartet A3 Knocking ‘Round The Zoo Arranged By [Screams And Brass], Conductor [Screams And Brass Conducted By] – Richard Hewson 3:26 A4a Sunshine Sunshine Accompanied By, Harp – Skaila Kanga Arranged By [Amici String Quartet], Conductor [Amici String Quartet] – Richard Hewson Performer – Amici String Quartet 3:30 A4b Link Arranged By – Richard Hewson Performer [Played By], Harp – Skaila Kanga A5a Taking It In 3:01 A5b Link Arranged By, Performer [Played By] – Don Schinn* A6 Something In The Way She Moves 2:26 B1 Carolina In My Mind Arranged By [Strings], Conductor [Strings Conducted By] – Richard Hewson Backing Vocals [Uncredited] – George Harrison Bass – Paul McCartney Guitar [2nd Guitar] – Mick Wayne Organ – Freddie Redd Tambourine – Peter Asher 3:36 B2a Brighten Your Night With My Day Arranged By [Brass], Conductor [Brass Conducted By] – Richard Hewson Electric Piano – Don Schinn* 3:05 B2b Link Arranged By, Conductor [Conducted By] – Richard Hewson B3a Night Owl Arranged By [Brass], Conductor [Brass Conducted By] – Richard Hewson Electric Guitar – James Taylor (2) 3:38 B3b Link Arranged By [Percussion], Percussion [Percussion Played By] – Bishop O’Brien, James Taylor (2), Peter Asher B4 Rainy Day Man 3:00 B5a Circle Round The Sun Arranged By [Orchestra], Conductor [Orchestra Conducted By] – Richard Hewson 3:24 B5b Link Arranged By, Conductor [Conducted By] – Richard Hewson B6 The Blues Is Just A Bad Dream Arranged By [Orchestra], Conductor [Orchestra Conducted By] – Richard Hewson
In Beatles lore Richard will probably be most remembered for the controversy regarding the arrangement surrounding The Long and Winding Road. The reason behind that is the public loves the talking points around controversy. Ultimately, it is wonderful that we have both versions, the lush version and the bare bones version. I personally prefer Richard’s version, but we have the stripped-down track if you prefer that one.
Regardless. Richard has demonstrated over the years that he is a very talented and versatile arranger and composer which is evidenced across many stylistic mediums. His contributions to music have been great and will continue to be remembered well into the future!
In this latest episode of the Liverpool Beatles podcast Liddypod, with Beatles banter from hosts David Bedford and Paul Beesley, they discuss, over a breakfast of course, the latest McCartney documentary, new Ringo album, and pay tribute to Len Garry and Joe Ankrah.
Why not catch up on all the previous episodes at www.liddypod.com
The film intersperses (bad) comedy sketches with Bee Gees songs plus performances By Blind Faith and Lulu with cameo appearances from other music stars of the day.
