‘THE UKE, THE BEATLE, AND ME’ BY JOHN CROFT
The author’s perspective of his motivations for writing this book:
“After nearly 35 years thinking about whether to do so or not, I have finally put pen to paper to tell the story about the events that, after eleven years of friendship, made me come to realise what a lovely man George Harrison was. I hope that this book will be of great interest to people interested in George Harrison, George Formby, Banjo Ukes, and Ukuleles. I not only had the good fortune to know George, but I was lucky in getting to know him the unusual perspective of being just an ordinary man with no connections whatsoever to the kind of world that he inhabited. Enjoy the photos below.”
The author, John Croft’s comment about the front cover photograph of his book:
“The front cover photo (below) shows George Harrison collecting his newly restored Ludwig Banjo Uke from me in April 1991.”
THE AUTHOR’S DESCRIPTION OF HIS BOOK and READER’S COMMENTS:
“I’ve always loved the sound of the banjo uke and the ukulele, and the brilliant playing (and songs) of George Formby. Completely unknown to me, so did one of the most famous musicians in the world – George Harrison.”
This book tells the story of how, over the decades, a series of events led to a phone-call in November 1990 that was to change my life. It also tells how George’s initial contact with me developed into an eleven-year friendship that lasted until his death in 2001. Much more importantly and putting his fame and fortune completely to one side, this friendship enabled me, from a very unusual perspective and from a whole series of events and experiences, to discover what kind of man George Harrison really was. This book tells that story.”
Readers comments about the book:
“This small book written by John Croft is a gem. It describes how a serendipitous telephone conversation acted as a catalyst for an unlikely but enduring friendship between a secondary school geography teacher and a world-renowned musician who just happened to have been a member of a 1960’s pop group: The Beatles. A unique story that is beautifully told with honesty and an endearing humility. Miss reading it at your peril.” (CK)
“Thanks for the book. Absolutely great and a wonderful tribute to George.” (SM)
“I loved the book. Heartwarming and full of insight.” (MJ)
“Well John, I’m a dreadfully slow reader. However I couldn’t put the book down. It was beautifully and sensitively written. I loved it. I think George was very lucky indeed to have you and Mary as friends. Hope to meet you soon. Best wishes and thanks for writing the book.” (IP)
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your book. I read it over two days straight after you gave it to me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is such a lovely warm and genuine story of your friendship with George Harrison. I lent it to my sister and she also thoroughly enjoyed it.” (ES)
Ordering information:
* Foreword by written by Actor, Musician, and Author, Jimmy Nail.
* Contains photographs never seen before
Love to add books like this to the collection. Independently published. It helps to show another facet and interest of a very talented and spiritual man…THE UKULELE AND GEORGE HARRISON
A FEW SAMPLE PHOTOS AND PAGES FROM THE JOHN CROFT BOOK:
Another wonderful sample page from the book:
Friar Park and John’s first visit:
The foreword to the book by Jimmy Nail:
I love the way George crosses out the name Formby and replaces it with Harrison. in this note to John Croft sent from Hawaii!
Another personal note from George Harrison to John Croft expressing the desire to go binge shopping for more books about ukuleles!
A signed photo for John Croft highlighting George’s friendship and appreciation of his friend and their common interest!
Another Harrison treasure from George to John:
Thank you, John Croft for adding to and expanding to our knowledgebase about George Harrison and the world of ukuleles!
I just ordered my copy. What about you?
Book Availability information:
The other George:
George Formby – In My Little Snapshot Album
George Harrison was to do his own version of this song by George Formby at a Blackpool George Formby convention back in 1991. John Croft played a prominent role in organizing that surprise appearance!
Hope you have enjoyed notification of this new book. Thank you, Geoff Clode, for providing the information about this new title!
Be happy and be healthy!
Buzz
OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK – DEAR BEATLE PEOPLE
Dear Beatle People
The Story of The Beatles North American Fan Club
Dear Beatle People is a delightful book that chronicles the story of The Beatles North American fan club from late 1963 to early 1972.
Many previously unseen photographs and fan club memorabilia are featured, with a healthy dose of Beatles fun!
ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE UNITED STATES
