Author's Beatles Blog - Page 87 of 123

Posted on 10/04/202327/05/2024 by liddypool — Leave a comment

The Beatles in India

A subject matter that seems to have been thoroughly examined in books is the 1968 Beatles’ sojourn to India. Largely influenced by the impact of Eastern culture on Beatle George Harrison, the Beatles became transfixed on learning Transcendental Meditation and the ancient philosophy of Indian culture.

George in particular, through his association with sitar virtuoso, Ravi Shankar, was able to commingle spiritual Indian music, with the realm of pop music.

The Beatles White Album

Not only did their journey to India inspire the writing of nearly all of the songs on the Beatles “White Album” but years after their trip, both John and Paul were to write songs about India in their solo years.

Paul Saltzman

Undoubtedly, the best photographs taken of the Beatles in India were by film producer, Paul Saltzman. The photos were presented in a number of book releases of which a couple are shown here.

The first one is the limited edition published in October of 2006 by Insight Editions-

Signed and numbered Limited Edition, only 1968 copies were issued.
Paul allowed me to purchase copy #1968 which is also the year the pictures were taken and the year of the release of the fabulous “White Album” aka “The Beatles.”
The photos in this book are stunning and may be the best photos of the Beatles taken at a specific location, somewhat akin to the Mad Day Out photo session in London, though the Beatles seem to be more relaxed in the Indian setting.

This hardcover edition was released in Feb of 2018-Has a preface by Tim Wride, an Afterword by Donovan and a Foreword by Pattie Boyd
Also published by Inside Editions.

The Beatles in Rishikesh

This edition under a different title was published in October of 2000 by Viking Studio.

This book is more of a history of India and the cover shot was probably used a marketing tool for sales. The book is written by author Sam Miller and is an outstanding historical perspective of a foreigner and how he perceives the beauty and wonder of Indian culture. Published in July of 2015 by Vintage Books.

With The Beatles, by Lewis Lapham, was published in October of 2005 by Melville House Publishers. I found this book to be very informative and the author delves into the goings-on behind the scenes in this book which may or may not alter your perspectives of what has been written before about the Beatles’ disillusionment when the Beatles left the Maharishi’s camp.

Dear Prudence

At a Fest for Beatles fans in NY, I was able to meet Mia Farrow’s sister and the lady who was the inspiration for the famous song “Dear Prudence.” I was able to give her as a gift the demo that John had written of the song which she told me she had never heard. She was so kind to sign a copy of her book for me at a later date with some of the lyrics from the song as part of the inscription. A very kind soul was my distinct impression of her.

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; First Edition (June 26, 2015)

This book by Nancy Cooke Herrera was one of those books I accidentally stumbled upon at Abe Books, looking for Beatles-related titles. This book was authored by the lady who was the inspiration along with her son for John Lennon’s song “The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” featured on the “White Album.” Nancy was the mother of the man who shot the tiger which was detailed in the song. She was also a friend of the reclusive Greta Garbo. I was able to obtain a signed edition of this book. Nancy is now deceased.

This somewhat updated version of the book was published in 2005 by Rupa & Co.

The Maharishi

Author Paul Mason has written two wonderful books about both the Maharishi and the Beatles’ trip to India. The first one is a biography of the Maharishi. Published in 1994, the hardcover edition was published by Element Books.

This is Paul’s book that is more directed towards the Beatles’ element in India.

Published by Premanand (May 15, 2017). This is a unique book in the Beatles Indian collection. It is a volume that I enjoyed very much.

Author Susan Shumsky has written two books with the theme of the Maharishi and the Beatles. The first title discusses her many years of interaction with the leader of TM.

The book was published by Skyhorse; First Edition (February 13, 2018)

The Inner Light

Susan’s new release is shown here. I have just begun to read this title published in 2022 by Permuted Press. Interested in learning Susan’s more analytic approach to this subject. Obtain a signed copy of the book from the Fest for Beatles fans.

I thoroughly enjoyed this relatively obscure account of an actor’s recollections of being there in India in 1968. Many fascinating anecdotes in this one. Judd Linger’s interesting book was independently published in October 2021.

I wanted to discuss one of the many Beatles in India books that has the perspective of a man native to India as he not only discusses the impact that India had on the Beatles but also the impact that the Beatles had on India. I found this book to be very informative and entertaining and reinforced my opinions of how deep the cultural impact of the Beatles truly extended. How the band was able to incorporate stimuli from so many sources, assimilate them, and make them a part of their musical vocabulary.

Thís book was written by Ajoy Bose, published in 2018 by India Viking.

Another book that deals with the impact of Eastern mysticism on the Beatles

NOTHING IS REAL: WHEN THE BEATLES MET THE EAST By Luca Beatrice

Publisher: Silvana Year of Publication 2017

The subject of The Beatles in India is such an interesting one and a fascinating collection of books help us understand The Beatles more.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: The Biography of the Man Who Gave Transcendental Meditation to the World (2020)

This is an updated version of the earlier book (see above) and includes more information as well as more photographs too.

The songs inspired in India can sometimes divide Beatles fans. Did you like the Indian influences? Let me know in the comments below.

Buzz

Posted on 08/04/202308/04/2023 by liddypool — Leave a comment

The Beatles Beach Hat

Beatles Memorabilia

Our resident Beatles Memorabilia expert Terry Crain takes a look at another great piece of memorabilia – the Beatles Beach Hat.

Beatles Beach Hat

Now Beatles fans could “follow the sun” in a stylish protective fashion! It was likely a scientific fact that the sun shone more brightly on Beatles fans at the beach, and what type of headgear could they trust? Well, The Beatles Beach Hat, of course!

Manufactured in the U.S., the beach hat (or “sports hat” in some advertisements) was available in red and white, black and white, or blue and white fabric. Pressed onto the white space of the cap were graphics with Beatles faces and facsimile autographs in black ink. When fanned out, the hat was 9″ in diameter.

The Beatles Flocking

The advertisement for the hat lured the consumer with enticing language: “Cotton Twill Stitched Brim Hat with The Beatles Flocking. Blue and white and red and white. One size fits all. Hurry! 99¢. Be In Rhythm with ’em!”

The label inside the beach hat contained the logo from the United Hatters, Cap and Millinery Workers International Union (Union Made). It also had a tag that said: “Made in U.S.A.”

The hat first came out of England in black, then headed across the waters to the U.S. with the additional red and blue colors to the inventory for the American market.

Puritan Fashions had the license from NEMS to produce the beach hats via the U.K. company Kangol and U.S. solicitor/middleman Budd Hellawell. Many of the early Sixties ads for Puritan products included their sweatshirts, shirts, and beach hats grouped.

Kangol Wear UK

An interesting side note: Kangol Wear in the U.K. talked via phone on February 10, 1964 (the day after the first Ed Sullivan appearance), to Puritan representative Bud Hellawell. It granted Puritan a sublicense to manufacture and distribute “hats” in the United States. During that phone call, Kangol reminded him that he owed them $1000 as a “down payment” for the license.

Terry Crain

Discover more about Beatles memorabilia in his book available below:

NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)

The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!

Barnes and Noble site: httpss://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nems-and-the-business-of-selling-beatles-merchandise-in-the-us-1964-1966-terry-crain/1137422952?ean=9783347096165#

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Posted on 05/04/202327/05/2024 by liddypool — Leave a comment

MY FAVORITE AMERICAN GROUP IS NILSSON

Harry Nilsson

John Lennon, when the Beatles were at their creative peak, was once asked for his favorite American group and he humorously replied, “Harry Nilsson.” Later on, all of the Beatles were able to form friendly associations and working relationships with Harry. John and Ringo, in particular worked on several recording projects with Harry Nilsson. Harry’s recording of the Badfinger penned “Without You” certainly must have earned a significant amount of money for Apple Publishing as it has become a classic.

Authors David Roberts and Neil Watson in December of 2021 published this very interesting book of fan and musician recollections of meeting this great singer and artist. Published by “This Day In Music Books,” the book is entitled “Harry & Me.”

I was fortunate to be able to post my recollection of meeting Harry Nilsson back in 1991. Have included that recollection from the book below.

The cover of the excellent book by David Roberts and Neil Watson.

My little contribution to the book written when I administered the Facebook Group “The Beatles in Print-Together and Solo.”

John's contribution to the Harry NIlsson book

IN 1974

The photo of the cover of the Lennon-produced Harry Nilsson Album called Pussy Cats. Notice the drug reference that the two artists put on the cover. On the bottom of the album are two blocks with the letter D and S positioned on either side of a small rug. D–rug-S. I am surprised that Nilsson’s recording company for the LP, RCA, allowed the reference to go out at that time. The LP featured the Lennon/Nilsson co-composition “Mucho Mungo/Mt Elga.”

Harry's Album that John Lennon Produced — Harry’s Album that John Lennon Produced

A little after Pussy Cats was recorded, John’s Walls and Bridges album was recorded and released. It featured another co-written Lennon/Nilsson composition called “Old Dirt Road.”

Harry Nilsson passed away on January 15, 1994 from a combination of heart disease and diabetes.

Buzz

Posted on 01/04/202327/05/2024 by liddypool — Leave a comment

Ivan Vaughan: Ive The Jive

Ivan Vaughan

Many fellow collectors and Beatle fans have asked me about favorite items in my collection. This signed book is clearly one of my favorites. This is due not only for the rarity of the signature but the historical importance that the signer had in the forming or development of the Beatles. Ivan Vaughan held the historical significance of being friends with both John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Ivan played the important role of introducing and encouraging the friendship of two people that were to lead to the cultural explosion the world still has not recovered from.

Introducing Paul McCartney to John Lennon

It was at Ivan’s insistence that Paul would accompany him to the Woolton Village Fete in July of 1957 that would light the fuse.

Ivan himself did play for a very short time with the Quarrymen, John’s skiffle group, but that tenure was over very quickly. Ive was to have a statement on the block that held the tea chest instrument he played in the group and it read “Jive with Ive.” However, Ivan later became absorbed in his academic studies which resulted in him eventually becoming a teacher.

The Quarrymen

Ivan Vaughan pictured with the tea chest that he played with the Quarrymen. The Jive with Ive lettering on the instrument was the question that John Lennon posed to Ivan Vaughan to prove that it was actually Ivan calling him at the Dakota. To memorialize his childhood friend, Paul McCartney wrote a poem for Ivan Vaughan after his passing. The poem was entitled “Ivan”, and was in his “Blackbird Singing” book of poetry

Later in life, Ivan developed Parkinson’s disease.

The book was first published in the UK by Macmillan in 1986 in the UK in 1986. It was then published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux on Nov. 1, 1987 in the US. This book features the details of Ivan Vaughan’s ordeal with Parkinson’s disease. Ivan passed away from pneumonia in 1993.

Autograph

Ivan rarely signed his autograph for fans. His friend Len Garry relayed to me through his wife that the signature is genuine and that it is very obscure since when he did sign a few copies of his book, he rarely used his full name. Possibly Ivan’s hesitancy to sign things is he might have felt that his association with the world famous celebrities did not merit him signing anything. However, that may be pure speculation as he simply may have been a very private person. This particular signature was done for his friend “Margaret” who helped him in his tax preparation. Ivan’s wife who was fluent in French helped Paul with the French language bit in the song “Michelle.”

Buzz

Discover More Great Books at the Beatles Bookstore

The Beatles

Books about The Beatles as a group

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Posted on 28/03/202327/05/2024 by liddypool — 2 Comments

The Beatles in New Zealand

The Beatles in New Zealand – Rare Ross Penman New Zealand Beatles Discographies

The authority recognized in New Zealand as one of the most knowledgeable people regarding Beatles releases issued in that country, is Ross Penman. Ross issued three books that are now out of print and well sought after. I was able to obtain this trilogy of books from noted book author and collector, Samuel Coomans. Samuel has worked on a multitude of book projects with Dutch author and Dutch Beatles museum curator, Azing Moltmaker.

New Zealand Beatles Disks

The Penman books were independently produced by Mr. Penman and because of his wealth of knowledge of the New Zealand Beatles disks subject matter and the limited availability of his independently published books, many collectors of Beatles vinyl try very hard to track these books down.

However, I must be honest about discographies in general. Of all the Beatle books in my collection, discographies are the books that I have the least interest in and it has to do with the timing issue. You can produce a superb discography and as soon as a new release is issued, the book is out-of-date and then requires a revised edition or a supplement to keep things current.

The photo of the three books shown above was taken by Samuel Coomans who I acquired the books from. I extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Samuel to allow me to purchase them and I recommend that you check out the many Beatles discographies that both he and Azing Moltmaker have produced over the years. You will be amazed at how many books they have done on the subject.

The main collecting pleasure that I received from acquiring these books was the sheer difficulty in being able to find them as a Beatles collector. It is filling the completist need first and the content need being secondary in this circumstance. That notion may be difficult to grasp for some Beatles aficionados.

Buzz

Posted on 27/03/202327/03/2023 by liddypool — Leave a comment

Nowhere Man The Beatles

Exactly 3 years ago today I decided I needed to do something to help my family and friends cope with the debilitating stress of the Covid pandemic. So, I turned to my beloved Beatles to provide a daily uplift, a brief vacation from the worry and uncertainty that came with Covid, by sending a song, its back story, and some words of encouragement to persevere. It became a thing – I kept doing it daily for most of the rest of 2020 until I had run through every Beatles song that I could find. Along the way, I also received significant encouragement to transform the daily messages into a book.

When We Find Ourselves in Times of Trouble

The ebook, now available at www.amazon.com, is called When We Find Ourselves in Times of Trouble: The Beatles (All their songs with encouraging words for challenging times). Truth be told, I hope you’ll consider buying it, and encourage friends and loved ones to buy it, too [As George Harrison said about “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” when Lennon and McCartney weren’t paying any attention to it, “I knew the song was pretty good.”]. The book is pretty good, too, but if you would rather patiently wait to hear and read about all the songs, they will appear daily on my Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/tim.hatfield.3914], starting now. We still need hope and encouragement, right? I think the Beatles can help, and I wish you and yours well.

Love, love, love, Tim Hatfield

“Nowhere Man” from Rubber Soul

Rubber Soul – Nowhere Man

John Lennon wrote this song when he was struggling, as was Paul McCartney, to write new material for the album that eventually became Rubber Soul.

Lennon was working at home in Weybridge, feeling isolated and unproductive. In his biography All We are Saying, David Sheff quoted Lennon’s recollection of that time:

I’d spent five hours that morning trying to write a song that was meaningful and good and I finally gave up and lay down. Then “Nowhere Man” came, words and music, the whole damn thing, as I lay down.

So, at least at that moment, it was Lennon himself who was going nowhere, doing nothing. But something beautiful came of it, indeed. In the studio in October 1965, John, Paul, and George began with the harmonious a cappella introduction, John double-tracked his lead vocal, and the group pestered the recording engineers to make the guitar sound as trebly as they could. Add to that George and John’s tandem guitar solo, followed by the one perfect little note that sounded like a bell, and you have the makings of a beautiful song. It remained in the Beatles’ on-stage repertoire, too, all the way to their last concert performance in San Francisco’s Candlestick Park in late August of 1966.

There must be moments while enduring the uncertainties of the hard times in our lives that we all feel like we, too, have been stopped in our tracks. It’s up to us to persevere, though, until we ourselves or someone else lends us a hand.

Tim Hatfield