George comes to the United States

 

September 1963

60 years ago George Harrison became the first Beatle to come to the United States when he came to visit his sister, Louise in Benton, Illinois.   

I know for a fact that George took plenty of photographs and moving pictures while he was there.  A few of them have popped up here and there over the years.   My hope is that now Ringo and Paul have released some of their person photos, that the Harrison estate will follow and publish some of the photos George took in Benton.   There is one photo I would love to see -- a photograph of George with the bass player from the 4 Vests (Gabe McCarty) standing next to a truck.   I know this photo was taken because in 2013, Gabe (Rest in peace) told me that several photos were taken with George's camera and that George was going to send Gabe copies (never happened).   

Louise Harrison -- Rest in Peace

Me with Louise in Benton, Illinois, in 2013 

 

Sad to hear the news that George's oldest sibling, Louise, passed away yesterday (January 29).   She was very supportive of The Beatles in 1963-64 and tried her hardest to promote them in the United States.   Love to her family during this time.  

George and Louise on Holiday

 

In Memory of Mr. Epstein

 October 17, 1967 

Harrison Family gathering

 

I have these photos as July 4, 1967 - but why would George and Pattie wear such heavy coats in July?  Maybe that photograph does not fit with the others. 

The Harrison crew

 

55 Years ago...

 

January 21, 1966

Dancing the Night away

 

Happy Birthday to Mama Harrison

Louise and Harold Harrison's autographs on the back of a Beatles Fan Club card (from my collection)

As you all know, I am in the midst of writing a book about the Beatles Fan Clubs in North America.  I am a little over half way finished with it and have done a ton of research.    The one thing I really learned so far is that George mum, Louise was an awesome woman!    She was a lot of fun, enjoyed dancing and loved George's fans.  She went out of her way to answer fan mail and contribute to American fan club newsletters.   

Today is actually my mom's birthday as well, so happy birthday to my mom and to Mrs. Louise Harrison. 

One more goodbye

A little confusion

Here are the Beatles with the Cronkite girls and there is George's sister, Louise.   No one seems to know what is going on in this photo opportunity.

Harrison, McCartney and Starkey

Harold , Freda and Louise

Harrison perms

Harrison family gathering

Louise reports about George's wedding

This is the report Louise Harrison (sister) wrote for the Louise Harrison fan club newsletter in 1966:

George's wedding:  My piece of George's wedding cake is on its way; I should have it by the time you receive this letter.  I still can't make up my mind whether to eat it, frame it, or maybe just auction it off crumb by crumb!  I think you might enjoy reading Mum's description of the wedding:    George & Pattie were married in Epsom (which is a town outside of London) by a Justice of the Peace.  The ceremony took place at 10:45am. on the Friday morning.   There were no sightseers when the party arrived.  the weather was very, very cold and foggy.     

Pattie wore a reddish striped dress and red fox fur coat with a beige band around her hair and beige shoes.   Pattie carried a bouquet of white Gardenias, white carnations, cream roses, and lily of the valley.   The ring is broad and in a design of white, pink and ordinary gold. 

George wore a black Victorian suit with wide lapels and black overcoat with a fur collar.  Mum wore a winter-white suit with black fur collar and a small black velvet hat with black shoes, handbag and gloves.  Dad wore a charcoal gray suit and tie and gray shoes.

Mum & Dad only knew three days before the wedding what the exact day and time would be.  Unfortunately, at such short notice, my other brothers Peter and Harry and their wive were unable to make arrangements to attend.

The only other Beatle present was Paul - and as Jane was working, she was unable to accompany him.  As you probably heard, John and Ringo were on vacation in Tobago with Cynthia and Maureen.  Although they would like to be together for weddings, etc., they have found from experience that a secret is better kept if all four of them do not appear in one place at one time.

George particularly wanted his wedding to take place in a quiet and serious atmosphere rather than a frantic, hurried atmosphere as would be the case if too many people had known about it.  They decided against going away for their honeymoon at this time.  their ideas about a family are that they would like about three children, but George is a little reluctant to start his family whilst there is so much publicity.   I guess when he does have children, he wants t have the time to spend with them.  

 

 

 

         

Spending Time with the Harrisons

Never say "never ever..."

This letter from George's mum must have been written about 50 years ago.   There was a lot of rumors going around that the Beatles were breaking up, and it was nice for Louise to assure this fan, Kathy, that the guys were "never, ever" breaking up and "we will always be a group."  I wish that was true---but in 1967 the turmoil hadn't yet begun.

Liverpool times

Pre-show discussion