The Amazing Recording History of Here Comes the Sun

Summary

The Beatles' 'Here Comes the Sun' is a cherished song, not written by the usual duo of McCartney and Lennon but by George Harrison. It was composed during a serene spring day at Eric Clapton's estate and recorded with unique production techniques, including the innovative use of a Moog synthesizer. Despite initial mixed reviews, it has become the most streamed Beatles song, symbolizing optimism and marking a pivotal moment in Harrison's songwriting recognition.

Takeaways

• 🌞 'Here Comes the Sun' is one of the Beatles' most beloved songs and serves as an introduction to their music for many new fans.
• 🎶 The song was written by George Harrison, not the usual songwriting duo of Paul McCartney and John Lennon.
• 🏡 Harrison composed the song at Eric Clapton's country estate, inspired by the beauty of an early spring day.
• 📅 'Here Comes the Sun' was part of the Beatles' last studio album recorded before their split in 1970, 'Abbey Road'.
• 🎵 The song features unique production elements, including a harmonium, hand claps, and a creative use of a Leslie speaker with an electric guitar.
• 📖 George Harrison noted that the song's guitar part was the 'son of badge', referencing a song he co-wrote with Eric Clapton.
• 🎼 An orchestral arrangement by producer George Martin and the use of a Moog synthesizer added to the song's rich texture.
• 🔄 The song's key is slightly sharp, an intentional adjustment known as vari-speed, used to give the recording a special texture.
• 🎧 A previously unheard guitar solo from the song was discovered in 2011 during the filming of a documentary about George Harrison.
• 🎉 The day 'Here Comes the Sun' was mixed was the last time all four Beatles were together in the studio, marking the end of their 7-year creative journey at EMI.
• 🌐 Despite not being a promotional single, 'Here Comes the Sun' has become the most streamed Beatles song on digital platforms.

Q & A

Who wrote the song 'Here Comes the Sun'?

George Harrison, the youngest member of The Beatles, wrote 'Here Comes the Sun'.

On which album is 'Here Comes the Sun' featured?

'Here Comes the Sun' is featured on The Beatles' iconic album 'Abbey Road', released in September 1969.

Where did George Harrison compose 'Here Comes the Sun'?

George Harrison composed 'Here Comes the Sun' at Eric Clapton's country estate.

What was the significance of the date July 7th, 1969, in the recording of 'Here Comes the Sun'?

The actual recording of 'Here Comes the Sun' began on July 7th, 1969, which was one week into the sessions for the future 'Abbey Road' album.

Which Beatle was not present during the initial recording of 'Here Comes the Sun'?

John Lennon was not present during the initial recording of 'Here Comes the Sun' as he was recovering from a car accident in Scotland.

What unique technique did George Harrison use with his electric guitar during the recording?

George Harrison used a special speaker with a rotating chamber called a Leslie to transform the sound of his electric guitar.

What electronic instrument did George Harrison use to add unique sounds to 'Here Comes the Sun'?

George Harrison used a Moog synthesizer to add unique, otherworldly sounds to 'Here Comes the Sun'.

What was the last time all four Beatles were together in the studio?

The last time all four Beatles were together in the studio was on August 20th, 1969, during the mixing of 'Here Comes the Sun'.

What was the anomaly discovered in the Moog synthesizer part of 'Here Comes the Sun'?

The Moog part was recorded onto the same track that contained the woodwinds overdub from August 15th, almost entirely erasing them, but one tiny section of the woodwinds part survived.

What was the public and critical initial reaction to 'Here Comes the Sun'?

Early public reactions were not unanimously positive, with a New York Times Review calling George's contributions to 'Abbey Road' 'mediocrity incarnate'.

What was the significance of 'Here Comes the Sun' in George Harrison's recognition as a songwriter?

'Here Comes the Sun' marked a major turning point in George Harrison's recognition as a songwriter, impressing both John Lennon and Paul McCartney.