Why The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson Almost ‘Croaked’ When He Heard George Harrison’s ‘My Sweet Lord’
The Beach Boys‘ Brian Wilson nearly “croaked” when he heard George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord.” Subsequently, he covered the song himself. The cover was part of an event where numerous celebrities performed the quiet Beatles’ tunes.
The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson performed at a concert set up by George Harrison’s son
In 2014, Dhani organized a concert called George Fest, celebrating George’s songs. Numerous stars covered the quiet Beatle’s songs, including “Weird Al” Yankovic, Brandon Flowers of The Killers, and Norah Jones.
During a 2016 interview with Billboard, Dhani discussed the idea behind George Fest. “I’ve always imagined a small club show where my generation of musicians could cut loose on some of the deeper tracks from his career,” he said.
“So, in a totally new and vibrant way, I once again found myself taking the stage with some of my most treasured musical heroes to the sound of the most familiar music in my life,” Dhani added. “They are some of the best interpretations of my father’s songs I could have ever thought possible.”
The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson said it was ‘an honor’ to cover George Harrison’s ‘My Sweet Lord’
In an interview published on George’s YouTube channel in 2015, Wilson discussed “My Sweet Lord.” “Well, I always liked him when he was in The Beatles, and then when I heard ‘My Sweet Lord,’ I just about croaked,” Wilson revealed. “I couldn’t believe it.”
Wilson nearly “croaked” because he was impressed with the song. “It was one of the most unbelievable pieces of music I ever heard,” he recalled. “George, I cannot tell you how much your music has meant to me, and it’s an honor to sing it.” At George Fest, Wilson covered “My Sweet Lord” with The Beach Boys’ Al Jardine. It was the only song Wilson and Jardine performed at the event.
How ‘My Sweet Lord’ performed on the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom
“My Sweet Lord” became a chart juggernaut. For four weeks, it was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, remaining on the chart for 14 weeks in total. George released the tune on his album All Things Must Pass. The album topped the Billboard 200 for seven of its 41 weeks on the chart.
The Official Charts Company reports “My Sweet Lord” became a hit twice in the United Kingdom. Firstly, it reached No. 1 for five weeks in 1971, staying on the chart for 17 weeks. Following George’s death in 2001, the song reached No. 1 for a week, remaining on the chart for 14 weeks altogether. Meanwhile, All Things Must Pass was No. 1 for eight of its 32 weeks on the chart.
The public seemed to enjoy “My Sweet Lord” — and so did Wilson.
