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1943-2001 by Barry McCollum
In some ways George was the luckiest Beatle.
Unburdened by the weight of being the main songwriter for the group, his
talent was allowed to grow and evolve naturally, at a pace which wasn't
dictated by the pressures of record industry deadlines and professional
commitments.
Neither was he the focal point of the band.
George enjoyed the luxury of being a supporting player, contributing as
needed, otherwise stepping back to observe and learn. Without the
multiple duties of songwriter, singer, musician, spokesman, etc., he was
given the enviable opportunity to concentrate on his craft, building
exquisite guitar solos on the framework of John and Paul's melodies.
Many don't realize George was as witty as John, as cerebral and
deep-thinking. Paul could display an "artsy" cleverness, but his
dalliances with "culture" ultimately seemed shallow exercises, attempts
to compete with perceived intellectuals.
George's artfulness arose from a spirituality not only manifested in his
embrace of Eastern religion, but also in all aspects of his personal
life. He lived as if his life was an exercise in creativity and
spiritual self-awareness.
We were all lucky to have experienced it with him, for George's growth
as a human being was a catalyst for ours too. Perhaps now he's achieved
the kind of perfection of spirit he sought in life. If so, remember
George's spirit and consider him, and yourself, lucky.
©2001 by Barry McCollum |