All Things Must Pass: 50 Years On

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Archive on 4: All Things Must Pass at 50

All Things Must Pass at 50

BBC Radio 4 - Archive on 4, All Things Must Pass at 50

Composer Nitin Sawhney tells the story of George Harrison’s most famous album.

4 Extra Debut. Composer Nitin Sawhney tells the story of George Harrison’s 1970 album, which was in many ways ahead of its times. From 2020.

In November 1970 a triple album was released by the Beatle previously known as ‘the Quiet One’.  

George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass was unique, not because it was number one around the world, but because of its fascination with Eastern religion.  

Growing up in the 1970s, musician and composer Nitin Sawhney was aware of George and his interest in Indian classical music, particularly his close connection with Ravi Shankar.  He knew Harrison’s hit singles, but his most famous album, All Things Must Pass, remained unexplored.  

Was this LP, written in the latter years of the 1960s already out of date in 1970, or was it in fact ahead of its time, with its heart-felt lyrics and religious themes?   

Interviewees include:

Olivia Harrison
Michael Palin
Jools Holland
Biographers, Graeme Thomson and Joshua M. Greene
Keyboard player, Bobby Whitlock
Drummer, Alan White
Guitarist, Dave Mason

Presenter: Nitin Sawhney

This reappraisal of George Harrison’s most successful album was made to tie in with the 50th anniversary of its 1970 release. 

A TBI Media production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2020.

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