On This Day in 1970, George Harrison Recorded His Landmark Album “All Things Must Pass”—It Produced His Biggest Hit in 15 Countries
via J K / YouTube
A New Chapter Begins
On May 26, 1970, George Harrison stepped into Studio Three at EMI Studios, Abbey Road, London, to start recording his third solo album, All Things Must Pass. This marked his first major project after The Beatles’ breakup. Harrison was joined by drummer Ringo Starr and bassist Klaus Voormann. Together, they recorded demos for 15 songs, including the title track, “All Things Must Pass” .
The next day, Harrison continued recording, this time solo, laying down 15 more songs for producer Phil Spector . These sessions laid the foundation for what would become a triple album, showcasing Harrison’s songwriting and musical vision.
View this post on Instagram
Crafting a Signature Sound
The album’s production featured Spector’s “Wall of Sound” technique, adding layers of instruments and reverb. Harrison later expressed mixed feelings about this dense sound, feeling it may have been overdone . Despite this, the album’s rich textures helped define its unique character.
All Things Must Pass included contributions from various musicians, reflecting Harrison’s collaborative spirit. The album’s themes touched on spirituality and personal reflection, resonating with listeners worldwide.
“My Sweet Lord” Takes the World by Storm
One standout track from the album was “My Sweet Lord.” Released as a single, it became Harrison’s most successful song, reaching number one in multiple countries. In the United States, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 on December 26, 1970, and stayed there for four weeks .
In the United Kingdom, the song entered the charts at number seven and climbed to number one on January 30, 1971, holding the top spot for five weeks . “My Sweet Lord” also achieved number one status in countries like France and Germany, where it remained at the top for nine and ten weeks, respectively .
A Lasting Impact
“My Sweet Lord” was notable for being the first solo single by a former Beatle to reach number one. Its blend of spiritual themes and catchy melody struck a chord with audiences. The song’s success was driven by its radio play, as Harrison did not promote it through concerts or interviews .
The song’s influence extended beyond charts. It popularized the Hare Krishna mantra internationally and contributed to a broader interest in spirituality during the era. By 1978, “My Sweet Lord” had sold over five million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time .
