Donovan explains how he became songwriting “mentor” to George Harrison after living “in the shadow” of Paul McCartney and John Lennon

donovan-explains-how-he-became-songwriting-“mentor”-to-george-harrison-after-living-“in-the-shadow”-of-paul-mccartney-and-john-lennon
Donovan explains how he became songwriting “mentor” to George Harrison after living “in the shadow” of Paul McCartney and John Lennon

During the 1960s, Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan acted as a songwriting mentor to George Harrison, helping him emerge from the shadow of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. While Donovan, known for hits such as “Mellow Yellow” and “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” spent time with The Beatles during the height of their success, he recognized that Harrison had yet to reach his full potential as a songwriter. Donovan offered tips and tricks to encourage the songs, suggesting a way to “tease it, like fishing.” He taught Harrison how to play a chord, then put his ear on the guitar and listen to the open chord before trying a tempo. Donovan encouraged Harrison to be quick to catch melodies that appear.

Harrison took Donovan’s lessons to heart and went on to write some of The Beatles’ most beloved songs, including “Here Comes the Sun,” “Something,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and “Taxman.” In November, Harrison’s widow, Olivia, shared a “surprising magical” story about The Beatles’ “Now and Then” artwork. George had purchased a clock made out of bits and pieces and some Scrabble letters that said “Now and Then.” He built a Russian dacha in the garden and hung the clock on it, where it sat for 25 years. Last summer, Olivia cleaned the clock and put it on her mantelpiece. Paul McCartney then called Harrison, reminding him of a song on the cassette tape with “Real Love” and “Free as a Bird” that George had called “Now and Then.” Harrison realized that the clock was in his hand when he remembered the song.

The clock is now featured on the back of the vinyl sleeve for the single’s release. “Now and Then” recently topped the UK charts, becoming The Beatles’ 18th number one single and their first since 1969’s “The Ballad of John and Yoko.” Donovan’s mentoring helped to unlock Harrison’s potential, and his influence can still be felt in some of The Beatles’ most beloved songs

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