George Harrison Explains Why Everyone Should Play the Ukulele, With Words and Music

George Harrison’s affection for the ukulele is tied to its small size, cheerful sound, and ease of play for both beginners and expert players. The post also uses memories from Joe Brown and Paul McCartney, plus performance clips, to show how Harrison’s taste in music and his generosity shaped the way friends remembered him.

Reading notes

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• The ukulele is described as small, cheerful sounding, easy to carry, and playable by beginners and experts.
• Joe Brown says anyone can learn a couple of tunes quickly, and that there is room to keep improving.
• Brown also recalls Harrison’s broad taste in music, including Hoagy Carmichael and Hawaiian music.
• Harrison calls ukulele players “crackers” and says you cannot play it without laughing.
• The post links Harrison’s love of the ukulele to his hopeful outlook, even during illness and after the knife attack at his home.
• After his death, friends used the ukulele in tributes, including Joe Brown at the Royal Albert Hall and Paul McCartney at Citi Field.
• McCartney remembers ukuleles coming out after dinner at Harrison’s house, where people would sing old songs.
• The post mentions a 1988 performance of “Between The Devil and Deep Blue Sea,” later included on Brainwashed.
• It also mentions Harrison, McCartney, and Ringo Starr singing “Ain’t She Sweet” together in a park.
• In Hawaii, where Harrison had a retreat, he is said to have bought ukuleles in batches and given them away.
• A home video near the end of his life shows him strumming and whistling, with hoarseness from throat cancer but little sadness.