George Harrison – Handwritten Letter From “Rubber Soul” Era With Bealtes Content
A outstanding handwritten letter sent by George Harrison, while The Beatles were Recording Rubber Soul, to Atlanta DJ Paul Drew. Drew traveled with the Beatles during their 1964 and 1965 U.S. Tours, accompanying the group on their chartered plane, interviewing them many time, and introducing The Beatles at their August 18, 1965 concert at Atlanta Stadium (The Beatles had complained about not being able to hear themselves on stage because of the screaming fans, so for the Atlanta show Drew arranged for a local sound company to provide stage monitors–something no band had ever tried before. The Beatles were amazed to hear what they sounded like for the first time, and never again played without them.)
Drew went on to become one of the most important radio programmers in the America, and interviewed the individual Beatles numerous times after the group split (see photos left.)
Harrison wrote Drew on November 2, 1965, while The Beatles were in the studio recording Rubber Soul (regarded as one of the greatest albums in popular music history.) He thanks Drew for sending some albums, noting that the Otis Redding album is a “knockout,” and that he’ll give another LP (The Statler Brothers’ Flowers on the Wall) to Ringo Starr later in the day. Harrison continues “We have been in the studio lately doing 16 new tracks for a single and L.P. and so far are pleased with what we have done. The overall sound is much better, and I will send them to you as soon as I get copies.” He goes on “I just remembered–John, Paul & Ringo send you there regards, and also everyone else here at wonderful radio W.W.W.W.W.W.” (a joke referring to the endless radio station ID’s the Beatles were called upon to record.)
In the postscript, Harrison asks if Drew has heard a song that Beatles’ opening act and Brian Epstein client Sounds Inc. recorded while with The Beatles in Los Angeles. He notes “It’s very good but I think will do better in the U.S. than in England, if (record label) Liberty get the plugs going !”
Harrison has written his full name and home address on the first page, and signed “ best wishes, George” on the second; he has also hand addressed the accompanying envelope, which is postmarked November 4, 1965.
The letter and envelope have been authenticated by Frank Caiazzo, the world’s foremost expert in Beatles handwriting, who notes in his accompanying letter of authenticity “the content of this letter is excellent, touching on things that were happening around George Harrison and The Beatles at the time it was written.” In his letter Caiazzo values this letter at $12,500.
We are proud to offer this important letter, which provides an extraordinary and intimate glimpse into the life of a Beatle during their most productive period.
Two pages, each 6” x 9”, envelope 5 ½” x 3 ¾”, all in excellent unfaded condition. (Drew glued the pages to a slightly larger cardboard backing for framing many years ago; as they have been stable for nearly 50 years, we have not tried to remove them, but it may be possible.) With Frank Caiazzo letter of authenticity and Recordmecca’s written lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
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