#Garry Pahinui

[harrisonarchive]

June 3, 1999. Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images.

“[George would pause] intently over one of the two jukeboxes filled with favorites, carefully and deliberately choosing what to play next: a version of ‘The Lumberjack Song,’ Ravi Shankar, endless Dylan, ‘Oh, you must hear this, Eric.’ Early Elvis. ‘Spam.’ EC’s ‘Layla.’ And yet more Dylan. His enthusiasm was contagious. He played the jukebox to inform and instruct. He reveled in sharing his delight in all kinds of music. He would go through periods of furious passions, often lasting for months or even years at a time, when he would insist you shared the joy of Smokey Robinson or the songs of Hoagy Carmichael or the Hawaiian music of Gabby Pahinui or even the ukulele nonsense of George Formby. During this latter stage everyone had to learn the uke; even Liv he taught to strum away. He embraced all forms life. It was to be savored and enjoyed. But music was at the heart of it. It could speak more truly to the soul. And the soul was what George was about.” - Eric Idle, The Greedy Bastard Diary (x)