Letters: Dec. 31, 2001

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All Things Must Pass

"After three months of terror and tragedy, the visage of George Harrison was uplifting and reassuring. Here comes the sun." CHARLES L. SCHLUMBERGER Little Rock, Ark.

Thank you so much for your wonderful, touching tribute to George Harrison [MUSIC, Dec. 10]. Even though George preferred to be out of the spotlight, I think he would have liked your article. Not only was his music beautiful, it was a great inspiration to other musicians and artists. He sang of peace and unity without drifting away from reality into a "flower power" world. He was very down-to-earth. I believe he would have been a wonderful friend--and not just because he was a Beatle. ANNA HELANDER Eau Claire, Wis.

What extraordinary things this unpretentious Beatle--with his unfailing heart and unstinting discipline--accomplished through guitar playing, songwriting and fund raising. But these are also the characteristics of the great saints, yogis and enlightened spirits throughout the ages. CHRIS TONG Middletown, Calif.

Just as Glenn Miller, Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters and Vera Lynn with their warm, fuzzy tunes saw one generation through World War II, the Beatles got the next generation through the aftermath of the Kennedy assassination and the Vietnam War. All these performers sang different variations on the theme of Here Comes the Sun. George, with his innovative guitar solos, was the backbone of the Beatles. GRACE E. HAMPTON Burbank, Calif.

Thank you for articulating what I wasn't able to about the death of George Harrison. I haven't been able to explain the tears in my eyes or why I am mourning the passing of this man I'd never met. I just know it matters deeply to me as a Beatles fan and an aging thirty-something in an uncertain world. What kind of world is it that has only two surviving Beatles? We miss you, George. JENNIFER HARRIS-FROWEN Fayetteville, Ark.

How many of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's songs would be as memorable without George's catchy guitar hooks? He composed impeccable guitar solos that were as hummable as the vocal melodies themselves. George was very lucky to have joined up with John and Paul--but no luckier than they were to have found him. JIM PIETSCH New York City

Harrison's work went greatly underappreciated in the post-Beatles era, but it combined all the best qualities of that of the other Beatles. Harrison brought his own spiritual and philosophical views to the mix. It's about time that he was recognized as the philanthropic precursor to Bob Geldof, founder of the Live Aid fund-raising rock concerts. Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh was the first true big-name benefit concert. Thanks for your recognition of Harrison: spiritual man, philanthropist, musician, Beatle. MICHAEL B. NAHMIAS East Windsor, N.J.

Talent always speaks louder than words. To me, George Harrison was never the quiet Beatle. ROBERT DEL VALLE Royal Oak, Mich.

Taking Liberties