Robert Bartel - George Harrison: A Beatle in Benton, Illinois

The early travels George with his brother Peter left London to America while here he noted trains planes and automobiles and the American pop culture which as he reported back to London in early Oct. 1963, there is no competition there we're going to make it as he told his fellow Beatles. While here he joined in with a local band the Four Vests at a local VFW Hall, was introduced as the Elvis Presley of England and referred to around Benton town folks as the skinny little kid from England. Watching the Sullivan TV Show while he was there staying with his sister at 113 McCann Street, also listen in on the local radio programs on WFRX later was the first interview of any of the Beatles on air and in person in America the 45 record he had with him was SHE LOVES YOU which was aired on Sept 29th, early March played FROM ME TO YOU making that station and Marsha Shaffer the first DJ to spin a Beatles record and interview of any of the Beatles. A great deal of worldwide media began after the former home of Louise was about to be torn down for a 10 car parking lot for the state who own that property in 1994, Efforts began to pour in from locals and Beatles fans from around the world to save this as said the most historic property in Franklin County. George was there to be on a cheer-down as the English call, it's a get away relaxing time for George who could not walk the streets in his own country and others, but in Benton he was able to buy records buy a Rickenbacker guitar went camping in the Garden of the Gods, and meet the teenagers of a crew cut generation, who never saw the likes or sounds of George Harrison of the Beatles it was as if a UFO landed on the town square. His friend Gabe McCarty drove George around to see the sites of Southern IL and learn some new guitar riffs from Kenny Welch of the Four Vests, and also exchange what musicians do swipe guitar licks from each other. Personal speaking engagements on the Beatles, Beatles collection displays available.