Introduction:
“My Sweet Lord,” a seminal track from George Harrison’s post-Beatles career, was released as a single on November 23, 1970, in the United States, followed by its UK release on January 15, 1971. The song is prominently featured on his critically acclaimed and commercially successful triple album, All Things Must Pass, which was released in November 1970. Musically, “My Sweet Lord” is primarily categorized as gospel rock and pop rock, infused with spiritual and devotional themes. It seamlessly blends Harrison’s signature melodic sensibility with a powerful “wall of sound” production by Phil Spector, incorporating elements of Indian classical music and Western pop.
“My Sweet Lord” achieved phenomenal success and holds significant historical importance. It became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and marking a pivotal moment in George Harrison’s solo career. The song was the first number-one single by a former Beatle in both the UK and the US, a remarkable achievement that solidified Harrison’s artistic independence and songwriting prowess outside the confines of the legendary band. It ascended to number 1 on the UK Singles Chart and remained there for five weeks, becoming the biggest-selling single of 1971 in the UK. In the US, it reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top spot for four weeks. The song’s universal message of spiritual yearning and its captivating melody resonated deeply with audiences, leading to its widespread popularity.
However, “My Sweet Lord” also became the subject of a highly publicized and controversial plagiarism lawsuit. In 1971, Bright Tunes Music Corporation, the publisher of the Chiffons’ 1963 hit “He’s So Fine,” sued Harrison, alleging that “My Sweet Lord” copied their melody. While Harrison maintained that any similarity was subconscious, a judge ultimately ruled in 1976 that he was guilty of “subconscious plagiarism.” Despite this legal setback, the song’s musical legacy and its impact on pop culture remained undiminished. “My Sweet Lord” continues to be one of Harrison’s most beloved and enduring compositions, celebrated for its spiritual depth and its pioneering blend of Eastern and Western musical traditions. Its lasting influence is further evidenced by its numerous cover versions and its continued presence on radio airwaves and in popular media decades after its initial release.