HariSongs label launches from George Harrison estate
Friday 27 April 2018 | Press Release | George Harrison Estate
Overview
On 27 April 2018, the estate of George Harrison announced the launch of HariSongs, a new imprint created in partnership with Craft Recordings to preserve and reissue Indian classical and world music from Harrison's archival collaborations.
The label name combines “Hari” — a Sanskrit name for Vishnu, which Harrison adopted as a spiritual name — with “Songs”, reflecting the label's dual identity as both a spiritual and musical archive. HariSongs continues Harrison's lifelong commitment to Indian music and his decades-long creative partnership with sitar maestro Ravi Shankar.
Launch Releases
HariSongs debuted with two digital reissues, both previously out of print or unavailable on streaming platforms:
- In Concert 1972 – Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan
- Chants of India – Ravi Shankar (produced by George Harrison)
Both were remastered from original master sources for digital distribution.
In Concert 1972
Recorded live at New York's Philharmonic Hall, In Concert 1972 features Ravi Shankar and sarod player Ali Akbar Khan performing in jugalbandi duet form, accompanied by tabla master Alla Rakha. The recording was originally issued on Apple Records in 1973 — making it part of the core Beatles-era Apple catalogue — and had been out of print for decades before this reissue.
Chants of India
Released in 1997, Chants of India was one of the final major collaborations between Harrison and Shankar. Produced by Harrison and recorded across India and the UK, it blends Vedic texts and Sanskrit chants with orchestration and Indian instrumentation. The album was widely regarded as one of Harrison's most personal production achievements outside of his own recordings.
Background: Harrison and Indian Music
George Harrison's relationship with Indian music began in 1965 during the filming of Help!, when he first encountered the sitar on set. His subsequent study under Ravi Shankar transformed not only his own music but introduced Indian classical music to a global audience through The Beatles' recordings and his solo work.
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FAQs
What does HariSongs mean?
“Hari” is a Sanskrit name for Vishnu, adopted by George Harrison as a spiritual name. Combined with “Songs”, the label name reflects its identity as both a spiritual and musical archive.
What were the first HariSongs releases?
In Concert 1972 (Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan) and Chants of India (Ravi Shankar, produced by George Harrison) — both remastered digital reissues.
Why is In Concert 1972 significant?
It was originally released on Apple Records in 1973, making it part of the core Beatles-era Apple catalogue. It had been out of print for decades before the HariSongs reissue.
How did George Harrison's interest in Indian music begin?
During the filming of Help! in 1965, Harrison encountered the sitar on set and became fascinated. He subsequently studied under Ravi Shankar, and Indian music became a defining influence on his work and spiritual life.
Editorial Note
HariSongs represents a continuation of Harrison's cultural legacy — formally preserving and reissuing the Indian classical recordings he helped produce, curate, and champion during his lifetime. It stands as one of the most thoughtful archival projects to emerge from The Beatles' extended legacy.
Also on 27 April in Beatles History
- Paul McCartney at Tokyo Dome – One On One Tour – 27 April 2017
- Ringo Starr Marries Barbara Bach – 27 April 1981
- View all events on 27 April in Beatles History
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