Before He Was Fab by Jim Kirkpatrick

After visiting the very cozy town of Benton Illinois, I wanted to read Jim Kirkpatrick's book, "Before He Was Fab" about George Harrison's brief visit to the small town.

Kirkpatrick's book is a nice, easy to read volume discussing George's visit and his interactions with the locals.  George's sister, Louise lived in town, and George visited her briefly.

At that time, the Beatles were huge in England, but they were mostly unheard of in the US.  It was really the only time that one of the Beatles would be able to come to America and visit without being mobbed.

It seems that George had a nice, casual visit to the local record shop, he jammed with a local band, and he bought one of his legendary guitars while he was in Illinois!

I really enjoyed reading about George palling around with locals.  George's supportive sister, Louise, is also a lot of fun.  She tries to promote her brother and his music.

Thumbs up for books about the Beatles that are a bit more regional and different.  Jim Kirkpatrick's book is a perfect book by a local who interviewed anyone he could associated with George's visit to Benton.  Well done Jim!

See my previous entry on the Franklin County Jail in Benton Illinois for more information on the area:

http://kentuckytravels.blogspot.com/2013/10/franklin-county-jail-benton-illinois.html