Ukulele Man: The Untold Friendship of John Croft and George Harrison
The Borderland Rotary Club recently hosted a special guest, John Croft, known as Oswestry's Ukulele Man. John, a former President of the Borderland Club, shared an engaging talk about his lifelong passion for the ukulele and a surprising connection he made with George Harrison of the Beatles. John recounted the unexpected phone call from George Harrison himself, leading to a remarkable friendship that blossomed over the years. Their bond over music and the ukulele brought them together in Oswestry and even to iconic locations like Friar Park and Portmeirion Hotel during the filming of 'The Beatles Anthology'.
George Harrison's musical journey was influenced by artists like George Formby, Django Reinhardt, Carl Perkins, Chet Atkins, and Chuck Berry. Despite being overshadowed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney as songwriters in the Beatles, George penned memorable hits like 'Taxman', 'While my guitar gently weeps', 'Something', and 'Here comes the Sun'. Post-Beatles, George found success with 'My Sweet Lord' and formed the supergroup, the Travelling Wilburys. Known for his love of the ukulele, George often played the instrument at home, showcasing his passion for music beyond his fame.
John Croft kept his friendship with George Harrison private for many years, emphasizing their shared musical interest over any commercial pursuits. Eventually, John decided to share their story in his book, 'The Uke, the Beatle, and Me', to shed light on the genuine and kind-hearted nature of George Harrison. Apart from his musical endeavors, John is also involved in buying and selling instruments and has authored several books on the subject. His latest book can be purchased through his website, email, or at Booka Bookshop in Oswestry, offering readers a glimpse into his remarkable friendship with the legendary George Harrison.