Assembling a stellar cast of musicians for his charity event must have been the easiest thing in the world for George Harrison. As an extraordinarily popular ex-Beatle, George knew a multitude of super-talented people, and all he had to do was ask.

The problem, however, was trying to get them to actually play. Eric Clapton’s heroin addiction was at its peak, and not a single person felt confident in his ability to perform. Harrison rehearsed additional guitarists because he fully expected that Clapton would bail out at the last minute.

Bob Dylan was only slightly less committal. Other than a couple of live appearances, Dylan was invisible from the public eye for years, and he did not feel at all comfortable returning to the spotlight, especially at an event as buzzworthy as this, at Madison Square Garden. Until Dylan strapped on his guitar, Harrison was not certain that Dylan would even appear onstage.

As it happened, though, both Clapton and Dylan did make appearances, thus elevating the remarkable nature of an already remarkable event.

Featured tracks include:

While My Guitar Gently Weeps – George Harrison and Eric Clapton

Jumpin’ Jack Flash/Youngblood – Leon Russell

Here Comes the Sun – George Harrison

A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall – Bob Dylan

It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry – Bob Dylan

Blowin’ in the Wind – Bob Dylan

Mr. Tambourine Man – Bob Dylan

Just Like a Woman – Bob Dylan

Something – George Harrison

Bangla Desh – George Harrison

December 1971 - Billboard Charted #2