The year was 1971, and East Pakistan struggled to become a separate state during the Bangladesh Liberation War. That war, combined with the 1970 Bhola cyclone and the 1971 Bangladesh atrocities created a massive refugee problem in India.
Bengali musician Ravi Shankar talked to friend George Harrison about a way to help alleviate the suffering. Harrison recorded the 45 "Bangla Desh" to raise awareness in the United States and also pushed Apple Records to release Shankar's single "Joy Bangla" to raise funds. Shankar also was interested in a fund-raising concert in the United States. Harrison began calling friends in the music business about being part of a large concert at Madison Square Garden. The concert was organized in five weeks.
The event featured concerts at noon at 7 p.m. on August 1, which drew 40,000 people and was the first benefit concert of its type in world history. Performers included Harrison, Shankar, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Badfuberm Billy Preston, Ringo Starr and Leon Russell.
Bengali musician Ravi Shankar talked to friend George Harrison about a way to help alleviate the suffering. Harrison recorded the 45 "Bangla Desh" to raise awareness in the United States and also pushed Apple Records to release Shankar's single "Joy Bangla" to raise funds. Shankar also was interested in a fund-raising concert in the United States. Harrison began calling friends in the music business about being part of a large concert at Madison Square Garden. The concert was organized in five weeks.
The event featured concerts at noon at 7 p.m. on August 1, which drew 40,000 people and was the first benefit concert of its type in world history. Performers included Harrison, Shankar, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Badfuberm Billy Preston, Ringo Starr and Leon Russell.
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