- In September 1963, months before The Beatles' US debut, George Harrison made an unassuming visit to Benton, Illinois, staying with his sister's family.
- During his stay, Harrison embraced small-town American life, camping, jamming with locals, buying records, and purchasing a Rickenbacker guitar he later used to record “I Want to Hold Your Hand”.
- He also gave his first American interview on a local radio show, playing “She Loves You” which had just topped the British charts.
- The house at 113 McCann Street in Benton, where Harrison lodged, is now for sale for $105,000, prompting concern among Beatles fans.
- The property previously faced demolition in 1995 but was saved by activists; however, local figures suggest the momentum for its preservation has now faded.
IN FULL
