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    Ravi Told George, They Told The World: The Birth Of The Celebrity Benefit Concert

    50 years ago, on August 1, 1971, the Concert for Bangladesh, led by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, raised funds — and awareness — for Bengali refugees. What's the legacy of this landmark event?
    by Aaron Cohen Jul 31, 2021 5 minutes
    George Harrison performs at the Concert for Bangladesh, held at Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1971 in New York City. Asked why he joined in organizing the event, he said, "Because I was asked by a friend if I'd help, that's all."

    George Harrison was one of the biggest rock stars on the planet in 1971 but there was no bravado in his voice as he lent his celebrity to discuss a global crisis. Sitting at a press conference that opens the performance film, The Concert for Bangladesh, he was asked why, out of all of the crises in the world, he assembled a benefit for refugees from what was then East Pakistan.

    In a tone reflecting why he was dubbed "the quiet Beatle," Harrison responded simply, "Because I was asked by a friend if I'd help, that's all."

    That friend was legendary Indian musician Ravi Shankar.

    They put together an all-star concert at New York's Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1971 to help Bengali refugees who'd fled violence and were in India. Its immediate impact and lasting

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