George Harrison’s Grammy award-winning The Concert for Bangladesh has arrived on streaming platforms for the first time. Considered one of the most significant benefits of its day, the event took place at New York’s Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1971, and featured musical accompaniment from the likes of Bob Dylan, Leon Russell, Billy Preston, Ringo Starr, Badfinger band, Shankar, and Ali Akbar Khan. 

A benefit aimed at raising international awareness and funds for East Pakistani refugees in the wake of the Bangladesh Liberation War-related genocide and the 1970 Bhola cyclone, the set exemplified the intimate connection between artists and their mission to use their music and platform to make an impact that generates positive change. The venerable mission of the event was captured in the financial takeaway of nearly $250,000, ultimately administered by UNICEF. 

Sonically, The Concert for Bangladesh glistens with pulls from Harrison’s archive; “Wah-Wah,” “My Sweet Lord,” “Awaiting on You All,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Here Comes the Sun,” and collaborative deliveries with Leon Russell, “Beware of the Darkness,” and the Mad Dogs & Englishmen associated artist’s choice combo, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash/Young Blood.” Dylan offers classics, “A Hard Rain’s A Gonna-Fall,” “Blowin’ In the Wind,” “Mr Tamborine Man,” and more exemplary features that have made this collection a standout. 

Stream the set now. For more information, visit Harrison’s website.