Cloud 9

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Cloud 9 by George Harrison from his 1987 album Cloud Nine! This track, the album’s opener, is a slick, bluesy number with Harrison’s signature slide guitar weaving around Eric Clapton’s stinging lead and punchy horns that echo Harrison’s Beatles tune Savoy Truffle. In a 1987 interview for George Harrison’s official website, Harrison described the song as being about “everybody looking for something good,” offering his love and music to listeners while letting them leave the “bad parts” behind. He wrote it during the winter of 1983–84, inspired by spiritual ideas about music’s power to connect, as quoted in Timothy White’s book George Harrison: Reconsidered, where he said it’s about giving “the very best” through music. The song’s title uses the numeral “9” to avoid confusion with The Temptations’ 1968 hit Cloud Nine, a deliberate choice Harrison made to keep things clear.

Another cool tidbit comes from the recording sessions, where Harrison teamed up with co-producer Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra fame. Lynne’s lush production gives the track its polished 80s vibe, but some fans on Reddit have noted it feels a bit like an ELO record at times, with one user joking that Lynne might’ve been “doing too much ELO” on tracks like This Is Love. The song also features Elton John on electric piano, who was recovering from vocal surgery, adding a layer of star power. Harrison performed Cloud 9 live during his 1991 Japan tour with Clapton, and a version appears on his Live in Japan album. In a 1987 Tumblr post by harrisonstories, fans shared how Harrison was “extremely calm and open” while promoting the album, especially in an RTE Radio 2 Ireland interview with BP Fallon, where he discussed the song’s uplifting message.

George Harrison got his start in music as a teenager in Liverpool, England, where his passion for rock ‘n’ roll led him to pick up the guitar. Born on February 25, 1943, he was drawn to artists like Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins, which fueled his early bands like The Rebels. By 1958, at just 15, he joined John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s group, The Quarrymen, which evolved into The Beatles. His role as lead guitarist and occasional songwriter grew, with classics like Here Comes the Sun and Something showcasing his talent. After The Beatles’ breakup in 1970, Harrison launched a solo career with the landmark triple album All Things Must Pass, featuring hits like My Sweet Lord. His spiritual exploration and slide guitar style became trademarks, setting him apart as a unique voice in rock.

While Harrison passed away in 2001, his legacy lives on through his official website, where fans can dive into his discography and news. His Facebook page shares updates and memories, with over 2 million followers vibing to his music. On Instagram, the official account posts rare photos and videos, keeping the Zoo Freaks connected to his story. The X account for Harrison is active, sharing quotes and fan tributes. Fans also gather on sites like The Beatles Bible, which has detailed pages on Harrison’s work, and Reddit’s Beatles community, where Zoo Freaks can geek out over Cloud 9 and more. For a deeper dive, check out the George Harrison Fans Facebook group, a lively spot for devotees to share stories and celebrate the Quiet Beatle’s genius.