George Harrison’s Songwriting Legacy: From Clapton to Moore and Beyond
In 1989, George Harrison generously offered four new songs to Eric Clapton for his album Journeyman. While Clapton selected “Run So Far,” three tracks remained unused, including “That Kind of Woman.” Interestingly, it was Gary Moore, the Irish singer-songwriter and guitarist, who first released the song on his 1990 album, Still Got the Blues, before Eric Clapton included his version as a bonus track in the 2025 Journeyman: Deluxe Edition.
The Collaborative Spirit of a Generation
This seemingly simple exchange highlights a crucial aspect of the late 1980s and early 1990s music scene: a remarkable spirit of collaboration. Harrison wasn’t simply holding onto unreleased material. he was actively sharing his creativity with peers. His willingness to offer songs to both Clapton and Moore demonstrates a generosity that was characteristic of his approach to music.
Moore’s connection to Harrison extended beyond receiving a song. He collaborated with the Traveling Wilburys on their 1990 single, “She’s My Baby,” with Harrison specifically requesting Moore’s guitar skills. Harrison recalled that Moore delivered a “brilliant” solo in just five minutes, recognizing his exceptional talent and melodic sensibility.
Gary Moore: A Guitarist’s Guitarist
Harrison’s admiration for Moore was profound. He praised Moore’s ability to bend strings with precision, hitting the correct notes consistently, a skill often lacking in other guitarists. Moore’s versatility, spanning blues, rock, and metal, cemented his status as a highly respected musician. He began his career in the late 1960s with Skid Row alongside Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy, achieving solo success with songs like “Parisienne Walkways” in 1979.
The Enduring Influence of Shared Creativity
The story of “That Kind of Woman” and the collaboration between Harrison, Clapton, and Moore speaks to a broader trend in music: the power of shared creativity. Artists often benefit from external input, and the willingness to share ideas can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes. The fact that both Clapton and Moore eventually recorded the song underscores its quality and appeal.
Lyrics: A Glimpse into Harrison’s Ideal
Harrison’s lyrics for “That Kind of Woman” offer a glimpse into his personal preferences. The song describes a woman who is self-assured, enigmatic, and independent:
She’s that kind of woman
No doubt about how she feels
She’s holding promises
Her eyes won’t tell
Her lips are sealed
And I like her like that
She’s kind of crazy
I reckon I know what I’m looking for
That kind of woman
I think I know what I’m looking for
That kind of woman
Standing in the doorway
with the sunlight in her hair
She’s watching the wind blow
You know she don’t have a care
The Legacy Continues
The enduring appeal of these songs and the artists involved demonstrates the lasting impact of their collaborative spirit. Harrison’s generosity, Clapton’s iconic guitar work, and Moore’s exceptional talent continue to inspire musicians and captivate audiences today.
Did you know?
George Harrison considered Gary Moore one of his favorite guitarists, praising his melodic sense and precise technique.
FAQ
Q: Who originally wrote “That Kind of Woman”?
A: George Harrison wrote “That Kind of Woman.”
Q: Which album featured Gary Moore’s version of the song?
A: Gary Moore’s version appeared on his 1990 album, Still Got the Blues.
Q: Did Eric Clapton and George Harrison collaborate on other songs?
A: Yes, they co-wrote “Badge” for Cream’s album Goodbye.
Q: What did George Harrison think of Gary Moore’s guitar playing?
A: Harrison considered Moore an “unbelievable guitar player” and praised his melodic sense and precise technique.
Explore more about the Traveling Wilburys here.
Photo: Midori Tsukagoshi/Shinko Music/Getty Images