George Harrison's 1987 cover of "Got My Mind Set on You" marked a significant return to the music scene for the artist after a five-year hiatus. Originally written by Rudy Clark and recorded by James Ray in 1962, Harrison's version became a major hit, re-establishing his presence in the mainstream music world. This successful single was the lead track from his album *Cloud Nine*, which was released on October 12, 1987, and showcased a renewed enthusiasm
for music after a period of focusing on other interests.
The Genesis of a Hit
The song "Got My Mind Set on You" had a long journey before becoming a George Harrison hit. It was first recorded by James Ray in 1962 under the title "I've Got My Mind Set on You." Harrison first encountered the song in September 1963 while visiting his sister Louise in Illinois. He purchased James Ray's album, which featured the track. Although the Beatles occasionally performed another of Ray's hits, "If You've Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody," Harrison had considered recording "Got My Mind Set on You" with his band much earlier.
However, it wasn't until 1987 that Harrison finally brought his version to fruition. The recording process for *Cloud Nine* began in January 1987 at his home studio, Friar Park, in Henley-on-Thames. Harrison, alongside co-producer Jeff Lynne, worked on the album, recording backing tracks for seventeen songs between January and March, with overdubs completed by August 1987. The collaboration with Lynne, former leader of Electric Light Orchestra, was a key factor in the album's sound and success.
Chart Success and Legacy
Upon its release, Harrison's "Got My Mind Set on You" quickly climbed the charts. It reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in early 1988, holding the position for one week. This marked Harrison's third and final number-one hit in the U.S., following "My Sweet Lord" in 1970 and "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" in 1973. In the United Kingdom, the single achieved a respectable second place, behind the Bee Gees' "You Win Again" and T'Pau's "China in Your Hand."
The success of the single and its accompanying video played a crucial role in reintroducing Harrison to a wider audience. The album *Cloud Nine* itself was a critical and commercial triumph, inspiring Harrison to continue making music. While he did not embark on a tour immediately, the album's positive reception led him to collaborate with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison, forming the Traveling Wilburys in the spring of 1988. "Got My Mind Set on You" was also included in two of Harrison's compilations: *Best of Dark Horse 1976-1989* and *Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison*.
Album Context and Other Singles
"Got My Mind Set on You" served as the powerful lead single for *Cloud Nine*, an album that ultimately became Harrison's final solo studio album released during his lifetime. The album's success was further bolstered by subsequent singles. "When We Was Fab," a tribute to the Beatles, followed "Got My Mind Set on You" and reached the top 25 in both the UK and US. The third single from the album, "This Is Love," also saw minor success in the UK. The album's overall impact re-established Harrison as a critically acclaimed and commercially significant recording artist, solidifying his legacy in the music industry.
