George Harrison's Version of "It Don't Come Easy" by Ringo Starr (1970):

[IcyPeas]

Link to tweet

[rsdsharp]

1. A friend of mine on the radio once back sold Ringo's version by saying:

“That’s Ringo Starr and It Don’t Come Easy. Ya gotta play with it a little first.”

Oddly, he kept his job.

[Docreed2003]

2. This is pretty cool

I knew Harrison produced and helped to write the song, but I don't know that I've heard a version of just him. The backing track sounds exactly the same as Ringo's. Anyone know where this came from or if it's a mix of versions?

Edit to add: After doing some digging, it looks like Harrison recorded a demo track and this it the track, but I can't find an official release. The "Hare Krishna" that can be heard readily in the demo, can still be heard on Ringo's version, it's just turned way down in the mix

[IcyPeas]

3. somebody in the comments said the backing vocals were the guys from Badfinger

I have no idea if that is correct or not.

I like George's version.

[Docreed2003]

4. The actual recording of the Ringo release was done over several sessions

Interestingly, Stephen Stills plays piano for most of the sessions. Badfinger members Pete Ham and Tom Evans do sing backup for the official track. Allegedly Harrison offered the song to Badfinger but they refused.