Favorite Things: Sarah Spohn and her autographed George Harrison LP

Every Wednesday night, Sarah Spohn hosts “Lansing Loud & Local,” her weekly Mid-Michigan music show on LCC Radio 89.7 FM WLNZ. Aside from that, she also keeps busy freelancing for publications across the state. However, recently, her radio show has moved from the airwaves to Instagram live streams at @lccradio, since COVID-19 shut down LCC’s studio.

“The radio show is a lot of hard work behind the scenes, but I love being able to provide an outlet for people to tell their stories through words, poetry, music,” she said. With that in mind, it’s not surprising what her cherished item amidst this pandemic shutdown. Here’s what Spohn, 28, had to say:

My favorite thing is an autographed copy of the George Harrison self-titled album from 1979.

My mom, who bought it for me and is a huge Beatles fan, planned this whole surprise birthday trip for me a few years back. She found this place, Beatles and Beans Coffee Emporium in Bay City, and took me there. It’s like a museum/shrine to the Beatles and so cool. Even the muffins and coffee drinks are named after Beatles songs.

She then let me unwrap the record. I was shocked. It has its own letter of authenticity, so it’s pretty “legit,” as the kids say. Just the thought that one of the Beatles touched this album and signed it is beyond me. Now I have it. It’s surreal.

I laugh because my mom told me when I was younger, my sister and I would whine about her playing “Let it Be” or “Hey Jude” too loud in the car. Now, I can’t get my car stereo to play those songs loud enough. It’s funny how you kind of grow up to be your parents. I really got into the Beatles during my senior year of high school and especially during my freshmen year of college. After taking a closer look at the liner notes, I realized most of the songs I really enjoyed had one commonality — George Harrison wrote them. It was such an a-ha moment.

George was known as the “Dark Horse,” I think both in terms of his songwriting and guitar skills — but also in his wisdom. When I think of Harrison, I picture someone really at peace with himself. A simple, kind soul and wise beyond his years. I also picture the most well-dressed member on that Abbey Road crosswalk. No one could rock a double-denim outfit like Harrison.

Looking back, my high school graduation speech featured lyrics from “Hello, Goodbye.” My only tattoo, which says “Let it Be,” is a great daily reminder, courtesy of the Beatles. This past summer, I took a trip to London and got to walk across Abbey Road. Most major points of my life can somehow be tied to the Beatles.

To me, music is more important right now than it’s ever been. It’s keeping me sane and keeping me connected to the rest of the world. This album is definitely comforting in regards to the strange time we’re experiencing right now. The record’s last song is especially reassuring, as it echoes:

“You can worry your life away with / Not knowing what each new day may bring to you / Or take each day as it goes / Wake up to the love that flows on around you / If you believe, if you believe in you / Everything you thought is possible / If you believe.”

(This interview was edited and condensed by Rich Tupica. If you have a suggestion for Favorite Things, email rich@lansingcitypulse.com.)

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