The Songs: Baba O’Riley

1. Meher Baba: An Indian spiritual master who had a profound impact on Townshend’s life and spiritual journey.

Meher Baba, born Merwan Sheriar Irani on February 25, 1894, in Pune, India, was a renowned Indian spiritual master. He claimed to be the Avatar, or God in human form, of his age. His teachings emphasized the realization of one’s own divinity and the absolute oneness of God.

Here are some key points about Meher Baba:

– Spiritual Transformation: At the age of 19, Meher Baba had encounters with five spiritual figures known as Perfect Masters, which led to his spiritual awakening.

– Silence: In 1925, he began a 44-year period of silence, communicating first with an alphabet board and later through hand gestures.

– Teachings: His teachings combined elements of Sufi, Vedic, and Yogic traditions. He believed that the universe is an illusion and that the goal of life is to awaken to one’s own divinity.

– Service: Meher Baba established Meherabad, a center for spiritual training, a free school, hospital, and shelters for the poor.

– Legacy: His teachings continue to influence many, including musicians like Pete Townshend and Melanie Safka.

2. Terry Riley: An avant-garde composer whose minimalist music style inspired the song’s distinctive keyboard riff.

Terry Riley is an influential American composer, born on June 24, 1935, in Colfax, California. He is widely recognized as a pioneer of the minimalist music movement. Here are some key highlights about his life and work:

– Minimalism: Riley is best known for his groundbreaking composition In C (1964), which is considered a landmark in minimalist music. The piece consists of 53 short, melodic phrases played in sequence by any number of instruments, creating a mesmerizing, evolving soundscape.

– Innovative Techniques: Riley’s work often incorporates repetition, tape music techniques, improvisation, and delay systems. His compositions are known for their hypnotic, trance-like qualities.

– Jazz and Indian Influence: Riley’s music is heavily influenced by jazz and Indian classical music. He studied under the Hindustani singer Pandit Pran Nath and frequently incorporated elements of Indian music, such as raga, into his compositions.

– Collaborations: Throughout his career, Riley has collaborated with many notable musicians and ensembles, including the Kronos Quartet and his son, guitarist Gyan Riley.

– Notable Works: Besides In C, Riley’s other significant works include A Rainbow in Curved Air (1969), Persian Surgery Dervishes (1972), and Shri Camel (1980).

Riley’s innovative approach to composition has had a lasting impact on experimental music, rock, and contemporary electronic music. His work continues to inspire musicians and composers around the world.