The opening line of one of George Harrison's most memorable songs sets the mood: "There's a fog upon L.A.'' But it's the plaintive refrain of the vaguely melodic chorus of an otherwise odd and discordant song that made "Blue Jay Way" such a haunting twist to the Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour" album.
This rock classic was penned back in 1967, and Harrison and fellow Liverpudlian John Lennon are long gone from this world, but the legacy of that peculiar song endures in the form of a Mid-Century modern house where Harrison created the eerie little ditty.
That architectural gem that sits high over Sunset Blvd at 1567 Blue Jay Way in Los Angeles. It offers a 170-degree view of the city and can be yours for $4.599 million, according to Curbed. The price tag reflects the stellar remodel of this unique home as much as it honors the part it played in musical history.
On the site beatlesbible.com, Harrison told the story about how he wrote the tune late one night waiting for a record publicist and musician Harry Nillson to show up at the Blue Jay Way home that had been lent to him during a stay in L.A.
"Derek Taylor got held up. He rang to say he'd be late. I told him on the phone that the house was in Blue Jay Way. And he said he could find it OK... he could always ask a cop. So I waited and waited. I felt really knackered with the flight, but I didn't want to go to sleep until he came. There was a fog and it got later and later. To keep myself awake, just as a joke to pass the time while I waited, I wrote a song about waiting for him in Blue Jay Way. There was a little Hammond organ in the corner of this house which I hadn't noticed until then... so I messed around on it and the song came."
The Hollywood Hills real estate market home had been owned in 1967 by a former Army colonel, Ludwig Gerber, who managed singer Peggy Lee. Gerber was said to be forever proud of the way the song had been composed at his prized home. He was forced to sell the place in 1994 for $760,000, having run out of money in his later years.
Since then, the home has been bought and re-sold three more times, and now boasts a stunning remodel that has guaranteed a future as illustrious as the home's past. According to listing details, the Blue Jay Way home contains:
"Massive walls for art, glass sliding doors that expose the house to a courtyard with large outdoor space that includes a wrap-around patio, fire pit, pool and spa. Fantastic open floor plan with high ceilings, amazing light, great energy and the ideal indoor/outdoor living we all enjoy. Perfect for parties and entertaining. Includes gorgeous screening room, touchscreen surround throughout, two-car attached garage. Grand entrance is just the beginning of what this home has to offer in the sough after bird streets. This home in celebrity row is close to all things important. Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills and Century City just minutes away."
See more photos of the Blue Jay Way home on Zillow.
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