Turn It Up - Ravi Shankar and the Magic of Norwegian Wood

Indian sitar legend Ravi Shankar died today in San Diego at the age of 92. Shankar, a celebrated figure in world music for decades, was best known for influencing The Beatles.

Shankar integrated the sound of classical Indian music into western pop throughout the 1960s and 1970s. My favorite example of Shankar in pop music is The Beatles' Norwegian Wood. It's a simple folk ballad that Shankar's sitar turns into something elegant and mystical. RIP Ravi.