George Harrison was born on February 25th, 1943

Written by: Oliver Wren

George Harrison: The Quiet Beatle's Legacy

As the lead guitarist of the iconic British rock band, The Beatles, George Harrison's contribution to the world of music is undeniable. Known for his introspective songwriting and Eastern-inspired spirituality, Harrison's musical journey went far beyond his work with the Fab Four.

The Early Years: Influences and Inspirations

Harrison's musical influences were as diverse as they were eclectic. Growing up, he was fascinated by George Formby and Django Reinhardt, later drawing inspiration from Carl Perkins, Chet Atkins, and Chuck Berry. By the mid-1960s, he had discovered Bob Dylan and The Byrds, leading the Beatles towards a folk-rock sound.

Eastern Inspirations and Spiritual Exploration

Harrison's fascination with Indian culture and spirituality was sparked during the filming of the Beatles' 1965 movie, Help!. Introduced to the sitar, he incorporated the instrument into the band's music, starting with "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)". This marked the beginning of Harrison's journey into Eastern philosophy, which would later lead him to Transcendental Meditation and the Hare Krishna movement.

Beatles Years: Songwriting and Experimentation

Although John Lennon and Paul McCartney dominated the songwriting credits, Harrison's contributions to the Beatles' discography were significant. Standout tracks include "Taxman", "Within You Without You", "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", "Here Comes the Sun", and "Something". His songs often explored themes of love, spirituality, and social commentary.

Solo Career and Philanthropic Efforts

After the Beatles disbanded, Harrison released the critically acclaimed triple album, All Things Must Pass (1970). The album spawned his most successful solo single, "My Sweet Lord", and introduced his signature slide guitar sound. In 1971, he organized the groundbreaking Concert for Bangladesh with Ravi Shankar, a precursor to benefit concerts like Live Aid.

Producer and Entrepreneur

Harrison's foray into music and film production began with Apple Records, where he worked with acts like Billy Preston and Splinter. In 1974, he founded Dark Horse Records, which signed artists like Ravi Shankar and Splinter. He also co-founded HandMade Films in 1978, producing films like Monty Python's The Life of Brian (1979).

Legacy and Impact

George Harrison's impact on popular music is profound. He helped shape the course of The Beatles' sound, incorporating Eastern influences and expanding the band's musical scope. As a solo artist, he continued to push boundaries, exploring spirituality and social activism through his music. His philanthropic efforts, particularly the Concert for Bangladesh, paved the way for future benefit concerts.

• Awards and Honors: 17 Grammy nominations, 1 win; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a solo artist and with The Beatles)
• Personal Milestones: Married to Pattie Boyd (1966-1977) and Olivia Arias (1978-2001); father of Dhani Harrison
• Philosophical Contributions: Popularized Eastern spirituality and Transcendental Meditation in the Western world
• Trivia and Fun Facts: Harrison was known as the "Quiet Beatle" due to his introverted nature; he was a skilled gardener and owned a large garden at his Friar Park estate

George Harrison's legacy is a testament to the power of creativity, spirituality, and philanthropy. As a musician, songwriter, and producer, he left an indelible mark on the world of music. His experiments with Eastern spirituality and social activism continue to inspire generations of artists and individuals today.