Biography
George Harrison (25 February 1943 – 29 November 2001) was born in Liverpool, England, into a working-class family. He developed an early passion for music, inspired by rock and roll pioneers such as Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. Harrison met Paul McCartney at school, who introduced him to John Lennon, leading to his joining the Quarrymen, the group that would evolve into The Beatles. As the youngest member, Harrison quickly established himself as the band's lead guitarist, contributing a distinctive melodic style and, over time, his own compositions.
During his tenure with The Beatles, Harrison's songwriting matured, yielding classics like 'Here Comes the Sun,' 'Something,' and 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps.' He was instrumental in introducing Indian music and instruments, notably the sitar, to Western pop, influenced by his friendship with Ravi Shankar. After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, Harrison launched a successful solo career, beginning with the acclaimed triple album 'All Things Must Pass.' He also became known for his humanitarian work, organizing the pioneering Concert for Bangladesh in 1971, and later co-founding the supergroup Traveling Wilburys.
Harrison's music blended rock, folk, and Indian influences, often reflecting his deep spirituality and interest in Eastern philosophies. His legacy endures through his innovative guitar work, genre-crossing compositions, and influence on subsequent generations of musicians. He remains celebrated as both a Beatle and a solo artist, recognized for expanding the boundaries of popular music.
Fun Facts
- Harrison was known as 'the quiet Beatle' due to his reserved nature, but he had a sharp sense of humor and wit.
- He was the first Beatle to release a solo album: 'Wonderwall Music' in 1968, a soundtrack blending Western and Indian music.
- Harrison was an avid gardener and spent much of his later life restoring the gardens at his home, Friar Park.
- He survived a violent home invasion in 1999, sustaining serious injuries but recovering before his death in 2001.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ravi Shankar - Indian sitar virtuoso who introduced Harrison to Indian classical music and spiritual traditions (Collaborations on 'Within You Without You', 'The Inner Light', and the Concert for Bangladesh) [mid-1960s–1970s]
- Carl Perkins - Rockabilly pioneer whose guitar style influenced Harrison's early playing (Harrison covered Perkins' songs and later performed with him) [1950s–1980s]
Key Collaborators
- John Lennon - Bandmate in The Beatles, co-writer and performer (The Beatles albums (1960–1970)) [1960–1970]
- Paul McCartney - Bandmate in The Beatles, co-writer and performer (The Beatles albums (1960–1970)) [1960–1970]
- Ringo Starr - Bandmate in The Beatles and frequent solo collaborator (The Beatles albums, solo projects) [1962–2001]
- Eric Clapton - Close friend and frequent musical collaborator ('While My Guitar Gently Weeps', 'All Things Must Pass', live performances) [late 1960s–2001]
- Bob Dylan - Collaborator in the Traveling Wilburys and solo projects (Traveling Wilburys albums, various songwriting collaborations) [late 1960s–1990s]
- Tom Petty - Bandmate in the Traveling Wilburys (Traveling Wilburys albums) [1988–1990]
- Jeff Lynne - Producer and bandmate in the Traveling Wilburys (Traveling Wilburys albums, 'Cloud Nine') [1987–1990s]
Artists Influenced
- Oasis - Cited Harrison's songwriting and guitar work as a major influence (Oasis's melodic style and use of slide guitar) [1990s]
- Tom Petty - Petty credited Harrison's musical approach and spirituality as influential (Solo work, Traveling Wilburys) [1980s–2000s]
- Dhani Harrison - George's son, directly influenced by his father's music and philosophy (Dhani's solo work and band thenewno2) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| All Things Must Pass (2014 Remaster) | 1970-11-20 | Album |
| Cloud Nine | 1987-11-02 | Album |
| Living in the Material World | 1973-05-30 | Album |
| All Things Must Pass (50th Anniversary;Super Deluxe) | 1970-11-27 | Album |
| George Harrison | 1979-02-20 | Album |
| Somewhere in England | 1981-06-01 | Album |
| The Concert for Bangladesh | 2005 | Album |
| Brainwashed | 2002-11-19 | Album |
| Live in Japan | 1992-07-10 | Album |
| Thirty Three & 1/3 | 1976-11-19 | Album |
| Living in the Material World (50th Anniversary) | 2024-11-15 | Album |
| Dark Horse | 1974-12-09 | Album |
| All Things Must Pass (2014 Remaster) | 1970-11-27 | Album |
| Extra Texture | 1975-09-22 | Album |
| Gone Troppo | 1982-11-05 | Album |
Top Tracks
- My Sweet Lord (2014 Remaster) (All Things Must Pass (2014 Remaster))
- Got My Mind Set on You (Cloud Nine)
- Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) (Living in the Material World)
- What Is Life (2014 Remaster) (All Things Must Pass (2014 Remaster))
- All Things Must Pass (2014 Remaster) (All Things Must Pass (2014 Remaster))
- If Not for You (2014 Remaster) (All Things Must Pass (2014 Remaster))
- I Live for You (2014 Remaster) (All Things Must Pass (2014 Remaster))
- I'd Have You Anytime (2014 Remaster) (All Things Must Pass (2014 Remaster))
- Isn't It a Pity (2014 Remaster) (All Things Must Pass (2014 Remaster))
- Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll) (2014 Remaster) (All Things Must Pass (2014 Remaster))
External Links
Tags: #british, #electronic, #experimental
References
Heard on WWOZ
George Harrison has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 19, 2025 | 14:07 | Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)from Living in the Material World | Homespun Americanaw/ Ol Man River |