George Harrison, known to the world as the “quiet Beatle,” was an influential musician, songwriter, and spiritual seeker whose contributions to music and culture continue to resonate today. As a member of The Beatles, Harrison helped shape the sound of the 1960s and beyond, blending rock and roll with elements of Indian music, spirituality, and introspection. His work as a solo artist further cemented his status as one of the most innovative and beloved figures in popular music. This article delves into Harrison’s life, his contributions to music, his personal interests, and the enduring legacy he left behind.
Personal Life & Family and Interests
Family and Early Life
George Harrison was born on February 25, 1943, in Liverpool, England, to Harold and Louise Harrison. As the youngest of four children, Harrison grew up in a working-class family that valued hard work and resilience. His father worked as a bus conductor, while his mother was a homemaker. Despite their modest means, the Harrison family was close-knit, and music played a significant role in their lives. George’s interest in music began at a young age, and by his early teens, he was already showing promise as a guitarist.
Harrison attended Dovedale Primary School, where he first met Paul McCartney. The two became friends and shared a mutual passion for music, which eventually led to their collaboration in The Beatles. It was through McCartney that Harrison met John Lennon and was invited to join their band, The Quarrymen, in 1958. Although he was the youngest member of the group, Harrison’s talent and dedication quickly earned him a place in what would become the most famous band in history.
Marriage and Children
Harrison’s personal life was marked by two significant relationships. His first marriage was to Pattie Boyd, a British model and photographer, in 1966. The couple met on the set of The Beatles’ film A Hard Day’s Night and quickly fell in love. Boyd became a muse for Harrison, inspiring several of his most famous songs, including “Something” and “For You Blue.” However, their marriage was strained by Harrison’s growing interest in spirituality and his infidelity, which eventually led to their divorce in 1977.
In 1978, Harrison married Olivia Arias, a secretary at A&M Records. The couple had one son, Dhani Harrison, who was born later that year. Unlike his first marriage, Harrison’s relationship with Olivia was stable and enduring. The couple shared a deep bond, rooted in their mutual love for music and spirituality. Olivia was by Harrison’s side during his battle with cancer, and she has continued to preserve his legacy since his passing.
Interests and Spirituality
Harrison’s life was deeply influenced by his interest in spirituality, particularly Eastern religions. His spiritual journey began in the mid-1960s when he was introduced to Indian music and culture by his friend, sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar. Harrison quickly became fascinated with Hinduism and the teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, leading him to explore meditation and other spiritual practices. His commitment to spirituality was evident in his music, with many of his songs reflecting themes of peace, love, and the search for deeper meaning.
Harrison’s devotion to the Hare Krishna movement further shaped his spiritual beliefs. He became an advocate for the movement and even produced an album of devotional music, The Radha Krsna Temple, in 1971. His song “My Sweet Lord,” a tribute to the Hindu deity Krishna, became a worldwide hit and remains one of his most famous solo works.
In addition to his spiritual pursuits, Harrison was an avid gardener. He spent much of his later life tending to the gardens at Friar Park, his Victorian neo-Gothic mansion in Henley-on-Thames. Gardening provided Harrison with a sense of peace and connection to nature, which he valued deeply.
Albums
With The Beatles
George Harrison’s contributions to The Beatles were significant, even though he was often overshadowed by the prolific songwriting duo of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Over time, Harrison emerged as a talented songwriter in his own right, penning some of the band’s most memorable tracks. His early compositions, such as “Don’t Bother Me” and “I Need You,” showed promise, but it was his later work that truly cemented his place as a key creative force in the band.
- “Something” (Abbey Road, 1969) – Widely regarded as one of Harrison’s finest songs, “Something” was praised by both Lennon and McCartney as one of the best songs on the Abbey Road album. It has since become one of the most covered Beatles songs of all time, with artists such as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley recording their versions.
- “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” (The White Album, 1968) – This haunting ballad is one of Harrison’s most powerful compositions. Featuring a memorable guitar solo by Eric Clapton, the song reflects Harrison’s growing disillusionment with the band and the world around him.
- “Here Comes the Sun” (Abbey Road, 1969) – Written during a difficult period in The Beatles’ history, “Here Comes the Sun” is an optimistic and uplifting song that has become one of the band’s most enduring hits. The song’s bright melody and positive lyrics continue to resonate with audiences today.
Solo Career
After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, George Harrison embarked on a successful solo career that allowed him to fully explore his musical and spiritual interests. His solo discography is a testament to his versatility as an artist and his ability to blend different genres and styles.
- All Things Must Pass (1970) – Harrison’s first solo album after The Beatles was a triple LP that showcased his songwriting prowess and spiritual depth. The album included hits like “My Sweet Lord” and “What Is Life,” as well as the title track, which reflected his belief in the cyclical nature of life and the importance of letting go. All Things Must Pass was a critical and commercial success, and it remains one of Harrison’s most beloved works.
- Living in the Material World (1973) – This album continued Harrison’s exploration of spiritual themes, with songs that reflected his desire to balance the material and spiritual aspects of life. The album’s lead single, “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth),” became a number-one hit in the United States.
- Cloud Nine (1987) – After a period of relative inactivity, Harrison returned to the spotlight with Cloud Nine, an album that featured the hit single “Got My Mind Set on You.” The album marked a successful comeback for Harrison and led to the formation of the Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup that included Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne.
With the Traveling Wilburys
Harrison’s involvement with the Traveling Wilburys highlighted his collaborative spirit and sense of humor. The supergroup’s debut album, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 (1988), was a commercial success and received critical acclaim for its laid-back, rootsy sound. Harrison, who adopted the pseudonym “Nelson Wilbury,” enjoyed working with the group and considered it one of the most enjoyable experiences of his career. The Traveling Wilburys released a second album, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3 (1990), which continued their success, even after the passing of Roy Orbison.
Popular Concerts
Concert for Bangladesh (1971)
One of George Harrison’s most significant contributions to music and humanitarianism was the Concert for Bangladesh, held at Madison Square Garden in New York City on August 1, 1971. The concert was organized by Harrison and Ravi Shankar to raise awareness and funds for the refugees of the Bangladesh Liberation War, which had led to a humanitarian crisis.
The event was groundbreaking in its scope and impact, featuring performances by some of the biggest names in music, including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, and Leon Russell. The concert was a critical and commercial success, raising millions of dollars for UNICEF and setting a precedent for future benefit concerts. The live album and documentary film of the event further amplified its reach and influence.
The Concert for George (2002)
Following Harrison’s death in 2001, a tribute concert was held in his honor on November 29, 2002, at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Organized by Eric Clapton and Olivia Harrison, the Concert for George featured performances by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Dhani Harrison, among others. The event was a celebration of Harrison’s life and music, blending his spiritual beliefs with his musical achievements. The concert was both a somber and joyful occasion, reflecting the deep love and respect that Harrison’s friends, family, and fans had for him.
Later Life
In the later years of his life, George Harrison retreated from the public eye, choosing to focus on his family, spirituality, and gardening. After the success of Cloud Nine and the Traveling Wilburys, Harrison largely stepped back from the music industry, although he continued to record and produce music on his own terms. He spent much of his time at Friar Park, his estate in Henley-on-Thames, where he cultivated elaborate gardens and enjoyed the tranquility of rural life.
In 1997, Harrison was diagnosed with throat cancer, which he attributed to years of smoking. After undergoing treatment, he appeared to recover, but the cancer returned in 2001, this time spreading to his lungs and brain. Despite his illness, Harrison remained active in his final years, working on new music and spending time with his family.
In December 1999, Harrison survived a violent attack atIn December 1999, Harrison survived a violent attack at his home, Friar Park, when an intruder broke in and stabbed him multiple times. Despite the severity of the attack, Harrison and his wife, Olivia, managed to fend off the assailant, and Harrison made a full physical recovery. However, the incident left both emotional and physical scars, further prompting Harrison to retreat into the privacy of his home and family life.
By 2001, Harrison’s health had significantly deteriorated due to his battle with cancer. He sought treatment in various countries, including the United States, but the cancer proved too aggressive. On November 29, 2001, George Harrison passed away at a friend’s home in Los Angeles. He was surrounded by family and close friends, including his wife Olivia and son Dhani. Harrison’s death was met with a global outpouring of grief, and he was remembered not only for his contributions to music but also for his spiritual wisdom and philanthropy.
Legacy
George Harrison’s legacy is profound and multifaceted, encompassing his work as a musician, songwriter, and spiritual figure. As a member of The Beatles, Harrison’s contributions were integral to the band’s success, and his songs continue to be celebrated as some of the finest in the group’s catalog. Tracks like “Here Comes the Sun” and “Something” are considered timeless classics, and they showcase Harrison’s ability to craft melodies and lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.
Beyond The Beatles, Harrison’s solo career further demonstrated his versatility and depth as an artist. His album All Things Must Pass is frequently cited as one of the greatest solo albums by any former Beatle, and it solidified his place as a major force in the music industry. The album’s themes of spirituality, introspection, and the transient nature of life reflect Harrison’s personal beliefs and continue to inspire audiences today.
Harrison’s influence extends beyond music. His dedication to spirituality, particularly his embrace of Hinduism and the Hare Krishna movement, introduced Eastern philosophies to Western audiences and played a significant role in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s. Harrison’s support for humanitarian causes, most notably through the Concert for Bangladesh, set a precedent for musicians using their platform to effect positive change in the world.
Harrison’s legacy is also preserved through the work of his family. His wife, Olivia, and son, Dhani, have been instrumental in maintaining his memory, overseeing the release of posthumous albums, reissues of his work, and the creation of tribute projects like the Concert for George. Dhani has also pursued a career in music, continuing the family’s artistic tradition.
In recognition of his contributions to music and culture, Harrison was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2004. His influence on subsequent generations of musicians and his impact on popular culture are undeniable, making him one of the most enduring figures in the history of rock and roll.
FAQ
1. What were George Harrison’s most famous songs?
- Some of George Harrison’s most famous songs include “Something,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “My Sweet Lord,” and “What Is Life.” These songs are celebrated for their lyrical depth, melodic beauty, and spiritual themes.
2. How did George Harrison die?
- George Harrison died of lung cancer on November 29, 2001, at the age of 58. His cancer had spread to his brain, and despite extensive treatment, he succumbed to the illness surrounded by his family.
3. What was the significance of the Concert for Bangladesh?
- The Concert for Bangladesh, organized by Harrison in 1971, was one of the first major benefit concerts in rock history. It raised awareness and funds for refugees affected by the Bangladesh Liberation War, setting a precedent for future humanitarian efforts by musicians.
4. Was George Harrison involved in any other bands after The Beatles?
- Yes, after The Beatles, Harrison was a member of the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys, alongside Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne. The group released two successful albums and was known for its collaborative spirit and relaxed, rootsy sound.
5. What impact did George Harrison have on spirituality in popular culture?
- Harrison introduced Western audiences to Indian spirituality and music, particularly through his association with the Hare Krishna movement and his incorporation of Indian instruments and themes in his music. His exploration of Eastern philosophies influenced the counterculture movement and helped shape the spiritual landscape of the 1960s and 70s.
