George Harrison

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File:The Beatles arrive at Schiphol Airport 1964-06-05 - George Harrison 916-5132 cropped.jpg

English musician and member of the Beatles

Birth name	George Harrison
Also known as
Born	25 February 1943 Liverpool, England
Origin
Died	29 November 2001 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Rock, pop, Indian classical
Occupation(s)	Musician, singer-songwriter, record producer, film producer
Instrument(s)

George Harrison (25 February 1943 – 29 November 2001) was an English musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer who achieved international fame as the lead guitarist of the Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison embraced Indian culture and helped broaden the scope of popular music through his incorporation of Indian instruments and Hindu-aligned spirituality in the Beatles' work.

Early Life

George Harrison was born in Liverpool, England, and grew up in the city's Wavertree area. He attended Dovedale Primary School and later the Liverpool Institute High School for Boys, where he met Paul McCartney. Harrison's interest in music was sparked at an early age, and he formed his first band, the Rebels, with his brother Peter and a friend.

The Beatles

In 1958, Harrison joined John Lennon and Paul McCartney in the Quarrymen, which later evolved into the Beatles. As the lead guitarist, Harrison contributed to the band's distinctive sound with his innovative guitar work and songwriting. Some of his notable contributions include "Here Comes the Sun", "Something", and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps".

Solo Career

After the Beatles disbanded in 1970, Harrison released his critically acclaimed triple album, All Things Must Pass, which included the hit single "My Sweet Lord". He continued to release successful solo albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including Living in the Material World, Thirty Three & 1/3, and Cloud Nine.

Indian Influence

Harrison's interest in Indian culture and music began in the mid-1960s. He studied the sitar under the guidance of Ravi Shankar and incorporated Indian instruments and musical styles into the Beatles' music, most notably in songs like "Within You Without You" and "The Inner Light". His exploration of Indian spirituality also led him to embrace Hinduism and the teachings of the Hare Krishna movement.

Traveling Wilburys

In the late 1980s, Harrison co-founded the supergroup Traveling Wilburys with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison. The group released two albums, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 and Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3, which were both commercially successful.

Film Production

Harrison was also a successful film producer, co-founding HandMade Films in 1978. The company produced several notable films, including Monty Python's Life of Brian, Time Bandits, and Withnail and I.

Personal Life

Harrison married Pattie Boyd in 1966, but the couple divorced in 1977. He later married Olivia Harrison in 1978, with whom he had a son, Dhani Harrison. Harrison was known for his philanthropy and support of various charitable causes, including the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971.

Death

George Harrison died of lung cancer on 29 November 2001 in Los Angeles, California. His death was mourned by fans and fellow musicians worldwide, and his legacy continues to influence musicians and music lovers alike.

Legacy

Harrison's contributions to music, both as a member of the Beatles and as a solo artist, have left an indelible mark on the industry. His pioneering use of Indian music and instruments in Western pop music helped bridge cultural gaps and introduced new sounds to a global audience.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Wonderwall Music (1968)
• Electronic Sound (1969)
• All Things Must Pass (1970)
• Living in the Material World (1973)
• Dark Horse (1974)
• Extra Texture (Read All About It) (1975)
• Thirty Three & 1/3 (1976)
• George Harrison (1979)
• Somewhere in England (1981)
• Gone Troppo (1982)
• Cloud Nine (1987)
• Brainwashed (2002)

See Also

• The Beatles
• John Lennon
• Paul McCartney
• Ringo Starr
• Ravi Shankar
• Traveling Wilburys

External Links

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