George Harrison was born on February 25, 1943 in Liverpool, England. Growing up, he developed a love for music and taught himself to play the guitar. In March 1958, at the age of 15, he auditioned to join the band formed by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, performing the song "Guitar Boogie Shuffle" by Arthur Smith. Despite initially being deemed too young by Lennon, Harrison eventually won him over and officially joined the band.
George Harrison gained worldwide fame as the lead guitarist of the iconic band, The Beatles. Alongside McCartney and Lennon, he was a key member of the group and contributed greatly to their success, both musically and creatively. Known for his distinctive guitar playing style, Harrison's songwriting talents were showcased in many of The Beatles' classic hits, such as "Here Comes The Sun," "Something," and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."
During his time with The Beatles, Harrison became known for his spiritual beliefs and interest in Eastern philosophy, which heavily influenced his music and personal life. He introduced the band to Indian classical music and the sitar, leading to a unique fusion of sounds in their later albums.
In 1971, George Harrison and sitar player Ravi Shankar organized The Concert for Bangladesh, a groundbreaking benefit concert held to raise awareness and funds for refugees from East Pakistan following the Bangladesh Liberation War. The event featured legendary performances from artists such as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Ringo Starr, showcasing Harrison's commitment to using his platform for social and humanitarian causes.
After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, George Harrison embarked on a successful solo career, releasing his acclaimed triple album, All Things Must Pass. The album showcased his songwriting skills and musical versatility, with hits like "My Sweet Lord" becoming instant classics.
Throughout the 1980s, Harrison collaborated with fellow music legends Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty to form the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys. The band enjoyed commercial success and critical acclaim, releasing two studio albums and solidifying Harrison's status as a respected musician and songwriter.
George Harrison married his first wife, Pattie Boyd, in 1966. After their divorce in 1977, he married Olivia Harrison in 1978. The couple had a son named Dhani. Harrison's family life and relationships played a significant role in his personal journey, influencing his music and creative pursuits.
George Harrison's legacy as a musician, songwriter, and humanitarian continues to resonate with fans worldwide. His contributions to music, both as a member of The Beatles and in his solo career, have solidified his place as one of the greatest artists of all time.