George Harrison: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy

George Harrison MBE (25 February 1943 – 29 November 2001) was the lead guitarist of The Beatles and one of the most gifted and underrated songwriters of the twentieth century. This page covers his full story – from the Cavern Club to All Things Must Pass, and from the Concert for Bangladesh to Brainwashed.

Early Life & The Beatles

Born in Liverpool on 25 February 1943, Harrison was the youngest Beatle. He joined the Quarrymen in 1958, introduced by Paul McCartney, and became the lead guitarist of The Beatles. His contributions to the band's sound — from the sitar on Norwegian Wood to the slide guitar on Something — were foundational.

George Harrison as a Songwriter

Harrison's songwriting was systematically limited to two tracks per Beatles album for much of the band's career — a constraint that caused considerable frustration and that All Things Must Pass (1970) spectacularly overturned. Something was the first Harrison composition released as a Beatles A-side single; Frank Sinatra called it the greatest love song of the past fifty years.

The Beatles: Album by Album

The Beatles Era by Era

George Harrison's Solo Career

Freed from the constraints of sharing an album with Lennon and McCartney, Harrison revealed the full depth of a songwriting talent that had been systematically undervalued throughout the Beatles years. All Things Must Pass (1970) is widely considered the greatest debut album by any former Beatle. He died on 29 November 2001, aged 58, from lung cancer. Brainwashed (2002), completed by his son Dhani, was a remarkable final statement.

→ George Harrison Solo Discography: The Complete Guide
Every album from Wonderwall Music (1968) to Brainwashed (2002) — reviewed with recording facts, chart history, and legacy.

All Things Must Pass (1970) – The greatest post-Beatles debut. My Sweet Lord, What Is Life, Isn't It a Pity.
Living in the Material World (1973) – Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) reached #1 in both UK and US.
Cloud Nine (1987) – Got My Mind Set on You and When We Was Fab.
Brainwashed (2002) – Completed posthumously by Dhani Harrison and Jeff Lynne.
The Travelling Wilburys (1988–1990) – With Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne.

The Concert for Bangladesh (1971)

On 1 August 1971, Harrison organised the Concert for Bangladesh at Madison Square Garden — the first major charity rock concert in history. Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Ravi Shankar performed. The event raised awareness and funds for refugees of the Bangladesh Liberation War and established the template for Live Aid and every major charity concert that followed.