George Harrison

Biography

George Harrison, MBE (February 25, 1943 – November 29, 2001), was a prominent English rock guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor, and film producer, best known as the lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often dubbed "the quiet Beatle," Harrison developed a deep interest in Indian mysticism, which he introduced to both his bandmates and their global audience. After The Beatles disbanded, he embarked on a successful solo career and was a member of the supergroup Traveling Wilburys, alongside legends like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. Rolling Stone magazine ranks him as the 21st greatest guitarist of all time.

Though most Beatles songs were penned by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Harrison contributed memorable tracks such as "Here Comes the Sun," "Something," and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Following the band's split, he released the highly acclaimed triple album *All Things Must Pass* in 1970, featuring hits like "My Sweet Lord" and "What Is Life."

Harrison was instrumental in popularizing Indian culture in the West, notably through his collaboration with sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar and the organization of the landmark 1971 Concert for Bangladesh. As a producer, he co-founded HandMade Films and worked with diverse talents, including Monty Python members and Madonna. He was married to Pattie Boyd from 1966 to 1974 and to Olivia Trinidad Arias for 23 years, with whom he had a son, Dhani Harrison. Harrison remains the only Beatle to have published an autobiography, *I Me Mine*, in 1980. He passed away from lung cancer in 2001.