If George Harrison were merely remembered for his involvement in The Beatles, his legacy would be solidified as one of rock’s greatest names. Along with staging the world’s first benefit concert where major artists performed together for humanitarian relief, introducing pop culture to classical Indian music and gaining three #1 singles as a solo artist, he was also a film producer and an avid gardener.

In 1957, he met a young Paul McCartney on a bus they both took to school. McCartney then introduced him to John Lennon to audition for his skiffle group, the Quarrymen. Lennon originally rejected Harrison as he thought he was too young to be the band, having just turned 15. Harrison eventually impressed Lennon with his guitar skills and was accepted as a member of the group.

During his time with The Beatles, Harrison was the lead guitarist, one of the singers, and contributed many songs such as “Taxman,” “Within You Without You,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Here Comes the Sun” and “Something.”

Harrison released his debut album, Wonderwall Music, during 1968 as the soundtrack to the film Wonderwall. It was the first solo album to be released by a Beatle. Harrison released another album, Electronic Sounds, before The Beatles breakup in 1970.

In 1970, Harrison released the critically acclaimed triple album, All Things Must Pass. The album consisted of songs that Harrison had been collecting throughout his time with The Beatles. The album was co-produced by Phil Spector and made use of his famous Wall Of Sound technique. The album produced the #1 hit, “My Sweet Lord.”

In later years, Harrison released 9 studio albums spawning two #1 singles: “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)” and “Got My Mind Set On You.”

During 1988, Harrison founded supergroup, The Travelling Wilburys, along with Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison. The group released Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1 to much success. Following Orbison’s death, the remaining members released their final album, Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 3.

During 1970, Harrison bought Friar Park, a 62 acre mansion in Henley-on-Thames. He spent years renovating the mansion and personally caring for it’s grounds. The cover for All Things Must Pass was shot in the grounds of the mansion along with many of his music videos.

During the filming of A Hard Day’s Night, Harrison met his first wife Pattie Boyd, who played the role of a schoolgirl. They married in 1966, divorcing in 1977 on the grounds of Harrison’s infidelities. Boyd later on married Harrison’s longtime friend Eric Clapton. Harrison then met Olivia Arias who was working for Harrison’s record label, Dark Horse Records, as a secretary. They married in 1978 and had a son, Dhani, born on August 1st, 1978.

In 1999, Harrison’s home was broken into by a crazed fan who stabbed him multiple times, only to be stopped by Harrison’s wife.

George Harrison (1943-2001) passed away at 58 to a long battle with cancer.