I’m a huge fan of classic rock. It started off with being introduced to my dad’s music collection (hence the nickname "Dad Rock") and I really got into listening to the genre. It was something about the lyrics and the music that really got to me. After hours of searching for the artists that spoke to me the most, I finally found one. He was a member of The Beatles and his name is George Harrison. I wanted to make a case for George based on his musical ability, character, and humanitarian efforts.
I was always familiar with The Beatles, but I had never known about the other members besides John and Paul. The figures that stayed at the back and out of the spotlight were George Harrison and Ringo Starr. George was the quiet guitarist for The Beatles, but he wrote beautiful lyrics and music. George’s contributions to the band tended to be overshadowed by the appeal of Lennon and McCartney and their songs.
George's musical talent included his writing ability and his style of instrumentation. George’s contributions to The Beatles included some of their most popular songs such as “While My Guitar Gently Weeps, “Here Comes the Sun,” and “Something.”
"Something" is one of The Beatles most popular and covered songs, but George's talent behind the song was rarely mentioned. His ability wasn't limited to Western music. George was influenced by the sounds of India and worked to incorporate that style into his sound. He learned how to play the Sitar and added that to his own sound which combined with his mastery of the guitar.
George lived in the shadow of Lennon and McCartney in terms of fame and recognition. The break-up of The Beatles may have been a positive situation for George because it allowed him to come into his own and show the talent that was hidden away from the spotlight. During his solo years, he became his own man and he became, in my opinion, the greatest Beatle.
George had a strong moral character compared to many artists around him during his career. He was heavily impacted by Indian mysticism which is reflected in his music and his lyrics. He worked with gurus to understand the way to find peace.
Like any larger than life figure, George had his vices. He struggled with substance abuse and extramarital affairs.The important note to this is that as George became older and more independent, he became a better person. George knew his wrong-doings and regret his mistakes and shortcomings. George’s spirituality and raw emotion can be seen in his solo works “My Sweet Lord,” “Let it Down,” and my personal favorite “Hear Me Lord.”
George was a humanitarian that cared deeply for South Asia, the source of his musical inspiration, mysticism and wonder. He was fundamental in the creation of the “Concert for Bangladesh” in 1971. He, like many during the period, was against
A defining feature of George’s character is that he knew how to forgive. When his wife Patti Boyd left him due to his personal issues, she married George’s friend Eric Clapton. George was never angry at Clapton and they would remain friends for years due to their love of music and the guitar.
George, in my opinion, was the most moral Beatle, as well as the most humble. He was reserved and reflective, qualities you didn’t find with a lot of rock artists during the time period.
George came into his own element with his solo career. In 1970, George Harrison released his first solo album after leaving The Beatles, "All Things Must Pass." It’s a triple album that features George’s heart and soul on a platform where he could finally be heard.
The big hit on the album would be track two, “My Sweet Lord.” This is perhaps one of his most famous songs and one of his most spiritual. The message of this song is that our personal Lord is universal and transcending any specific religion.
Songs such as “Wah-Wah” and “Isn’t It A Pity” have lyrics and attitudes that invoke images of The Beatles and their break-up despite their passive tones.
The rest of the songs are rock songs with messages reflecting George’s life and experiences. The pinnacle of the album comes with the ending song, “Hear Me Lord.” It’s a song about George’s redemption. The first few words of the song are “Forgive me, Lord”. This sets the tone for a song about a life where religion and spirituality were mostly ignored and a man begging for forgiveness for this lifestyle. It’s the final song on the album, concluding a long reflection on a life well-lived
George Harrison is my favorite artist, as well as my favorite Beatle. George wasn’t a saint. He had his issues, and he was surrounded by temptation. George was able to change that situation. To me, he is the best Beatle because of his spiritual personality, musical talent, and his humility to handle fame as well as ask for forgiveness from those that he has hurt. He has a niche following that has followed his Beatles career as well as his magnificent solo work, but it could be a greater group. George Harrison was a guitarist, songwriter, humanitarian, and an extraordinary man.
We all have our own opinions, but hopefully, this has inspired you to re-examine the life and talent of George Harrison.
