Ten years ago today, a musical legend's life ended. George Harrison, best known as The Beatles’ lead guitarist, was pronounced dead due to complications of lung cancer at the age of 58.
Harrison led a life of passion. He succeeded immensely in multiple aspects of his life from the ‘60s to his untimely passing in 2001. Career-wise, he was one-fourth of the world’s biggest musical sensation of all time. He wrote and played music with The Beatles and toured the world with them. After The Beatles broke up in early 1970, Harrison didn’t hesitate for a second when it came to producing solo work.
Writing critically-acclaimed lyrics and music wasn’t Harrison’s only claim to fame; he also acted in and produced films. He formed a film production and distribution company, HandMade Films, in the late ‘70s and helped run the company until the mid ‘90s.
Harrison’s passion expanded across many forms of media and religion. He had an immense interest in Indian culture and religious practices, which greatly influenced his solo work in the ‘70s and ‘80s. His pacifistic aura helped the world coin him as “The Quiet Beatle,” but he was nonetheless very successful in expressing his emotions with the help of his guitar and creative mind.
The spectrum of Harrison’s interests includes a surprising number of hobbies. A vegetarian since 1968, Harrison was an avid gardener for decades. He also had a strong interest in Formula One automobile racing.
His personal life was never a huge media attraction, as he kept his home life relatively private. He married his first wife in 1966 and stayed with his second wife until his death. His one son, Dhani Harrison, survived him.
George Harrison was also a prominent member of humanitarian efforts. He spent endless amounts of time and money donating to nonprofit organizations and creating benefit concerts for those in need of fundraising. Harrison was a selfless man with a strong soul who left an undeniable legacy in the hearts of fans internationally.
In honor of the decennial anniversary of the British music god’s passing, The State Press has compiled a playlist of notable musicians paying tribute to the late George Harrison. 1. “My Sweet Lord” by John Mayer
2. “Here Comes the Sun” by Crosby, Simon and Nash
3. “Isn’t it a Pity?” by Elliott Smith
4. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by Carlos Santana with Indie Arie and Yo-Yo Ma
5. “Something” by Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton
Reach the reporter at kmstark1@asu.edu
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