George Harrison: Rare Photos, Beatles Days & Last Meeting

Have you ever wondered about the quiet Beatle, the one whose spirituality and introspective songwriting often stood in contrast to the exuberant personalities of Lennon and McCartney? George Harrison, the lead guitarist of the Beatles, was far more than just a band member; he was a musical force in his own right, a spiritual seeker, and a man who left an indelible mark on the world of music.

Born on February 25, 1943, in Liverpool, Merseyside, England, George Harrison was the youngest of four children. His parents, Harold and Louise Harrison, provided a nurturing environment, although hardly one could have predicted the global phenomenon their son would become. Like his future bandmates, Harrison's early life was fairly ordinary, shaped by the post-war austerity and the burgeoning rock and roll scene. It was in his early teens that music truly took hold, fueled by a chance encounter with Slim Whitman. Harrison himself recalled that seeing Whitman playing guitar, whether in a magazine or on television, ignited something within him. Guitars were indeed becoming increasingly popular, and when George was around 14, a friend named Raymond Hughes offered to sell him one. This marked the beginning of his journey into the world of chords, melodies, and the creation of music that would resonate with generations.

Before Beatlemania swept the globe, George was just another kid in Liverpool, attending Dovedale Infants/Junior School. Vintage photos from the 1940s and 1950s offer a glimpse into this pre-fame era, capturing moments with his brother Peter and school friend Arthur Kelly. These images reveal a young George, seemingly unaware of the extraordinary destiny that awaited him. It was during these formative years that he honed his skills, practicing tirelessly and absorbing the musical influences that would shape his unique style. The nascent rock and roll scene, coupled with his burgeoning interest in Indian classical music, laid the foundation for the innovative and spiritually infused music he would later create.

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The burgeoning music scene of the late 1950s provided the perfect backdrop for George's musical development. A classmate's offer to sell him a beginner's guitar for three pounds and ten shillings proved to be a pivotal moment. While it was a significant sum in those days, Georges mother recognized his passion and supported his burgeoning interest. Photographs taken by Paul McCartney around 1958/1959 capture these early days, showcasing the raw talent and camaraderie that would eventually propel the Beatles to superstardom. Before they commanded stages worldwide, George and John Lennon, in 1963, would share moments like George giving John a haircut before a gig, a testament to their close bond and the ordinary moments amidst the extraordinary circumstances they were navigating.

The Beatles' journey to global fame is legendary, and George Harrison played a crucial role in their success. As the lead guitarist, he provided the signature riffs and melodic lines that defined the band's sound. Beyond his instrumental prowess, George also emerged as a talented songwriter, contributing iconic tracks like "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Here Comes the Sun," and "Something" to the Beatles' discography. These songs, characterized by their introspective lyrics and innovative musical arrangements, showcased George's growing artistic maturity and cemented his place as a major force within the band. In 1966, before embarking on a concert tour of Germany and Japan, the English rock band, The Beatles, were captured at the BBC Television Studios in London, a photo immortalizing the iconic quartet: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison.

Beyond the fame and fortune, George Harrison was a deeply spiritual man. His exploration of Eastern religions, particularly Hinduism, profoundly influenced his music and his outlook on life. He introduced the sitar to the Beatles' sound, most notably on "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)," and incorporated elements of Indian classical music into his compositions. This fusion of Western and Eastern musical traditions was groundbreaking and reflected George's commitment to expanding the boundaries of popular music. A c.1970/1971 photo shows George Harrison playing acoustic guitar, embodying the serenity and introspection that characterized his spiritual journey.

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The Beatles' breakup in 1970 marked the end of an era, but it also allowed George Harrison to fully explore his own musical vision. His solo career was marked by both critical and commercial success, with albums like "All Things Must Pass" achieving widespread acclaim. He continued to write and record music that reflected his spiritual beliefs and his unique perspective on the world. After the Beatles ended, George Harrison took a different path from his former bandmates, carving out a distinct identity as a solo artist and spiritual seeker. He remained a creative force, producing music, films, and even venturing into acting.

Despite the pressures of fame, George Harrison remained grounded and committed to his values. He was known for his dry wit, his down-to-earth personality, and his unwavering dedication to his spiritual path. He used his platform to promote peace, love, and understanding, and his music continues to inspire listeners around the world.

Tragically, George Harrison's life was cut short by cancer. At a Manhattan hotel room on November 12, 2001, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr joined their ill bandmate for the last time. He passed away just 17 days after this meeting on November 29, 2001, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy of musical innovation, spiritual exploration, and unwavering humanity. The meeting was particularly poignant, as George knew his time was limited. While there may be photos of Paul and John from their last meetings in 1976 at the Dakota building, these remain private, known only to McCartney and Ono. George Harrison, reportedly, never saw Lennon after 1976. He did visit the Dakota after appearing in SNL with Paul Simon that year.

Even in his final years, George remained active creatively. In London, on July 8, 1968, Ringo Starr and George Harrison posed with a Blue Meanie from their film, Yellow Submarine, a reminder of the playful side of his artistic expression. His influence extends beyond music; choose your favorite George Harrison photographs from the Getty Images collection of creative and editorial photos to bring a piece of his legacy into your life. You can also shop for George Harrison photos from the Getty Images collection, or choose your favorite George Harrison designs and purchase them as photos, home decor, phone cases, tote bags, and more!

George Harrison's impact on music and culture is undeniable. He was a master musician, a gifted songwriter, and a spiritual seeker who used his platform to promote positive change. His music continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, and his legacy will endure for generations to come. An overall beautiful soul and legend, George Harrison remains an inspiration to countless musicians and fans worldwide. Browse 8,091 George Harrison pictures photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images, and see more ideas about George Harrison, George, Harrison.

On November 25, 2016, Joe commented on George Harrison, further solidifying his lasting impact. Browse 180 George Harrison 1971 photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images, or browse 172 Beatles legend George Harrison photos and images available to further explore his remarkable life. We bring to you a total of 14 vintage photos of a young George Harrison from 1940s to 1960s and we bet you would not have come across these photos previously; Below is a gallery of 40 rare and incredible vintage photos of a young George Harrison from the 1940s through early 1960s as you've never seen before. Gallery of images of Beatles guitarist George Harrison, from his childhood to the end of his life.