Being knighted is a status and prestige many may strive for, but few attain, requiring only the most determined of persons to attain such status. Among its roster include The Beatles, but was George Harrison one of the knighted?
George Harrison was The Beatles’ songwriter, lead guitarist, and producer, but he was not one of two people knighted in the group. This was because he rejected an OBE offered to him, as he felt that he had deserved more. Additionally, the rules require the recipient to be alive to receive the honor.
Who is George Harrison?
George Harrison was born in Liverpool in 1943. He was the lead guitarist, songwriter, and producer for the rock band, The Beatles. He released numerous songs, including: “Within You Without You”, “Taxman”, “While My Guitar Weeps”, and some others, although we should remember that most of the songs played by the Beatles were usually done by the likes of Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Paul McCartney wrote 32 of the band’s hit songs, while John Lennon wrote 26 with 23 co-written.
Unlike John Lennon and Paul McCartney, George Harrison had to formally audition to become a part of The Quarrymen, which was the name of the group before it became known as The Beatles. After an impressive performance playing the lead guitarist for the instrumental Raunchy, he was officially accepted into the group.
George Harrison’s Life in The Beatles
Eventually, the group officially took up the name The Beatles, and after an effective show of management by Brian Epstein, they had a polished image and a contract with EMI. They combined both assets, and the group made their first single, “Love Me Do”.
This gave them some popularity and, utilizing its success, debuted their song “Please Please Me”, which shot them into the limelight, bringing them fame. George Harrison, though considerably passive during his career with The Beatles, was a very effective player in the overall success of the rock band.
He led The Beatles into the production of folk-rock music due to his knowledge and interest in soul music, and thus his interest in the non-western instrument grew.
In 1968, he recorded his song “The Inner Light”, which was the first Harrison composition to appear as a Beatles single. The song was inspired by his deepening love for Hinduism and meditation.
Around that same year, he was said to be greatly influenced by the likes of Dylan and the Band, and seeing their style and approach to music-making alongside other factors made him consider being independent of the Beatles. Following the tensions that happened in 1969 at Twickenham Studios, coupled with other issues, he came to the decision to quit the band.
George Harrison’s Life Outside The Beatles
It wasn’t a particularly toxic relationship between both parties. It was more cordial though strained, and releasing his songs titled “Here Comes The Sun” and “Something” allowed him to finally achieve equal writing status with his counterparts, as it was considered the best on Abbey Road album.
His success after the disbandment of the group further proves the fact that he was a good composer, as he released two solo albums: Wonderwall Music, which was a blend of Indian and Western music, and Electronic Sound, which was an experimental album, granting him more recognition in the world of music and entertainment.
What is George Harrison’s Cause of Death?
George Harrison died on Nov. 29, 2001, after a battle with cancer. Two years earlier, on Dec. 30, 1999, George had narrowly escaped death when a man named Michael Abram broke into his home and stabbed him with a kitchen knife more than 40 times.
George lost his battle to cancer on a property belonging to Paul McCartney. His family and friends were at his bedside as he took his last breath. George Harrison was cremated, and his ashes were scattered according to Hindu tradition.
Did George Harrison Have Children?
George Harrison had only one son, Dhani Harrison, born on Aug. 1, 1978, from his marriage to Olivia Trinidad Arias. George was previously married to Pattie Boyd in 1966, but they divorced in 1977 and had no children together.
What was George Harrison’s Net worth?
George Harrison had a successful run with The Beatles and a solo career. After The Beatles split, George Harrison became a member of The Traveling Wilburys. At the time of his death in 2001 at age 58, George Harrison had an estimated net worth of $400 million.