On November 29, 2001, George Harrison passed away. He was the unassuming lead guitarist for the Beatles and a spiritual seeker who brought a touch of mysticism and rock ‘n’ roll flair to the group’s enduring charm. He was 58. Longtime friend Gavin De Becker informed The Associated Press that Harrison passed away at a friend’s Los Angeles home after a courageous fight with cancer.
Harrison was accompanied by his wife, Olivia, and their 24-year-old son, Dhani. The Harrison family released a statement saying, “He left this world as he lived in it, mindful of God, fearless of death, and at peace, surrounded by family and friends.” “He would frequently say, “Love one another and seek God; everything else can wait.”
British musician, singer, and songwriter George Harrison (born February 25, 1943 in Liverpool, England; died November 29, 2001 in Los Angeles, California, U.S.), who rose to fame as the lead guitarist of the Beatles, widely considered to be among the most influential bands in rock music history. As the youngest member of the Fab Four, Harrison was often referred to as “the silent Beatle.” Later in life, he had unparalleled success as a singer and songwriter.
British musician, singer, and songwriter George Harrison (born February 25, 1943 in Liverpool; died November 29, 2001 in Los Angeles, California, U.S.), who rose to fame as the lead guitarist for the Beatles, widely considered to be among the most influential groups in rock music history. The “silent Beatle,” Harrison, was the youngest of the “Fab Four.” After that, he became an extremely successful musician and songwriter.
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Who Was George Harrison?
Known around the world as the lead guitarist for the Beatles, George Harrison MBE (25 February 1943 – 29 November 2001]) was an English musician and singer-songwriter. Harrison, known as “the quiet Beatle,” embraced Indian culture and expanded the reach of popular music by using Indian instruments and a spirituality associated with Hinduism in the band’s music.
In spite of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s dominance as primary songwriters for the band, George Harrison contributed at least two songs to each album beginning in 1965. Taxman, Within You Without You, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Here Comes the Sun, and Something are just a few of the songs he’s written for the band. George Formby and Django Reinhardt were two of Harrison’s earliest musical influences; later on, he was influenced by Carl Perkins, Chet Atkins, and Chuck Berry.
In 1965, Harrison introduced the Beatles to Indian classical music via the sitar, which he had been familiar with while filming Help!, and folk rock via his admiration for Bob Dylan and the Byrds.
It all started with “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown),” on which he performed the sitar alongside the Beatles. Because of his role in the band’s 1967 adoption of Transcendental Meditation. He also became involved with the Hare Krishna religion.
With the breakup of the band in 1970, Harrison released the triple album All Things Must Pass. Which had his hallmark sound as a solo artist, the slide guitar, and his most popular hit single, “My Sweet Lord.” Along with Indian musician Ravi Shankar, he also organised the 1971 Concert for Bangladesh. Considered a forerunner to later benefit performances like Live Aid.
The Time and Cause of George Harrison’s Death
To remove a malignant tumour from one of his lungs, George underwent surgery in May of 2001.
He was undergoing treatment for a brain tumour in July. At age 58, he passed away on November 29, 2001, at a friend’s house in Los Angeles.
His song “My Dear Lord” re-entered the UK top ten after an outpouring of sadness from Beatles fans around the world.
In 1998, at the age of 58, Harrison revealed that he was being treated for a tumour in his throat. He remarked at the time, “It reminds you that anything may happen.”
A year after learning he had lung cancer, he was attacked in his house by an intruder who stabbed him multiple times. There had been rumours that he was still ill with the condition. But in July of 2001, he made a statement reassuring his followers that everything was well.
Longtime family friend Gavin De Becker stated, “He died with one thing in mind — love one another.” When he passed away at a friend’s house in Los Angeles, he was surrounded by his family: wife Olivia and son Dhani.
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Wife Of George Harrison
Paul McCartney was the best man at George Harrison’s 1966 wedding to model Pattie Boyd.
In 1964, he and Boyd met on the set of A Hard Day’s Night, in which the then-19-year-old Boyd played a schoolgirl.
Boyd said that George’s multiple extramarital affairs were a major factor in their 1974 divorce. The affair with Ringo’s wife Maureen was the culmination of one of these. She wed Eric Clapton, whose song “Wonderful Tonight” was written about her.
In 1978, George wed Olivia Trinidad Arias, who was working as a secretary at Dark Horse Records.
Conclusion
Sadly, George Harrison passed away on November 29, 2001, following a lengthy fight with cancer. Ringo Starr, his fellow Beatle and friend, paid him a visit on his deathbed shortly before he passed away. What ensued was an incredible exchange between two lifetime friends that left both of them in tears. Starr became emotional just thinking about that first meeting.
From the group’s inception in 1958 with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Pete Best, Harrison was a constant presence. After kicking Best out of the group, the Beatles quickly replaced him with Starr. From that point on, Harrison and Starr were inseparable companions.
Involvement in the music industry was the last thing George Harrison, a Beatle, did before his death 21 years ago.
Harrison was known as “the quiet Beatle” because he was the most reserved of the Fab Four. Nonetheless, he was responsible for some of the group’s most recognisable songs. Such as “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Something,” “Within You Without You,” and “Taxman.”
After the breakup of The Beatles, Harrison remained active as a solo artist until his death in 2001. The 21st anniversary of his death was a time for family and friends to mourn him. But it was also an opportunity for the media to focus on the circumstances surrounding his passing.
