When you first think of The Beatles, four lads from Liverpool and arguably the most famous band in the world, what are the first names that pop into your head? John Lennon? Paul McCartney? Maybe Ringo Starr?
There is one member of the Fab FOUR that is often overlooked by the average person. That member is George Harrison, the youngest of the group and the so called ‘quiet Beatle’, but in reality he was far from in the background.
How did George Harrison Come to Join the Band?
George was the third member of the main Beatles lineup to join the group. Back when Lennon's then skiffle group still went by the name ‘The Quarrymen’, named after John's school ‘Quarry Bank’, Paul McCartney introduced his younger school friend from his school ‘The Institute’ (now part of the ‘Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts’ or ‘LIPA’ for short), George Harrison.
At first Lennon was skeptical as George was practically a baby compared to him. He was three years younger than John, even younger than McCartney, but after playing ‘Raunchy’ on guitar and impressing even John, he was soon accepted into the band as the lead guitarist.
What did George Harrison Contribute to The Beatles and Music?
Other than his vastly underrated lead guitar skills, George contributed a lot to The Beatles. In the early days, the group would often rehearse at his home 25 Upton Green in Speke, (now a Beatles themed Airbnb and event space), as George's mother Louise was very supportive of her son's love of music and the group.
During their success in the 1960s, George got the other members into Indian culture and music, along with introducing the group to meditation. Without George, the iconic Indian sound on many late 60s Beatles songs simply wouldn't be there. He even learned to play sitar himself from the late great Ravi Shankar, who was very fond of George. Later, George would even organise what many consider to be the precursor to Live Aid, ‘The Concert for Bangladesh’, a charity concert which involved Ravi and other famous acts such as Bob Dylan.
The songs that were written in Rishikesh, India at Maharishi Yogi's retreat also wouldn't exist if George hadn't convinced the band to go and meet the guru in Bangor, Wales in the first place. These songs include John Lennon's ‘Dear Prudence’ and ‘Sexy Sadie’, along with the original version of of his 1970s hit ‘Jealous Guy’, ‘Child of Nature’ which begins with the line “on the road to Rishikesh”. George also directly helped Ringo to write ‘Octopus’s Garden’ and seemed to have the closest relationship to him.
As for George Harrison's own songs, he wrote many which would become classics for years to come. These include the famous Abbey Road album tracks ‘Here Comes the sun’ and ‘Something’, the latter of which was praised by Frank Sinatra. Harrison even had the first solo hit of any of the ex Beatles, with ‘My Sweet Lord’.
Why was George Harrison Often Overshadowed by his Bandmates?
The fact is, the Lennon/McCartney duo were an absolute powerhouse in the 1960s, writing and performing hit after hit. This left very little room for George to get his own songs noticed, let alone push to get them onto albums. Things improved a little as time went on, but Beatles albums were always Lennon and McCartney song heavy. Even Frank Sinatra incorrectly called ‘Something’, the song he claimed was the greatest love song ever written, a Lennon/McCartney number, which he later apologised for.
Even Ringo overshadowed George a little, as he had the memorable nickname (his real name being Richard Starkey) and being the main focus of The Beatle's filmography.
What Musicians can Learn From George Harrison
It may be easy to feel down about George Harrison's struggle to be seen, but the fact is, despite all of it, he achieved more than many musicians could ever dream to. Throughout his life, George stayed humble and followed his passions. He even funded Monty Python's ‘Life of Brian’, just because he wanted to see it get made and is remembered fondly by the surviving Python members to this day.
Closer to home, partly due to his love of gardening, George saved the Palm House in Sefton Park, Liverpool. Without his help, this beautiful historic building that hosts special events such as proms and weddings, may not still be standing today.
It can be very easy to feel jealous of other artists who are being seen more, especially if they’re in the same group. What George Harrison showed however, is that you don't have to let it bring you down. Success is something we can all try to strive for, while staying down to earth and giving back to our community and causes we care about along the way.
George Harrison's Legacy in Liverpool
With news that George Harrison is finally getting an official English Heritage blue plaque on his first home and birthplace 12 Arnold Grove, perhaps George is now getting the attention and respect he always deserved. One thing is certain, he will always be remembered for his part in The Beatles, his own songs and his charity work, which have all greatly impacted people both locally and worldwide.
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