The Beatles have had more # 1 hits than any band in the world and continue to be a huge influence on music to this day. Beatlemania is still going strong even if one of its members is not.
1943 - 2001
You may not be familiar with the name George Harrison but I know you've heard of The Beatles. George Harrison was lead guitarist in The Beatles - the most successful and influential band of the 20th century.
The story of The Beatles began at St. Peter's Church in Liverpool, England when 16 year-old John Lennon was introduced to 15 year-old Paul McCartney between sets with John's band, the Quarry Men. Paul showed off by playing a couple of songs for John (like Long Tall Sally) and a couple of weeks later John invited him to join the Quarry Men. The next year, Paul brought his buddy George Harrison into the band. In 1960, they changed their name to The Beatles in honor of Buddy Holly and The Crickets. In 1961, their manager, Brian Epstein, introduced drummer Ringo Starr to the group.
In 1962, The Beatles released their first hit single Love Me Do. This was just the beginning. The band became insanely popular during the 1960's. This frenzied love of the band became known as "Beatlemania." (Think the way fans react to *NSYNC today and then multiply it by 10.) It wasn't long until they rode the Beatlemania wave into the United States and the rest of the world.
The Beatles have gone on to have more number one hits than any other band and have been a huge influence on MUSIC. They've also influenced culture - the way people dress, wear their hair, view the world, think of love and even spirituality. Songs like Love Me Do, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Hey Jude, Revolution and A Hard Day's Night, not to mention the other hundred hits they've had, will be remembered forever.
George played lead guitar and sang and wrote for The Beatles until their split in 1970. Although John and Paul did most of the writing George did write hits like Here Comes the Sun and Something. He introduced the group to spirituality and music traditions from other countries. The group even traveled to India to get in touch with their spirituality. This new interest became evident in many of the hits they recorded in the late 60s and albums like Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Rubber Soul.
George Harrison went on to enjoy a solo career, which included cofounding The Traveling Wilburys and the independent film company HandMade Films. Created in 1978, HandMade Films launched with its first feature, Monty Python's The Life Of Brian. Other HandMade productions include, Time Bandits, Mona Lisa, and Nuns on the Run. HandMade Films produced 23 films prior to being acquired by Canada's Paragon Entertainment Corp.
George Harrison began his struggle with cancer in 1998. He died, at the age of 58, on November 29, 2001 at a friend's L.A. home with his wife and son at his side.
Now Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are the only remaining Beatles - John Lennon was shot by a deranged fan in 1980.
It is a sad day in the world of music, but George Harrison will not be forgotten. His contribution to popular music will continue for years to come and his influence will be felt forever.
This Beatles song says it all... All You Need Is Love!
