Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Music Box • Musician

George Harrison

George Harrison was an English musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known as the lead guitarist of the Beatles and the band’s youngest member.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

George Harrison was an English musician best known as the lead guitarist of the Beatles. He was also a successful solo artist who helped bring Indian music to Western audiences.

Who George Harrison was

George Harrison was the lead guitarist of the Beatles and the band’s youngest member. Known as the “quiet Beatle,” he wrote several of the group’s most admired songs, including “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun.”

Why his work matters

Harrison helped incorporate Indian musical influences into popular music. After the Beatles split in 1970, his solo album All Things Must Pass and the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971 cemented his legacy as a major musical figure. He died of cancer in 2001 at age 58.

Key details

Born in Liverpool in 1943, Harrison was English. He married Olivia Harrison. Notable songs include “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” He remains influential in Canada through the Beatles’ enduring popularity and his solo work.

In short

  • Known as the “quiet Beatle,” youngest member of the Beatles.
  • Wrote classics like “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun.”
  • Successful solo career with album All Things Must Pass.
  • Died of cancer in 2001 at age 58.
Canadian angle

George Harrison remained highly influential in Canada through the Beatles’ lasting popularity, solo radio airplay, and the broader impact of his music on Canadian rock audiences and musicians.

Quick questions

Who is George Harrison?
George Harrison was an English musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead guitarist of the Beatles.
How old was George Harrison when he died?
He was 58 years old when he died on 29 November 2001.
George Harrison songs
Notable George Harrison songs include “Something,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and “My Sweet Lord.”

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Harrison
    Supports: Birth and death dates, age at death, Beatles role, and cause of death.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Harrison-British-musician
    Supports: Biography, Beatles role, youngest member, and age at death.
  3. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/george-harrison
    Supports: Notable songs, solo career, All Things Must Pass, My Sweet Lord, and Concert for Bangladesh.
  4. DW — https://www.dw.com/en/remembering-george-harrison-on-his-80th-birthday/a-42727743
    Supports: Death from lung cancer and age at death.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0365600/
    Supports: Birthplace, death details, spouse, and death cause.