Which Songs Did George Harrison Write?
George Harrison, a member of the legendary band The Beatles, was not only a talented musician and
vocalist, but also a prolific songwriter. Though overshadowed by the songwriting genius of Lennon and McCartney,
Harrison contributed some unforgettable songs to The Beatles’ catalog, as well as releasing numerous solo tracks.
Key Takeaways
- Harrison wrote notable songs for The Beatles and as a solo artist.
- His contributions showcased his unique musical style and spirituality.
- Some of Harrison’s well-known songs are “Here Comes the Sun,” “Something,” and “My Sweet Lord.”
Songs Written by George Harrison for The Beatles
George Harrison‘s songwriting skills flourished during The Beatles’ later years. While Harrison’s song
contributions were limited due to the dominance of Lennon and McCartney, his compositions were highly regarded
for their introspective nature, incorporation of Indian influences, and spiritual themes.
Some of the well-known songs written by Harrison for The Beatles include:
Song | Album | Year |
---|---|---|
Something | Abbey Road | 1969 |
Here Comes the Sun | Abbey Road | 1969 |
While My Guitar Gently Weeps | The Beatles (White Album) | 1968 |
Taxman | Revolver | 1966 |
Songs from George Harrison’s Solo Career
After the breakup of The Beatles, George Harrison continued to captivate audiences with his solo work. His
heartfelt lyrics, spiritual themes, and slide guitar playing made him a well-respected artist in his own right.
Some notable songs from his solo career include:
- “My Sweet Lord” – Released in 1970, this song became a global hit and showcased Harrison’s devotion to
spirituality. - “All Things Must Pass” – The title track of his debut solo album released in 1970, reflecting on the
impermanence of all things. - “Got My Mind Set on You” – A 1987 cover of a 1962 James Ray song, it became one of Harrison’s biggest solo
hits.
George Harrison’s Influence in Music
George Harrison‘s songwriting and musical contributions during his time with The Beatles and his subsequent solo
career left a profound impact on the music industry. His incorporation of Indian classical music elements and
spiritual themes introduced a new dimension to popular music.
Notably, Harrison’s interest in Eastern philosophy and religion played a significant role in popularizing Indian
music and introducing it to Western audiences. He also popularized the use of the sitar, a traditional Indian instrument,
in mainstream Western music.
Years Active | Total Albums Released | Grammy Awards |
---|---|---|
1963 – 2001 | 12 | 4 |
The Legacy of George Harrison
George Harrison‘s contributions to music as a songwriter, musician, and advocate for humanitarian causes have
solidified his legacy as one of the greatest artists of all time. His timeless songs continue to resonate with
audiences, and his influence on music is everlasting.
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Common Misconceptions
Paragraph 1: George Harrison’s Songwriting Contributions
There are several common misconceptions regarding which songs were written by George Harrison, the talented musician and member of the Beatles. One main misconception is that George primarily wrote love ballads, when in fact, he also explored various genres and themes throughout his career.
- George Harrison wrote more than just love songs.
- His songwriting ranged from introspective tracks to political and spiritual themes.
- George often brought a unique blend of Indian classical music and Western rock to his compositions.
Paragraph 2: Collaborations with Other Beatles
Another common misconception is that George Harrison only wrote songs on his own while he was part of the Beatles. In reality, he collaborated with other members of the band and produced some memorable songs as a team.
- George collaborated with John Lennon and Paul McCartney on various tracks.
- He co-wrote some of the Beatles’ most well-known songs, including “Here Comes the Sun” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”
- George’s collaborations showcased the diversity of his songwriting abilities.
Paragraph 3: Post-Beatles Solo Work
Many people mistakenly believe that George Harrison‘s songwriting career ended after the Beatles disbanded. However, he went on to have a successful solo career and continued to write impactful songs.
- George released several critically acclaimed albums, such as “All Things Must Pass” and “Cloud Nine.”
- His solo work showcased his growth and exploration as a songwriter.
- George’s songs like “My Sweet Lord” and “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” became huge hits.
Paragraph 4: Influence of Eastern Philosophy
One prevalent misconception is that George Harrison’s songwriting was solely influenced by Western music. In reality, his deep interest in Eastern philosophy played a significant role in shaping his compositions.
- George Harrison’s encounter with the teachings of Indian spiritual leader Ravi Shankar greatly impacted his songwriting.
- Songs like “Within You Without You” and “The Inner Light” reflect his immersion in Eastern spirituality.
- George’s incorporation of Indian musical elements and philosophies added a unique and profound dimension to his music.
Paragraph 5: Underrated Songwriting Contribution
Finally, it is a common misconception that George Harrison‘s songwriting was overshadowed by the contributions of John Lennon and Paul McCartney within the Beatles. However, his songwriting was highly significant and contributed greatly to the band’s success.
- George’s compositions brought a refreshing variety to the Beatles’ discography.
- Songs like “Something” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” are often hailed as some of the best by the band.
- His songwriting talent was recognized by his peers and fans alike.
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George Harrison’s Songs on The Beatles’ Albums
George Harrison was not only a talented singer and guitarist, but also a skilled songwriter. Throughout his time as a member of The Beatles, he contributed several memorable songs to the band’s albums. The following table highlights some of George Harrison‘s notable compositions on The Beatles’ albums:
Album | Song |
---|---|
Help! | I Need You |
Rubber Soul | Think For Yourself |
Revolver | Taxman |
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band | Within You Without You |
The Beatles (White Album) | While My Guitar Gently Weeps |
Solo Songs by George Harrison
After The Beatles disbanded, George Harrison pursued a successful solo career, further showcasing his songwriting talent. Here are some of his notable solo songs:
Song | Album | Year |
---|---|---|
My Sweet Lord | All Things Must Pass | 1970 |
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) | Living in the Material World | 1973 |
What Is Life | All Things Must Pass | 1970 |
Blow Away | George Harrison | 1979 |
All Those Years Ago | Somewhere in England | 1981 |
Collaborations with Other Artists
George Harrison‘s talent extended beyond his work with The Beatles and his solo endeavors. He collaborated with various artists, making notable contributions to their songs. Here are some of the collaborations George Harrison was involved in:
Artist | Song | Year |
---|---|---|
Eric Clapton | Badge | 1969 |
Ringo Starr | Photograph | 1973 |
Billy Preston | That’s the Way God Planned It | 1969 |
Traveling Wilburys | Handle with Care | 1988 |
Ravi Shankar | The Inner Light | 1968 |
George Harrison’s Songwriting Contributions to Films
In addition to his musical career, George Harrison also made songwriting contributions to various films. Here are some of the songs that he wrote specifically for movies:
Film | Song | Year |
---|---|---|
Wonderwall | Party Seacombe | 1968 |
Time Bandits | Dream Away | 1981 |
Shanghai Surprise | Someplace Else | 1986 |
Rude Awakening | Shanghai Surprise | 1989 |
Lethal Weapon 2 | Cheer Down | 1989 |
George Harrison’s Chart-Topping Hits
George Harrison had several songs that achieved significant success on the music charts. Here are some of his notable chart-topping hits:
Song | Year | Chart Position |
---|---|---|
My Sweet Lord | 1970 | #1 (US, UK) |
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) | 1973 | #1 (US), #8 (UK) |
All Those Years Ago | 1981 | #2 (US), #13 (UK) |
Got My Mind Set on You | 1987 | #1 (US, UK) |
When We Was Fab | 1988 | #16 (US), #25 (UK) |
George Harrison’s Grammy Awards
George Harrison‘s musical talent was recognized with several Grammy Awards throughout his career. Here are some of his Grammy-winning songs:
Song | Year | Award |
---|---|---|
Got My Mind Set on You | 1988 | Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male |
When We Was Fab | 1989 | Best Music Video, Short Form |
All Things Must Pass | 2002 | Best Long Form Music Video |
Marwa Blues | 2004 | Best Pop Instrumental Performance |
My Sweet Lord (2000 Reissue) | 2004 | Best Pop Instrumental Performance |
Philanthropic Efforts by George Harrison
Aside from his musical career, George Harrison was actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, using his influence and resources to make a positive impact. Here are some of the charitable initiatives supported by George Harrison:
Charity/Organization | Focus |
---|---|
Concert for Bangladesh | Aid for Bangladeshi refugees |
Harrison’s Material World Charitable Foundation | Funding various charities worldwide |
Elton John AIDS Foundation | HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment |
Unicef | Children’s rights and well-being |
Greenpeace | Environmental protection and advocacy |
George Harrison’s Influence on Music
George Harrison‘s contributions to music went well beyond his songwriting abilities. He left an indelible impact on the industry through his unique musical style and exploration of Eastern instrumentation. Harrison’s influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary artists, showcasing the lasting legacy of his musical contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Songs Did George Harrison Write?