Crackerbox Palace - view pictures of Hari

Let It Roll - sound clips from his solo albums

Layla - learn about George's first wife, Pattie Boyd

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George Harold Harrison was born just before midnight on Feb. 24, 1943. He got his first guitar at the age of 13, being influenced by Elvis. He started his first band when he was 14, one member being his brother.

George met Paul McCartney while riding the bus to and from Dovedale Primary School. The two became fast friends despite the age difference because of their keen interests in music. In early '58 Paul introduced George to John Lennon. John asked him if he knew the song "Raunchy". George played it without skipping a beat. He soon became a member of John's band, along with Paul, called the Quarrymen. They went through a great number of band members and names before the Beatles got their big gig in Hamburg, Germany. George recalls: "In my opinion our peak for playing live was in Hamburg. You see, at the time we weren't so famous, and people who came to see us were drawn in simply by our music and whatever atmosphere we managed to create." After a year of relentless gigs, the Beatles were deported because George was working there without a work permit: he was only 17. George was sent back to England without the others, and they soon followed.

While filming A Hard Day's Night, George became smitten with one of the actresses, model Pattie Boyd. With much persistance, he finally won Pattie over. The two bought a house within a year, and were married on Jan. 21, 1966.

In 1967 Pattie and George became increasintly interested in Indian culture, and the Beatles were off to Rishikesh, India for the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's retreat. George fell deep into Indian customs and religion, and is still a Krishna follower today.

On Aug. 1, 1971, George put together the Concert for Bangla Desh, the first all-star charity concert. Performers included Eric Clapton, surprise guest Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Leon Russell, Billy Preston, Klaus Voormann, and Badfinger.

Towards the end of the '60s George and Pattie's marriage was all but over. George was having constant affairs with the self-proclaimed "Apple Scruffs" outside the Apple building, and Pattie began to seek comfort in the arms of others, namely George's best friend Eric Clapton. Despite their great problems, the two managed to stay together for a number of years before they divorced in 1977. George later married Olivia Trinidad Arias, whom he met in 1974, after the birth of their first and only son Dhani on Aug. 1, 1978.

In June of 1998, George announced to the press that he was battling throat cancer. On Nov. 29, 2001 he succumbed to cancer and passed on in the company of his family and closest friends. His ashes were scattered along the Ganges.

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