George Harrison earned a reputation as The Quiet Beatle, but those who knew him have lots of stories, often underscoring his compassion and humor. It's clear from the comments in the Apple Scruffs songfacts that he was a different kind of Rock Star, one who spent his life exploring larger themes. Friends and family describe George as a kind of spiritual aspirant - he had a deep fascination with meditation, mantras, gardening, and Indian music.

While John Lennon and Paul McCartney penned most of The Beatles repertoire, George contributed a song or two of his own to each record. After the group split up in 1970, George began releasing the contents of his own songbook, which had been under-represented on Beatles albums.

With the Martin Scorsese documentary Living in the Material World as a reference, we've assembled some true stories about George's life and music, along with a few embellishments. See if you can tell the difference.

George Harrison Songfacts

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More Fact or Fiction

Comments: 35

• John J from MontanaSo George is even cooler than thought. Forgiveness says alot about a persons character. The man was only human. No doubt, shock and rage was his first emotion. What he said about wealth was wisdom acquired at a young age.
• Keith H. from Nor-cal“While my guitar gently weeps.”
• John Wilson from Accrington Best songwriter
• Patrick from Marietta If “All Things Must Pass” had been released as a Beatles album, it would be their best.
• Wils from HereGeorge was always my favorite :) I was a member of the Harrison Alliance for quite some time when I was younger. I love Monty Python and it was fun to know George had a hand in "Life of Brian"
• John H. Taylor from EarthScored a perfect ten on the 'George Harrison - Fact or Fiction' quiz.
• Sandra from CaliforniaNow that I've become completely immersed in the history of The Beatles I realize that George Harrison is in the same category for me as say Cat Stevens their music makes me feel so happy and thoughtful I love it.
• Amy from Virginia George was brilliant with his style of music. His music can be listened to over and over and over again and always sound fresh and touch your soul. I think I listened to Crackerbox Palace 3 hours in a row one day when someone who studied Buddhism that I had grown fond of passed away suddenly of a drug overdose. Dark Horse is another favorite of mine. George’s voice shines right through along with his guitar!!!
• Keith from Wales According to Eric Idle, George just said, Yeah. Being George, he wouldn't have mentioned a mortgage.
• Vee from Va.bch.George was a beautiful soul. His talent was real.
  
• Dave Elbaum from Hayes MiddxGeorge was the real deal. Concert for Bangladesh was because of George's humanity.
• Mark from TorontoNever got the George thing. A vocal style that sounded like a nose full of snot. And a really mediocre guitar player stacked up against the masters of his generation. I'm glad Paul finally got frustrated with him in Let it Be. It was about time. He was weak. And as great as Here Comes the Sun and Something are...Blue Jay Way is a song that makes me want to stick a knitting needle in my ear.
• Cantopop from ChicagoI always loved George.I got 3 wrong! He was under-appreciated. I hope he found peace...
• Chris J from EdinburghSome really good lyrics over the years... "There's one for you nineteen for me,cos I'm the taxman."...I believe they were taxed at 95% in those days so they got to keep one shilling(5p)for every Pound earned.
• Lisa from Sydney, AustraliaI really don't believe George had to mortgage his house to raise 4 million dollars for Monty Python. He would have that in his wallet.
• Danielson from BelgiumGeorge was clever. Thanks to George, other pop musicians can be heard on Beatlesrecordings: Eric Clapton and Billy Preston. Brilliant move.
• Rick from Louisvillewas a Beatle in 1964, led me to a guitar in 1965. Still playing, still forcing those great songs on my children, and now piano-playing grandson. Hail to the Beatles! They were the only ones large enough to make Dylan take a different path. So much brilliance in the '60's, a magical time.
• Eva from Indonesiawhat's your email george ?
  
• Todd Toohey from San Luis Valley In Southern Colorado UsaHappy birthday today George again another one for me as well. Just allow me to Knight you myself after we soon talk it over under your favorite spell. Twenty Five February
  
• Alan Lindsay from Manchester, EnglandGeorge was a talent within himself, he only wrote classic song that were simple on the ear a true master
  
• Imtiaz from IndiaI started playing guitar because of George. Thank You George you are my hero
• John Kolberg from Monona,wi 53716, WiThe lead guitar break in"Something"(Abbey Road) proves that George is still alive
• Anna from PennsylvaniaGeorge was my favorite Beatle! I love learning more and more about him. He seemed like such an interesting person.
• Alan Wilkinson from Northumberland UkGeorge speaking to Macca "hi Paul is that a vegetarian leather jacket?" Priceless
• Jose Nogueira from São Paulo BrasilMúsicas de George são as minhas preferidas, Here come the sun!!!
• Carmen from Seattle, WaThe Scorcese documentary is excellent. Listening to George, and especially to those closest to him, there's no doubt this was a man making his way toward enlightenment - never mind whether he got there or not this time around. A brilliant, talented, witty, flawed and deeply caring man. How great that he was part of our lifetime.
• Maxwell Silver Hammer from Strawberry Field@ Dannie: now we know who's got the collection...omw to Goshen!
• John from Philadelphia, PaGeorge was so great as a writer and vocalist.
• Mike from PhilippinesIt's always nice to hear the stories behind the songs, trivial facts no matter, it helps you appreciate the songs much much more.
• Julio from PeruI always appreciated Harrison's music. Now I have a much greater consideration of him as a human being. Thanks for the facts
• Dannie from Goshen, NyI'm the biggest George Harrison fan ever and I only got two questions wrong! GASP! How did that happen??? Anyways, George is my favorite Beatle ever. I have Living in The Material World, his autobiography I Me Mine(I read the book four times, definately one of my fave books), and I have tons of Vinyl Beatles records(every single one) at home along with All Things Must Pass the remastered CD. I knew that George was my favorite after I heard the song "Something" on Abbey Road and I was hooked. Now, George is my hero! I love ya, George and we all miss ya!
• Ted from Pittsburgh, PaGeorge was my favorite Beatle, and I am also a huge Eric Clapton fan so I knew the majority of these questions.
• Alan from Bath, United KingdomMy wife and myself tend to listen to George's material more so than The Beatles these days. Also, I have recently joined a band as lead guitarist playing Beatle's covers. Normally a bass player, I am really struggling with George's guitar work. The man has again gone up in my estimations.
• Jim from North Billerica, MaMy favorite Beatle. He had such a distinct sound and style. especially his slide work.
• Jeff from Wilmington,, Dehey you learn a little every day

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