Something About George
On the 25th of February, 1943, George Harrison entered the world—a person I hold in very special regard.
Pencil drawing of George Harrison & Ravi Shankar
I first fell in love with George’s music during my teenage years. I have such warm memories of borrowing The Beatles cassettes from the local library’s music section. With such a vast catalogue to explore, it was my kind of sweetie shop as a kid.
I still vividly remember the first time I heard Blackbird—it has remained one of my all-time favourite songs ever since. Seeing Paul McCartney perform it live at a homecoming gig in Liverpool and dedicating it to George was incredibly moving.
Paul McCartney homecoming concert - Liverpool Echo Area (May 2015)
George wrote three of The Beatles’ most beloved songs: Something, Here Comes the Sun, and While My Guitar Gently Weeps.
Often dubbed “the quiet Beatle,” George was, in many ways, anything but. In interviews, those who knew him personally spoke of his deep, thoughtful nature and how he would speak passionately and at length about the things that truly mattered to him. He was admired for his attentiveness, sincerity, contemplative spirit, and profound sensitivity to the world around him.
Strawberry Fields in Liverpool
It’s only in the past decade that I’ve come to appreciate George’s role beyond music as a spiritual seeker. After The Beatles, much of his life revolved around meditation and a devotion to a more ego-less existence, deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy.
When George met Ravi Shankar, they shared an instant connection - as if they were always meant to unite. The pencil drawing featured at the top of this post is my tribute to their remarkable friendship.
If I could share silence with anyone in the world, George Harrison would be at the top of my list.
George Harrison and Ravi Shankar greeting cards are are available to buy via my online shop.
Poster design for a local meditation event
Living in the Material World (2011) is a thoughtful documentary on George Harrison’s life and legacy - well worth watching if you haven’t seen it.
