How George Harrison Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 24, 2025

A closer look at the lasting mark left by George Harrison—a timeline of influence.

George Harrison was a renowned English musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist of the Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle," he significantly contributed to the band's success. Harrison's musical explorations extended beyond traditional rock, as he embraced Indian culture and incorporated Indian instrumentation and Hindu-aligned spirituality into the Beatles' music, broadening the scope of popular music. His unique guitar style and spiritual influences distinguished him within the group and as a solo artist.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1977: Recollection of LSD influence

In a 1977 interview, George Harrison recalled how his experiences with LSD in the mid-1960s served as a catalyst for his early pursuance of Hinduism.

1978: Schaffner Writes about Harrison's influence

In 1978, author Nicholas Schaffner wrote that George Harrison became known as "the maharaja of raga-rock" following his increased association with the sitar after "Norwegian Wood".

1979: Frank Sinatra Records "Something"

In 1979, Frank Sinatra recorded "Something" for the second time; he initially recorded it in 1970. He later dubbed it "the greatest love song of the past fifty years".

1984: Minor planet named after Harrison

In 1984, the minor planet 4149 Harrison was named after George Harrison.

December 1992: Billboard Century Award

In December 1992, George Harrison became the first recipient of the Billboard Century Award, recognizing his contributions to world music and the spiritual power of popular music.

1997: Legacy of Beatles' 'Indian' Songs

In 1997, Gerry Farrell reflected that the Beatles' 'Indian' songs, including George Harrison's work, remained imaginative and successful examples of fusion music.

2000: Thirtieth-Anniversary Edition of "All Things Must Pass"

In 2000, Apple Records released a thirtieth-anniversary edition of the album "All Things Must Pass," and George Harrison actively participated in its promotion, reflecting on his departure from The Beatles and going his own way.

November 2001: George Harrison's Death

In November 2001, George Harrison, the lead guitarist of the Beatles, passed away. He left behind a legacy of musical innovation and cultural exchange.

2002: Posthumous Release of Brainwashed

In 2002, Brainwashed, George Harrison's final studio album, was released posthumously, completed by his son Dhani and Jeff Lynne.

2002: Concert for George

In 2002, on the first anniversary of George Harrison's death, the Concert for George was held at the Royal Albert Hall, organized by Eric Clapton, to benefit the Material World Charitable Foundation.

2004: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2004, George Harrison was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.

2004: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

In 2004, George Harrison was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his solo career, honoring his individual contributions to music.

2006: Induction into Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame

In 2006, George Harrison was posthumously inducted into the Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame for the Concert for Bangladesh.

December 2007: Donation to Cyclone Sidr victims

In December 2007, the George Harrison Humanitarian Fund for UNICEF donated $450,000 to help the victims of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, supporting programs aiding children in humanitarian emergencies.

April 2009: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

On 14 April 2009, George Harrison was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Capitol Records Building.

October 2009: First George Harrison Humanitarian Award

On 13 October 2009, Ravi Shankar received the first George Harrison Humanitarian Award for his efforts in saving children's lives and his involvement with the Concert for Bangladesh.

October 2011: Release of Living in the Material World

In October 2011, the documentary film George Harrison: Living in the Material World, directed by Martin Scorsese, was released.

February 2015: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

In February 2015, George Harrison was posthumously honored with The Recording Academy's Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

August 2017: Fender Releases Limited Edition Rosewood Telecaster

In August 2017, Fender released a "Limited Edition George Harrison Rosewood Telecaster" modeled after a Telecaster that Roger Rossmeisl originally created for Harrison.

2017: Mural installation in Harrison, Illinois

In 2017, a mural installation painted by artist John Cerney was unveiled in the town of Harrison, Illinois.

2023: Rolling Stone's Greatest Guitarists List

In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine ranked George Harrison number 31 in their list of the greatest guitarists of all time, posthumously recognizing his guitar skills.