George Harrison's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

A closer look at the biggest achievements of George Harrison. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

June 1965: Appointed MBE

In June 1965, George Harrison and the other Beatles were appointed Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

1969: Recognition from Lennon and McCartney

In 1969, Paul McCartney told John Lennon that George Harrison's songs were at least as good as theirs, marking a turning point in the recognition of Harrison's songwriting abilities within the band.

1971: Academy Award for Let It Be

In 1971, The Beatles received an Academy Award for the best Original Song Score for the film Let It Be.

June 1972: UNICEF Award

In June 1972, UNICEF honored George Harrison, Ravi Shankar, and Allen Klein with the "Child Is the Father of Man" award for their fundraising efforts for Bangladesh.

1984: Minor planet named after Harrison

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

1988: MTV Music Video Awards Nominations

In 1988, George Harrison's "When We Was Fab" earned two MTV Music Video Awards nominations.

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.

2004: Grammy Award for Marwa Blues

In 2004, "Marwa Blues" received the Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance, while "Any Road" was nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

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.

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.

February 2015: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

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

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.