7 Curiosities About George Harrison That You Probably Don't Know

7. First Beatle to Release a Solo Album

Before the Beatles broke-up, Harrison already completed two solo works: the soundtrack to the 1968 film Wonderwall and 1969’s mostly instrumental Electronic Sound. But with the breakup, the race was on to see who would be the first to capitalize on a solo album. In 1970, all four members released solo albums, but only Harrison released a masterpiece. His triple album All Things Must Pass featured “My Sweet Lord,” “Isn’t It A Pity?” and “What Is Life?” and remains one of the highlights of his career.

6. Harrison Started Playing Guitar At Age 13

Harrison started playing guitar at age 13, but only with the help of Paul McCartney did he get good enough to play in a band. Harrison idolized Lennon and McCartney and was happy to get in the band with them. He was not a fast or slick guitarist, but meaty and tasteful, known for making every note count on his guitar parts.

5. The Death Of His Father And Mother

As we all know, George passed away from cancer in 2001. His mother, Louise, had previously died of the disease in 1970. George wrote the song "Deep Blue" in her honor. His dad, Harry Harrison, also died of cancer in 1978. The night of his father's passing, both George and his wife Olivia awoke in bed and viewed the same blue light. They both testified they saw a vision of Harry smiling at them.

4. He Played 26 Instruments

How many instruments can you play? Now, how many of those can you play well? George Harrison could play 26 instruments, and he could play them better than you. In his storied career, Harrison played: the Guitar, Sitar, 4-string Guitar, Bass Guitar, Arp Bass, Violin, Tamboura, Dobro, Swordmandel, Tabla, Organ, Piano, Moog Synthesizer, Harmonica, Autoharp, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Claves, African drum, Conga drum, Tympani, Ukulele, Mandolin, Marimba, and Jal-Tarang.

Harrison will be most likely remembered for his incredible guitar work with The Beatles. Even though it was subdued and never flashy, it was always tasteful and memorable. “Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner described Harrison as ‘a guitarist who was never showy but who had an innate, eloquent melodic sense. He played exquisitely in the service of the song.”

3. George Harrison Planted 10,000 Trees

Who knew Harrison had a green thumb? George says his greatest joy and hobby was gardening. In addition to claiming having “planted 10,000 trees” in his lifetime, his 1980 published autobiography, I Me Mine, was said to be dedicated “to all gardeners everywhere.”

2. He visited the United States before any of the other Beatles

Visiting his sister Louise in Benton, Illinois, in September of 1963. Since the Beatles weren't known in America yet, George was able to jam with local musicians, visit record stores and even camp in the Shawnee National Forest without being hassled by fans.

1. He Lost His Virginity While The Other Beatles Secretly Watched

At the young age of 17, Harrison lost his virginity to a German Dancer. The mischievous boys were so casual about sex that privacy clearly didn't matter. "My first shag was in Hamburg, with Paul and John and Pete Best all watching...we were in bunk beds...after I'd finished, they all applauded" Harrison says.