George Harrison
United Kingdom, 1960–2001
Lead guitarist of the Beatles and later a solo artist. He introduced the sitar and Indian classical instrumentation into the group's records, and released the triple album All Things Must Pass in 1970.
MusicRoots documents 8 artists who influenced George Harrison and 2 artists George Harrison influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced George Harrison?
- George Formby — Formby was one of Harrison's earliest musical influences — his banjolele virtuosity sparked George's fascination with the fretboard.
- Cab Calloway — Cab Calloway was cited by Harrison as an early influence alongside Django Reinhardt and Hoagy Carmichael.
- Django Reinhardt — Django Reinhardt was one of Harrison's earliest musical influences — his guitar mastery was foundational.
- Hoagy Carmichael — Hoagy Carmichael was cited by Harrison as one of his earliest musical influences.
- Carl Perkins — Carl Perkins became a significant influence on Harrison by the 1950s; The Beatles recorded four Perkins songs.
- Lonnie Donegan — Lonnie Donegan was a significant influence on Harrison by the 1950s — skiffle's do-it-yourself ethic helped launch his musical career.
- Elvis Presley — Hearing 'Heartbreak Hotel' from a nearby house while cycling was Harrison's epiphany — it was the moment he committed to rock and roll.
- Slim Whitman — 'The first person I ever saw playing a guitar was Slim Whitman' — Harrison's own words on the origin of his obsession with guitars.
Which artists did George Harrison influence?
- The Byrds — Harrison's Indian instrumentation and the Beatles' studio experimentation influenced The Byrds' psychedelic turn.
- Boris Grebenshchikov — Of the Beatles it was Harrison above all for Grebenshchikov's songwriting.