Day 66: George Harrison’s Birthday

George Harrison, (25 February 1943 – 29 November 2001) was an English rock guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles.

John was outspoken, Paul is always in the spotlight, and Ringo is just nuts. But George Harrison seemingly has often been overlooked. The 'quiet' Beatle, as he was commonly referred to, would have turned 68 today. But he was far more than just “the quiet Beatle” who penned memorable hits; he was also a talented actor with a deep love of cinema, a loyal friend to many influential people, and a deeply spiritual man.

Harrison was passionate about Eastern philosophy and later in life became very involved in Hinduism following multiple trips to India and the surrounding countries. During his travels he began his involvement in Indian music, taking up the sitar, which he later used on several Beatles tracks (ie. "Norwegian Wood"). Harrison became a devotee of Indian mysticism, and helped broaden the horizons of the other Beatles, as well as those of their Western audience, to include Eastern thought and practices.

Following the band's break-up, he had a successful career as a solo artist and later as part of the Traveling Wilburys, and also as a film and record producer. Harrison is listed at number 21 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".

Harrison died in 2001 after being diagnosed with lung cancer. A lifelong smoker, Harrison had previously won his fight with throat cancer in 1997, but the lung cancer, which he received treatment for until his November 2001 death, spread to his brain and was deemed inoperable. His body was cremated following his funeral and his ashes were spread across the Ganges River in India.

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation (MHOF) was inspired by the acclaimed motion picture Mr. Holland’s Opus, the story of the profound effect a dedicated music teacher had on generations of students. The film's composer, Michael Kamen, started the foundation in 1996 as his commitment to the future of music education.

The foundation donates both new and refurbished instruments to school and after-school music programs that lack the resources to keep up with equipment loss due to attrition, depreciation and wear over time, and to accommodate students on waiting lists or who have to share instruments. An infusion of instruments enables more students to participate and to experience a quality music education. It is vital that efforts are made to give youngsters every tool available within the small window of time when they can make the most of their education, and experience the benefits inherent in learning to play music.

The foundation's mission is narrowly focused and efficiently administered by a staff with long-term relationships in the music education community and the music products industry. They are supported by a solid base of loyal donors, and believers, in music education for all children.

Donation: $5

To support The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, please visit: http://www.mhopus.org/