He was the quiet Beatle. The one who was a footnote compared to Paul McCartney and John Lennon, but George Harrison was the one that moved mountains with his music. On the tenth anniversary of this death, I celebrate George’s life as a musician and spiritualist.

   The son of a bus driver, George grew up humbly, but he soon became obsessed with music when he first heard Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” at 13. Elvis and Carl Perkins built and strengthened his love for music and guitars. A few years later, he joined the raucous Quarrymen that included Paul McCartney and John Lennon which transformed into the Beatles.

   In the early years of the band, George was vital and truly happy. This is evident in the swing of “Everybody’s Trying to be My Baby” and “Roll Over Beethoven” (both hits by Carl Perkins). Despite his reserve, George had a wit to match John’s. When producer George Martin asked whether there was anything that they didn’t like, George replied “Yeah, I don’t like your tie.”

   George, inspired by his ex-wife Pattie Boyd, soon connected with the Hindu way and classical Indian music. He first introduced the sitar to the Beatles and rock-n-roll in the stunning “Norwegian Wood” which added another beautiful dimension to the song. The only Beatle to become a Hindu, George continued to be inspired by his spirituality which influenced his music and life heavily.

   The fast track of the Beatles caught up to George, though. He completed “Sgt. Pepper’s” by the time he was 23, and the stress kept climbing. George often remained silent as tensions rose, but this proved to be beneficial as it contributed to his best work, including the masterpiece from the White Album, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Despite its description of his hurt and sadness, the blend of guitar and lyrics creates one of the most beloved songs of the Beatles.

   Although often overlooked, George had the ability to write pure poetry in his songs. From “Within Without You” to “Something,” he could create lovely lyrics with a beautiful melody. Such emotion and artistry flows through his music even though it is shadowed by the songs of John and Paul.

   Even after the Beatles, George continued to revolutionize music. Influenced by his faith and peace, he continued to write enchanting and powerful songs such as “My Sweet Lord” and “All Things Must Pass.”

   George lost his battle to throat cancer on November 29, 2001, and his last words were “Love one another.”  His image of love and spirituality still lives on through his music which is why I am continually inspired by him.