George Harrison was a British musician, singer, and songwriter with an enormous net worth before he died. He is known as the lead guitarist for the band The Beatles, the multiple Grammy Award and Brit Award-winning music group.
After The Beatles separated, he enjoyed a profitable career as a solo artist and then later became a successful film producer as well. Sadly, on November 29, 2001, he passed away.
Come on, read about what he did that made him so rich, apart from his music. What made him so rich? And who is enjoying his wealth now?
What is George Harrison’s Net Worth?
George Harrison experienced unheard-of levels of fame and wealth while he was a Beatles member.
He and his bandmates were among the richest musicians in the world during the band’s era of fame. Harrison’s wealth did not only come from his musical career.
When famous musician John Lennon died in 1980, his net worth was $200 million, George Harrison’s net worth was $100 million, Ringo Starr was worth $80 million, and Paul McCartney’s net worth was $400 million.
George’s net worth of $100 million in 1980 equals over $300 million after adjustment to inflation.
He also had many commercial ventures, including the blossoming film production firm HandMade Films.
He was also an experienced investor. He also owned a large estate in England and made investments in various real estate.
George Harrison’s estimated net worth at the time of his death in 2001 was $400 million. Through album sales, royalties, and the licensing of his music for different commercial uses, his posthumous revenues are increasing.
In addition, the George Harrison estate is still actively involved in charitable endeavors, guaranteeing that his influence goes well beyond his music collections.
His Interest in Cars and Gardening
Harrison renovated Friar Park, his home in Henley-on-Thames, including the 36-acre garden where he filmed music videos like “Crackerbox Palace.” The grounds also appeared on the cover of his album “All Things Must Pass.”
He employed ten workers to maintain the garden, seeing gardening as a way to escape. With the help of former Beatles publicist Derek Taylor, Harrison wrote a book focusing on his hobbies, music, and lyrics rather than delving into the Beatles.
He was into sports cars and motor racing, even owning a McLaren F1 road car. Harrison wrote “Faster” as a tribute to racing drivers Jackie Stewart and Ronnie Peterson, with proceeds going to the Gunnar Nilsson cancer charity.
In 2011, Harrison’s first extravagant car, a 1964 Aston Martin DB5, was auctioned for £350,000 to an anonymous Beatles collector. Harrison had originally bought the car in January 1965.
Early Days and Childhood
George Harrison was born to Harold and Louise Harrison on February 25, 1943, in Waver Tree, Liverpool, at the family’s residence at 12 Arnold Grove.
His parents were of Irish descent. They had three other children, Harry and Peter, and they were all older than George. The family then relocated to 25 Upton Green in Speke in 1950.
After completing his education at Dovedale Road, George was accepted into the nearby grammar school, Liverpool Institute for Boys, after passing his 11 Plus exam. He studied at the Institute from 1954 to 1959.
To the dismay of his parents, he persisted in wearing tight pants and keeping long hair.
Harrison was not a particularly talented or a book-smart child academically; he had difficulties in school, and he found it difficult to connect with his professors, which resulted in him leaving with no qualifications.
During one of those mother-and-son moments, Harrison’s mother paid £3 for him to purchase a guitar. Together with his brother Peter and a friend named Arthur Kelly, Harrison founded The Rebels, a musical band group.
In 1959, during their first official performance at the British Legion Club in Speke, the band received 10 shillings.
Who Inherited George Harrison’s Enormous Fortune?
George Harrison’s first marriage was with English model and photographer Pattie Boyd. Unfortunately, their marriage ended after ten years due to George’s repeated infidelities.
Related: Pattie Boyd Net Worth: What Makes Her Money Now?
While still married to Boyd, Eric Clapton, a friend of Harrison, fell in love with Pattie. Clapton expressed his feelings in a letter to Pattie. After the divorce, Boyd and Clapton got married, but that relationship also faced challenges.
In 1978, Harrison married Olivia Trinidad Arias, a secretary at Dark Horse Records. They had a son named Dhani Harrison, born on August 1, 1978.
Known as the ‘quiet Beatle,’ George chose to leave his entire wealth and estate to his widow Olivia and their son Dhani, as outlined in his will. Additionally, he allocated a portion of his wealth to some family members and various charities.
Did His Family Receive All His Royalties From the Beatles?
Beyond playing lead guitar for The Beatles, Harrison also contributed to the band’s songwriting, creating some iconic tunes like ‘Here Comes the Sun’ and ‘Something.’
Despite his significant role, he received less credit for songwriting compared to his bandmates. In 1980, after John Lennon’s tragic death, a report disclosed the net worth of each Beatles member.
Lennon’s was $200 million, McCartney’s was $400 million, Starr’s was $80 million, and Harrison’s was $100 million, equivalent to around $300 million today.
From his substantial fortune, estimated at $400 million, George Harrison allocated the earnings from Beatles royalties to his widow, Olivia, and his only child, Dhani.
