George Harrison’s album ‘All Things Must Pass’ released November 27, 1970, celebrates 54 years today. It was Harrison’s first major solo work following the breakup of The Beatles. The album is considered to be a landmark release in the history of rock music.
George Harrison was an English musician, singer-songwriter, and producer best known as the lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often called ‘The Quiet Beatle’. Whilst in The Beatles, Harrison contributed iconic songs like ‘Here Comes the Sun’, ‘Something’, and ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’. The album showcases Harrison’s immense talent as a songwriter and musician, which had often been overshadowed during his time with The Beatles. The album allowed Harrison to release a backlog of songs he had written during his time with the band but had not recorded then.
54 years ago today, George Harrison poured his heart and soul into the creation of his debut solo album, All Things Must Pass. Having reached instant popularity upon release, this album made George the first Beatle to individually top the charts. Happy ATMP day!pic.twitter.com/7EyWJE2vxR
— eli(@heartofmvsic) November 27, 2024
In the UK, it peaked at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and remained on the charts for several months. The lead single, ‘My Sweet Lord’, became a global sensation, topping the charts in several countries, including in the United States. It was the first solo Beatle single to reach No. 1. In 1971, Harrison received a Grammy Award nomination for ‘All Things Must Pass’. Although he didn’t win for the album itself, he later won Record of the Year for ‘My Sweet Lord’. The album includes several of Harrison’s most beloved tracks, such as ‘What Is Life’, an upbeat track that became another popular single, ‘Isn’t It a Pity’, a reflective ballad about human disconnection and empathy, and the title track ‘All Things Must Pass’, which reflects Harrison’s philosophical outlook on the impermanence of life. The album demonstrates Harrison’s deep spirituality, inspired by his interest in Hinduism and meditation. Many songs explore themes of love, faith, and transcendence. ‘All Things Must Pass‘ features contributions from an impressive lineup of musicians, including Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr. It has been reissued several times, including for its 30th (2001) and 50th anniversaries, with remastered tracks and bonus material. In 2021, the 50th Anniversary Edition of the album was released overseen by George’s son, Dhani Harrison, and producer Paul Hicks, aimed to modernize the sound while honouring the original production. It peaked at number 2 on the Official Physical Albums Chart and Number 1 on the Vinyl Albums Chart.
George Harrison listening to the master tape of his first solo album in the recording studio with Pete Bennett and producer Phil Spector. “All Things Must Pass,” was released 54 years ago today. pic.twitter.com/YIS24Bywnz
—‹ TAY (@b1lly_shears) November 27, 2024
George Harrison remains celebrated for his artistry, spiritual outlook, and quiet yet profound contributions to modern music.
