MOG

Although I love each of the Beatles, I can't deny that I have a favorite. In honor of what would be his 64th birthday,* I will spend the entire day listening exclusively to my favorite Beatle - George Harrison’s – catalog.

While I don’t expect you to commemorate George’s birthday with the same fervor, I’d like to ask you to take a moment to remember an often underrated legend. Listen to your favorite George song or album, watch an old video clip, or simply read a little about him. To help you out, here’s five facts about the Beatles’ lead guitarist:

1. All Things Must Pass was the first album by an ex-Beatle to hit number one (in both the U.S. and Great Britain). Similarly, the single "My Sweet Lord" was the first post-Beatles song to top the charts. All Things Must Pass, George's most critically acclaimed solo effort, is also considered by many to be the best solo album by any of the Fab Four.

2. In addition to his affinity for the sitar, Harrison was also a ukulele enthusiast. It's rumored that he always traveled with two ukuleles, so he could jam with a friend. His posthumous album, Brainwashed, prominently featured this instrument - most notably on the track "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea."

3. George's masterpiece "Something" is the second most-covered Beatles song. Frank Sinatra referred to it as the greatest love song ever written. Although ol' blue eyes mistakenly attributed it to Lennon/McCartney...

4. Harrison dabbled in film production. His company HandMade Films produced Monty Python's The Life of Brian. He even had a cameo!

5. Perhaps the most important part of George's legacy, however, is his historic role in organizing the first major benefit concert, the Concert for Bangladesh, in 1971. Not only did the concert raise millions for flood- and war-ravaged Bangladesh, but it also paved the way for future benefit concerts such as Band Aid, Live Aid, Farm Aid, and Live 8.

Thanks for everything, George, and happy birthday...wherever you are.

George Harrison - Crackerbox Palace

*Disclaimer: There’s been some contention as to George’s actual date of birth. The story goes that after believing February 25th was his birthday all his life, he learned in 1992 that he was actually born around 11:50 pm on the 24th. However, George’s birthday is generally still recognized on the 25th (it has never been confirmed which date is correct).