Mojo - The Music Magazine

To coincide with our celebration of George Harrison in the latest issue of MOJO, we've compiled a video playlist of the music and moments that defined the most enigmatic Beatle.

Rather than include all of his greatest songs, we've cherry picked the ones that seem to sum the man up best. And aptly, we begin with the twang of a guitar...

1. Cry For A Shadow (1961)

Having wowed McCartney with his note-perfect rendition of Eddie Cochran's Raunchy on top of a Liverpool bus, Harrison combined with Lennon to doff his cap to The Shadows on this early Beatle original.

2. Ready Steady Go! (1964)

George is interviewed on Britain's primetime music show following their epoch-defining tour of the US. Host Cathy McGowan: "How do Drive-Ins work then?" George: "Well you drive your car in..."

3. A Hard Day's Night (1964)

"I wouldn't be seen dead in them. They're dead grotty."

4. If I Needed Someone (live, 1966)

By 1965, Harrison had chalked up three writing credits (Don't Bother Me, I Need You, You Like Me Too Much) on Beatles albums but it wasn't until Rubber Soul that he really hit the ground running. Chiming, Byrds-ian guitars and a mantric, harmony-laden melody rank this among his best creations.

5. It's All Too Much (1967)

Taxman may have unveiled George's acerbic side and the sitar-droning Within You Without You his softer, spiritual side, but this psychedelic masterpiece from Yellow Submarine has it all, and gets you home for tea. Turn on, tune in etc.

6. Sitar Lesson With Ravi Shankar

"I never thought our meeting would cause such an explosion."

7. For You Blue (1969)

Rustic blues from Let It Be cut with great footage of the Beatles recording in Savile Row. Dig Lennon's lap slide solo!

8. Here Comes The Sun (live, 1971)

The first of Abbey Road's bona-fide GH classics, Here Comes The Sun was delivered with a stripped-back delicacy (and Badfinger's Pete Ham) at The Concert For Bangladesh.

9. Something (live, The Concert For George, 2002)

We couldn't compile a George playlist without the sound of his beloved ukulele. Here's Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and more with a great version of the song Frank Sinatra dubbed "the greatest love song ever written".

10. Isn't It A Pity (demo, 1968)

Offered to the Beatles during the Get Back sessions, this contemplative Harrison ballad was dismissed before being recorded twice for All Things Must Pass.

11. If Not For You (live, 1971)

George Harrison and Bob Dylan were friends from the mid'-60s onwards and it was Dylan who offered Harrison an escape from the splintering Beatles by inviting him to spend time at his Woodstock home. Written by Dylan and included on All Things Must Pass, this is their duet version in rehearsals for The Concert For Bangladesh.

12. Granada TV interview (1976)

Tony Wilson interviews a 33 year-old George on UK TV in 1976: "Recently I've been more of a lawyer." Watch Part 2 here.

13. Got My Mind Set On You (1987)

George plucked James Ray's 1962 rocker from obscurity and (with the help of Jeff Lynne) turned it into a polished pop anthem that went all the way to the top of the US singles chart.

14. Handle With Care (1987)

Harrison was the driving force behind Traveling Wilburys (who else could have got Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne and Bob Dylan together?) and this opening track from their debut album remains the group's best offering.

15. The Beatles' Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction (1988)

After Mick Jagger's endless introduction and a speech from a rather refreshed Ringo Starr, George steps up to the microphone and delivers an emotionally-charged eulogy to his old band. "It's what's left, I'm afraid."

16. Ain't She Sweet (1994)

In the mid-'90s the three remaining Beatles gathered together at Friar Park for the final time. Unsurprisingly, George brought out the ukuleles...

Compiled and annotated by Ross Bennett