Net Worth Ranker
What Is George Harrison’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in November 2001, George Harrison’s net worth was estimated to be $400 million. This substantial net worth was accumulated through his diverse career as a musician, singer, songwriter, film producer, and actor. His primary source of wealth stemmed from his involvement with The Beatles, a band that achieved unparalleled success and global recognition. Additionally, his solo musical career and ventures into film production further contributed to his financial status.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on February 25th in Liverpool, England, George Harrison’s upbringing was relatively modest. Encouraged by his mother, who recognized his passion for music, Harrison’s journey began with an inexpensive acoustic guitar bought by his father. This initial investment ignited his musical interest and led to his meeting with Paul McCartney on a bus. The two bonded over their shared love for music, which led to Harrison joining The Quarrymen, the band that eventually evolved into The Beatles.
His early exposure to music included his mother’s fondness for Indian music, which influenced him later in life to introduce Indian music within The Beatles. During his teenage years, Harrison was briefly deported from Germany for being underage to work in nightclubs while the band was touring.
The Beatles Era and Financial Impact
George Harrison’s role as the lead guitarist for The Beatles significantly contributed to his net worth. The Beatles’ success was not only artistic but also a massive financial triumph. Although specific details of his earnings during the band’s active years are not publicly available, it’s understood that the band’s revenue was split amongst the members, their manager, and the record label. As the band’s popularity soared, so did their individual wealth. Even though Harrison wasn’t initially a primary songwriter like Lennon and McCartney, his contributions grew, particularly towards the end of the band’s tenure, leading to increased royalties and earnings.
By 1969, Harrison had penned two of The Beatles’ most popular songs: “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun,” which appeared on the Abbey Road album. These songs greatly influenced his earnings and increased the influence Harrison had within the band. His growing influence and songwriting success, however, weren’t enough to keep the band together, and The Beatles informally split up in 1970.
Solo Career and Album Sales
After The Beatles disbanded, George Harrison embarked on a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums that contributed to his financial standing. In 1970, he released his most critically acclaimed album, All Things Must Pass, which was a commercial success in both North America and Europe. While specific sales figures for all of his albums are not comprehensively available, several achieved gold or platinum status, indicating substantial sales and revenue.
His 1973 album, Living in the Material World, also achieved considerable success, further solidifying his position as a successful solo artist. The royalties and earnings from these albums, along with subsequent releases, significantly added to his wealth.
Film Production Ventures
Outside of music, George Harrison’s foray into film production through HandMade Films added another dimension to his income. HandMade Films achieved notable success with Monty Python’s Life of Brian, which grossed over $20 million worldwide on a $4 million budget. In 1981, the company produced Time Bandits, which grossed over $42 million in the US and Canada alone on a budget of $5 million. These films and others produced by HandMade Films generated substantial revenue for Harrison, although the company eventually faced financial difficulties due to mismanagement and ceased operations in 1991.
Harrison sued his business manager, Denis O’Brien, for $25 million due to fraudulent and negligent behavior and received an $11.6 million judgment in 1996.
Real Estate Holdings
George Harrison’s primary residence was Friar Park, a Victorian neo-Gothic mansion located in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England. He purchased the estate in 1970. The property featured extensive gardens and served as a private sanctuary for Harrison and his family. The value of Friar Park significantly appreciated over the years, contributing to his overall net worth. Specific details regarding other real estate holdings are not widely publicized.
Automobile Collection
George Harrison was known to be an avid motorsports enthusiast and owned a collection of rare and valuable automobiles. One notable vehicle was a McLaren F1 road car, of which only 100 units were produced, with a retail price of $984,000. Other cars in his collection included a Jaguar XKE, a Ferrari 365 GTC, and an Aston Martin DB5. The Aston Martin DB5 was later sold to a Beatles collector for 350,000 pounds.
Post-Death Earnings
In the year following George Harrison’s death, his estate earned $16 million. This income primarily came from increased sales of his solo albums, which more than doubled the sales of John Lennon’s solo albums during the same period. This surge in sales highlighted the enduring appeal of Harrison’s music and contributed significantly to the financial legacy he left behind.
Personal Wealth Compared to Other Beatles
In 1980, a report revealed the estimated net worth of each Beatle. John Lennon was worth $200 million, George Harrison was worth $100 million, Ringo Starr was worth $80 million, and Paul McCartney was worth $400 million. Being worth $100 million in 1980 equates to approximately $300 million in today’s dollars when adjusted for inflation. While Paul McCartney had a higher net worth at that time, George Harrison’s wealth was still substantial, reflecting his success as a musician and songwriter.
Inheritance and Estate
George Harrison left his entire estate to his widow, Olivia Harrison, and his son, Dhani Harrison. The estate included his assets, real estate, royalties from his music, and film production ventures. The management of his musical legacy and estate has been overseen by his family, ensuring his artistic contributions continue to generate revenue and remain relevant.
