george harold harrison, mbe (25 february 1943 – 29 november 2001) was an english musician. he is best known as the lead guitarist of the beatles. after the group broke up in 1970, he had a solo career. he made many albums and worked with other musicians including eric clapton, bob dylan, phil spector, roy orbison, tom petty, and ravi shankar. he was also interested in eastern mysticism and charitable causes.