On January 2, 1971, a significant milestone was reached in the music world when George Harrison achieved his first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart with his groundbreaking work, All Things Must Pass. This triple album was particularly noteworthy as it marked Harrison's debut release following the official disbandment of The Beatles in April 1970. The project featured collaborations with notable musicians such as Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Alan White, and Pete Drake, showcasing a rich tapestry of talent.
Harrison began the creative process for All Things Must Pass just a month after the legendary band parted ways, diving into production at EMI Studios. He co-produced the album alongside the renowned Phil Spector, and the recording sessions extended through October, illustrating the dedication and time invested in this monumental work. After months of tireless effort, Harrison unveiled the three-LP collection to the world on November 27.
The initial release of All Things Must Pass consisted of three distinct LPs. The first two records featured the album’s 18 official tracks, many of which had previously been overlooked for inclusion in Beatles albums. Meanwhile, the third LP offered listeners five live studio jams, adding an exciting layer to the album’s complexity.
In the race for chart dominance among the former Beatles, Harrison made an impressive mark. Paul McCartney became the first member of the iconic group to achieve a No. 1 album after their split with his self-titled album, McCartney, which claimed the top spot on May 23, 1970, remaining there for three weeks. Interestingly, McCartney’s record was dethroned by the Beatles’ own Let It Be.
However, it was Harrison who first reached No. 1 on the singles chart, achieving this with his hit "My Sweet Lord," which soared to the top of the Hot 100 just a day after Christmas in 1970. Remarkably, it held its position for four consecutive weeks, maintaining its momentum even as All Things Must Pass climbed to No. 1 on the album charts.
While "My Sweet Lord" marked Harrison’s debut single as a solo artist, it’s worth noting that he had already released two solo albums during his tenure with The Beatles: Wonderwall Music in 1968 and Electronic Sound in 1969. Unfortunately, neither of these earlier projects enjoyed significant commercial success.
All Things Must Pass not only topped the charts in the United States but also made waves internationally, reaching No. 1 in countries such as Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
With its rich musical content and historical significance, All Things Must Pass stands as a testament to Harrison's artistry and the enduring legacy of music that transcends the individual careers of the Beatles.
