Living in the Material World, the iconic fourth studio album by George Harrison released May 30, 1973, today celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The album followed Harrison’s 1970 acclaimed Number One album All Things Must Pass and 1972’s iconic Concert for Bangladesh. The release of the album also coincided with the launch of Harrison’s Material World Foundation, which sponsors diverse forms of artistic expression and continues to be funded by copyrights donated by the artist.

Living in the Material World would be certified gold two days after release, earning Harrison his second Number One album in the US. Lead single ‘Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)’ would spend a week atop the Billboard Hot 100, again achieving Harrison’s second US Number One angle. Living in the Material World would also top album charts in Canada and Australia and peaked at number 2 in the UK.

Harrison’s songwriting continued to blossom during this creative period with the musical arrangements and his distinct guitar playing taking center stage. Already known for his slide guitar chops, Living in the Material World further explores this and solidified Harrison as one of the finest slide players of his generation.

Living in the Material World also serves as a testament to Harrison's continued spiritual and philosophical journey during this period, exploring themes of enlightenment, introspection, and the pursuit of inner peace.

“I wrote a song called ‘Living In The Material World’ and it was from that I decided to call the foundation the Material World Foundation. Most people would think of the material world as representing purely money and greed and take offense. But in my view, it means a physical world. It’s the idea that if it is money and greed, then give the greedy money away in the material world.”

Living In The Material World lent its name to the 2011 Martin Scorsese-directed documentary portrait of George Harrison’s life and the subsequent accompanying book of photos, memorabilia, and reminiscences book by Olivia Harrison.

Although debuting at Number One Living in the Material World inevitably fell into the shadow of Harrisons' mammoth All Things Must Pass but through the test of time Living in the Material World has become recognized amongst fans and critics alike as one of most poignant works of Harrison’s solo career.

Dark Horse Records/BMG administers the music publishing of George Harrison and serves as his label home.