George Harrison, renowned as the lead guitarist of The Beatles, established Dark Horse Records in 1974. This venture allowed him to support and collaborate with a diverse array of artists, reflecting his commitment to artistic freedom and innovation.
The label’s inaugural releases included works by Indian musician Ravi Shankar and the British duo Splinter. Splinter’s debut album, “The Place I Love,” produced by Harrison, featured the hit single “Costafine Town,” marking Dark Horse’s first commercial success.
In 1976, Harrison fulfilled his contractual obligations with EMI and began releasing his solo work under Dark Horse Records. His first album on the label, “Thirty Three & 1/3,” showcased his evolution as a songwriter and musician, producing hits like “This Song” and “Crackerbox Palace.”
Over the years, Dark Horse Records expanded its roster to include artists such as Attitudes, Stairsteps, and Keni Burke. Despite these additions, the label increasingly became a platform for Harrison’s solo projects.
Following Harrison’s passing in 2001, his family, particularly his widow Olivia and son Dhani, took on the responsibility of preserving and promoting his musical legacy. They have overseen reissues of his work and managed the operations of Dark Horse Records, ensuring that Harrison’s vision continues to influence new generations of artists and listeners.
In December 2023, Sonicbond Publishing released “Dark Horse Records: The Story of George Harrison’s Post-Beatles Record Label,” a retrospective biography by music journalist Aaron Badgley. This publication offers an in-depth look into the label’s history and its impact on the music industry.
While specific financial details regarding the Harrison family’s earnings from Dark Horse Records have not been publicly disclosed, their ongoing involvement in the label’s activities suggests a continued commitment to both preserving George Harrison’s legacy and ensuring the label’s profitability.