George Martin Passes Away at Age 90

Often called the “Fifth Beatle”, George Martin was a driving force behind many of The Beatles musical masterpieces.

When George heard The Beatles for the first time, he thought they were “unpromising.” However, he liked the sound of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s voices, so he decided to take a chance a produce their record.

That first record was the start of a decade-long relationship where Martin helped The Beatles produce over 20 number one hits and 12 studio albums.

Martin was a classically trained composer, and he brought a whole new musical influence to The Beatles classic rock n’ roll roots. It was Martin’s idea to add orchestral strings McCartney’s hit song Yesterday. At first, McCartney protested because he thought it would affect their rock image.

In fact, we didn’t release Yesterday as a single in England at all, because we were a little embarrassed about it – we were a rock ‘n’ roll band. – McCartney

The result was it became one of their top hits and was the most-played song on American radio for eight years.


Little Known Facts About George Martin

Besides his work with The Beatles, George Martin helped make hits for  Celine Dion, and Kenny Rogers, and Elton John, just to name a few.

Though we could fill a 500-page biography on the man, here are a few other tidbits about one of the greatest musical composers, arrangers, and producers, of all time.

  • He taught himself to play piano after disagreements between his mother and his music teacher led to him not getting sessions anymore
  • He became a pilot during the war but didn’t see any combat
  • The first contract he gave the Beatles promised them one penny for each record sold
  • He got his start producing comedy and novelty records
  • He was knighted in 1996 for his lifetime of work
  • He was granted his own coat of arms in March 2004 by the College of Arms. His shield features three beetles, a house martin holding a recorder, and the Latin motto Amore Solum Opus Est (“All You Need Is Love”)

George-Martin-Coat-of-Arms

  • Martin is one of a handful of producers to have number one records in three or more consecutive decades (1960s, 70s, 80s, and 90s)
  • He produced the film score for the Bond film Live and Let Die, as well as many other movies.

Sgt. Pepper Stamp Art by artist Peter Mason, on display at our London Odditorium

Sgt. Pepper Stamp Art by artist Peter Mason, on display at our London Odditorium