In Memoriam of Music Producer George Martin (1926-2016)

By: Anders Frejdh

Published:
2016-03-09

FSWL is saddened to report the passing of the 'Fifth Beatles member', legendary music producer Sir George Martin (born in London on 3rd January, 1926), who also produced the brilliant theme song for the eighth James Bond film, Live and Let Die (1973) starring Roger Moore. We send our deep condolences to his family and thank him for decades of brilliant Music.

“If anyone earned the title of the fifth Beatle it was George” – Paul McCartney

"Sir George Martin was the kindest, most generous and gentlest genius I have known. I was lucky to spend so much time with him and where his work will endure and continually inspire all musicians, more importantly he leaves a world where everyone who met him, loved him. That's a legacy to aspire to. Thank you, Sir George." – David Arnold

"How very sad to wake to the news Sir George Martin has left us. He made my first Bond film sound brilliant!" – Roger Moore

George Martin obituary:
Sir George was recognized as one of music's most versatile and imaginative talents. He entered the music industry in 1950 after studying at the Guildhall School of Music and playing the oboe professionally in London. He began recording classical music specializing in the Baroque period. His later experience with jazz and pop led to his appointment as Head of the Parlophone label in the EMI Group in 1955.

As a producer he has been responsible for bringing a host of artists into recording studios particularly in Comedy with brilliant performers such as Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan, Flanders and Swann and the 'Beyond the Fringe' team - Jonathan Miller, Peter Cook, Dudley Moore and Alan Bennett. He has also worked with jazz artists Cleo Laine, John Dankworth, Humphrey Lyttelton and the legendary Stan Getz.

It was in 1962 that he signed The Beatles to EMI - a decision which launched them on their remarkable career, producing every record they made until they disbanded in 1970.

A composer in his own right, George has been responsible for the music of a considerable number of films; A Hard Day Night (1964) (for which he won an Academy Award Nomination), The Family Way (1966), Yellow Submarine (1968), Pulp (1972) starring Michael Caine and Mickey Rooney, The Optimists of Nine Elms (1973) with Peter Sellers, the Bond film Live and Let Die (for which he won a Grammy), and John Schlesinger's Honky Tonk Freeway (1981).

He was also Musical Director and Composer for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978) starring the Bee Gees and 'Give My Regards to Broad Street' and the award winning cartoon 'Rupert and The Frog Song' for Paul McCartney. He also composed The David Frost Theme, 'By George' for television and BBC Radio One's signature tune 'Theme One'.

Sir George is survived by his wife of nearly fifty years, Judy Lockhart Smith, and his four children (Alexis, Gregory, Lucie and Giles).

Editor's Note:
Sir George’s work lives on in movies, recordings and Cirque de Soleil’s wild celebration of Beatles’ music, LOVE, which is playing in Las Vegas. He and his son Giles produced the album of the show.

Photo above:
Sir George Martin at the Royal World premiere of Skyfall (2012) in London, October 23, 2012. Photo by Sascha Braun. © From Sweden with Love. All rights reserved.

For more information about George Martin's career, check out his IMDB profile:

www.thebeatles.com/news/sir-george-martin-cbe-1926-2016

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In Memoriam of Music Producer George Martin (1926-2016)

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