George Martin (Composer)

By: Anders Frejdh

Published:
2011-07-01

Composer of the film music score to Roger Moore's first film, Live and Let Die (1973).

The first time I saw Sir George Martin was when he shared his memories of the late John Barry at the Memorial Concert at Royal Albert Hall in London on June 20, 2011.

About Sir George Martin CBE:
George Martin, recognised as one of music's most versatile and imaginative talents, 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 specialising 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 the humorous field 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's Night (1964) (for which he won an Academy Award Nomination), The Family Way (1966), John Schlesinger's Honky Tonk Freeway (1981), Yellow Submarine (1968), Pulp (1972) starring Michael Caine and Mickey Rooney, The Optimists (1973) with Peter Sellers and the Bond movie Live and Let Die (1973) (for which he won a Grammy).

He was also Musical Director and Composer for 'Sgt. Pepper' 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'.

Other people involved in Live and Let Die featured on FSWL:
>Bob Dix (actor)
>Clifton James (actor)
>David Hedison (actor)
>Doug Robinson (stuntman)
>Geoffrey Holder (actor)
>Gloria Hendry (actress)
>Guy Hamilton (director)
>Jane Seymour (actress)
>Lois Maxwell (actress)
>Madeline Smith (actress)
>Paul Weston (stuntman)
>Rocky Taylor (stuntman)
>Roger Moore (actor)
>Vic Armstrong (stuntman)

Photo above:
Sir George Martin speaking at John Barry: Memorial Concert at Royal Albert Hall on June 20 © 2011 Marilyn Kingwill / ArenaPAL

Text written and published by Anders Frejdh in July, 2011.

Tags:

#music

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George Martin (Composer)

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