George Martin Biography

(English Record Producer and Composer Best Known for His Associations with the Rock Band 'The Beatles')

Birthday: January 3, 1926 (Capricorn)

Born In: Highbury, London, England

Plenty has been said about George Martin’s relationship with the Beatles, to which he dedicated his entire life. The ace record producer and composer, is often referred to as the ‘Fifth Beatle’, thanks to his involvement with the Beatles. All through his career, he not only served as the producer of the records but also as the spokesperson, who graciously answered any questions put forward about the band. This legendary producer also helped in shaping their elaborate productions and is regarded as one of the most versatile producers of the music industry. This Academy Award-nominated composer and founder was also the co-founder of the famous, AIR studios. The fact that he produced almost thirty Number 1 singles in the United Kingdom is testimony to his sheer brilliance. Several awards and honors were given to this genius and he was also the proud recipient of two Ivor Novello Awards and five Grammy's. In a prolific career spanning six decades, he worked in the music industry, the film industry, for television and also appeared in live performances. He also held several significant positions including the executive roles in media companies and has widely contributed to numerous charitable causes. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to music and to popular culture, he was bestowed an honorary Knighthood.
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Quick Facts

British Celebrities Born In January

Also Known As: Sir George Henry Martin

Died At Age: 90

Composers Conductors

Height: 6'2" (188 cm), 6'2" Males

Died on: March 8, 2016

place of death: Coleshill, England

City: London, England

Notable Alumni: Guildhall School Of Music And Drama

More Facts

education: Guildhall School Of Music And Drama

Childhood & Early Life
George Martin was born into a working class family in Drayton Park in England. When he was six, he received a piano from his parents, which kindled his interest in music.
Two years later, he forced his parents to let him attend piano lessons. However, he could complete only eight lessons due to disagreements between his mother and teacher. Following that episode, he was largely self-taught.
He attended various schools such, as St Joseph's elementary in Highgate, St Ignatius College in Stamford Hill and Bromley Grammar School.
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Career
When the World War II broke out, he worked as a quality surveyor and a clerk in the war office before joining the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy in 1943.
In 1947, after the war, along with Dick James and Brian Epstein Martin, he enrolled at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, using the grant he received after the war. He graduated from the school in 1950
In 1950, after graduation, he worked at the BBC’s classical music department and joined EMI as an assistant to Parlophone boos Oscar Preuss.
In 1955, when Preuss retired, Martin took over as the head of Parlophone. He attained great success with artists, such as, Rolf Harris, Flanders, Swann, Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Alan Bennett and Jonathan Miller.
In 1962, under the pseudonym, Ray Cathode, he released an electronic dance single known as ‘Time Beat’, which was recorded at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
He signed a contract with ‘The Beatles’ on June 6, 1962. Though his first collaboration was not a big hit, their second collaboration with the single, ‘Please Please Me’, created a huge impact, helping him rise to instant stardom.
Throughout his career with ‘The Beatles’, he continued to collaborate with other artists including Shirley Bassey, Bernard Cribbins, Flanders and Swann, and later, America and Seatrain.
In 2001, he released ‘Produced by George Martin: 50 Years In Recording’, a six-CD retrospective of his entire studio career.
He quit working with ‘The Beatles’, when he suffered a hearing loss and was soon succeeded by writer/producer, Jeff Lynne of ELO fame.
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Martin announced his retirement mainly because of his hearing loss and age, but remained active in the music industry and was usually seen at various public events.
Major Works
Rubber Soul’, an album which he produced, was released on December 3, 1965. This folk album received great critical acclaim and commercial success and was cited as one of the greatest albums in music history and ranked #5 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time".
Awards & Achievements
He was nominated for the Academy Award in 1964 in the category, ‘Scoring of Music’ for the film, ‘A Hard Day's Night’.
He was awarded a Grammy Award in 1967, in the category ‘Best Contemporary Album’ for the album, ‘Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band’.
He was the winner of the British Phonographic Industry Award for Outstanding Contribution in 1984.
He was bestowed an honorary Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire, in 1996, for his outstanding services to music.
He was inducted into ‘UK Music Hall of Fame on 14 November 2006.
Personal Life & Legacy
He married Sheena Chisholm on January 3, 1948, with whom he had two children, Alexis and Gregory. The couple divorced later.
On June 24, 1966, he married Judy Lockhart-Smith, with whom he had two children, Lucy and Giles.
George Martin died in his sleep on March 8, 2016 at his home in Wiltshire, England. He was 90.
Trivia
While working with ‘The Beatles’, this famous producer mostly joined them on the playing end by adding additional music to their line-up, thus, becoming the “Fifth Beatle”.
This famous music producer co-founded the 'Air-Edel Recording Studios' with Herman Edel, in 1969.
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See the events in life of George Martin in Chronological Order

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