Sir George Martin: The Man Who Changed The World

Sir George Martin is probably the most important, influential and innovative record producer in music history. Jonathan Wingate met him at Abbey Road.

Sir George Martin is at Abbey Road studios to talk about the making of the ‘new’ Beatles album and the release of Produced By George Martin, a collection celebrating his 50 years in the control room. The latter is a timely reminder that, while he is best known as The Beatles’ producer, there was much more to George Martin’s story than his groundbreaking work with ‘the boys’, as he still affectionately calls them.

He cut his teeth recording an endless stream of classical, jazz and comedy records in the 50s, and by the start of the 60s he was producing an eclectic range of artists, including Shirley Bassey, Cilla Black and Gerry & The Pacemakers.

Then, within a few short years of meeting The Beatles in 1962, his role changed beyond all recognition. The band’s relentless search for new ideas, alongside the burgeoning sophistication of their music, challenged their producer to come up with backwards loops, surreal sounds and complex orchestrations. Together, they changed the way records were produced, forever.

But before we speak, I have the privilege of hearing Love, the collection of reworked Beatles music that accompanies the new Las Vegas show of the same name. George and his son, Giles have been working on it at Abbey Road, in Martin’s very own, top secret …

by Jonathan Wingate
<< Back to Issue 331

You must be a subscriber to view the full article, subscribe now for full access to all online content.

Already a Magazine Subscriber? Register now for online access.