George

About me:

Sir George Martin CBE (born January 3, 1926) is sometimes referred to as "the fifth Beatle", a title that he owes to his work as producer of almost all of the Beatles' records. In recognition of his services to the music industry and popular culture, he is now a Commander of the British Empire. He is also the father of producer Giles Martin. Martin attended the Guildhall School of Music in the years after World War II, paying his way with a veteran's grant (he had served during the war in the Royal Air Force). Following his graduation, he first worked for the BBC's classical music department, then joined EMI in 1950, as assistant to Oscar Preuss, the head of EMI's Parlophone Records. Taking over Parlophone as Preuss retired, Martin spent his first years with the record label recording classical and Baroque music, original cast recordings of hit plays, and regional music from around the British Isles. He also produced numerous comedy and novelty records, working with offbeat acts such as Peter Sellers, Rolf Harris and Shirley Abicair. Adding rock and roll to Parlophone's repertoire, Martin struggled to find a "fireproof", hitmaking rock artist or group.