RIP: the "Fifth Beatle"

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

My favorite classic rock station has been playing Beatles tributes since last evening: Sir George Martin, best known as the producer of The Beatles, passed away yesterday at the age of 90. While most of us probably didn't see so much of him "back then" his influence is heard in many of their signature songs. Speeding things up, adding strings, and other little touches like that live on without us even thinking much about them today. But they were often way over the top nearly 50 years ago, and live on forever as it were. RIP, Sir George, and thank you for all you gave us.

Rick C

 

[contender]

Yeah,,, while Miss Penny & I aren't big Beatles fans,,, I was raised in around the music industry. We saw that last night & I asked her; "Who was the 5th Beatle?" She didn't know,,,and when the news story came on,, she saw it. I explained to her that it was often a trivia question; "Who was the 5th Beatle?"
RIP Sir George.

 

[wizofwas]

I always think of Stuart Sutcliffe as the 5th Beatle, but I digress.

 

[Don Lovel]

Back in December and January I was working on tracks at Razorland Studio in Kansas City. The engineer and I were researching some of George's track building techniques as were featured in Paul McCartney's Apple Studio video a few years ago. Like a 30's radio sound effect man, he utilized everything from pots and pans to children's toy pianos, fine lead crystal stemware to old cast iron in his sound colorwheel.
I always liked "Rubber Soul" as I thought it had some of the best guitar work on it. One of the bands I was in years ago covered Eleanor Rigby as a really kick butt blues tune with Albert King style guitar work on it.
George Martin, Quincy Jones, Alan Parsons, The guys at Muscle Shoals, all studio magicians that my recent recording experiences are humbled by. Nobody does innovative old school track work any more, something I find a whole bunch of satisfaction in learning how to do. RIP Sir George Martin

 

[CGDustDevil]

Quite the visionary! RIP Sir George.

 

[Cholo]

My sister is a huge Beatle fan. She sent me this this AM about Sir George Martin. It's 51 minutes and has some great songs. Get past the Robin Williams and Jim Carrey foolishness and there's some good stuff.

RIP, George...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbSDcan7WWE