The Fifth Beatle is no more.
The world owes Sir George Martin an extraordinary debt of gratitude. If it were not for him, the musical legacy of the undisputed greatest band of all time would not possibly be the same. That's some legacy.
Martin was simply the right man at the right time. Mature, decent and diligent enough to keep the Fab Four focused on their music when the world went beatlemania-crazy around them, but spirited and innovative enough to bring their extraordinary talent, artistic vision and technical suggestions to life. In a sense, when, in 1966, The Beatles retreated into the studio to escape the global insanity that threatened to overwhelm them, they were retreating into a world where, in many ways, Martin was in charge. He was their boss. Their director. Their producer. Their protector. Without his fatherly presence, I sincerely doubt those young men would have endured as a band for so long, or been even half as artistically productive and focused. Again, that's some legacy.
Between 1962 and 1970, the musical world changed in ways that are barely comprehensible. Martin was at the forefront of these changes. A gifted musician and arranger in his own right, his musical contributions in (and beyond) The Beatles cannot be overstated. The sublime, baroque-inspired solo on In My Life is played by Martin. And only a few years ago, he arranged an equally sublime new string arrangement for an acoustic, unreleased version of George Harrison's classic, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, as part of the Cirque De Soleil 'Love' project.
The man never lost his ability to bring the best out of The Beatles. Most simply occupy their shadow. Martin made their shadow larger. Let's not forget, it was he who convinced Paul McCartney to add the now essential sounds of a string quartet to 'Yesterday'. Think about how influential that song has been, and how different our musical world might have become without its towering influence.
Some people own the limelight. Others simply make sure that those who stand in it are seen in the very best possible light. All too often, these people go unnoticed and unsung.
Not today.
Step forward, Sir George Martin. Your life's work is immortal.
May you rest in peace.
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