Died On This Date (March 8, 2016) George Martin / Legendary Beatles Producer
themusicsover George Martin
January 3, 1926 – March 8, 2016
George Martin was a classically trained musician, record producer, and talent scout who most famously took a chance on the Beatles after they had been turned down by most other British record labels at the time. What followed was a collaboration that changed not only the musical landscape of the era, but also what would become popular music and pop culture for decades to come. With Martin as producer (and so much more) on the Beatles’ original albums, they scored 30 #1 singles in the UK and 23 in the US – and millions in sales, of course. Of the list of Beatles collaborators who were referred to as “the Fifth Beatle,” it was Martin who actually deserved the title. That alone on a person’s resume is enough to cruise through the rest of his or her life, but not Martin. Over the next six decades, he had a big hand in the success of the likes of Elton John, Dire Straits, Cheap Trick, ELO, and Celine Dion, to name a few. Martin also worked extensively in film, either arranging, scoring or producing. Two of the most famous songs he produced for films were Shirley Bassey‘s “Goldfinger” for Paul McCartney‘s “Live and Let Die” from the James Bond movies of the same name. He’s been recognized with six Grammys, an Academy Award, and countless other accolades. George Martin was 90 when he died in his sleep on March 8, 2016.
What You Should Own
Mike Edwards was a respected English cellist who is perhaps best remembered for his years playing with the Electric Light Orchestra. He joined the group for their earliest gigs of 1972, but departed roughly three years later. Classically trained, Edwards apparently had little interest in any music outside of baroque, let alone rock, but made an exception to play of several of ELO’s most famous albums. That list includes ELO II, On The Third Day, and Eldorado. On September 3, 2010, Mike Edwards was driving near his home in Devon, England, when a 1300 pound bale of hay accidentally came loose from a tractor, rolled down a hill, landed on his van and crushed it, killing him instantly. He was 62.
Kelly Groucutt is best remembered as a bassist and occasional lead singer for popular English rock band, Electric Light Orchestra. He played in the group from 1974 to 1983, the band’s most successful period. His talents can be heard on such classic albums as Face The Music, A New World Record, and Out Of The Blue. Groucutt released his only solo album in 1982. It included some help from a few ELO band mates. He left ELO in 1983, but participated in spin-off groups during subsequent years. Kelly Groucutt was 63 when he passed away on February 19, 2009. His death was the result of a heart attack he had suffered the previous day.
