After the "Get Back" debacle in early 1969, Martin began recording less with the Beatles, for the first time in six years; producer's duties were often filled in by Alan Parsons. Martin agreed to return for the "Abbey Road" sessions, however, on the band's promise that everyone would work together "like the old days".
Along with producing the Beatles' recordings, Martin often joined them on the playing end, adding keyboards to their lineup - thus becoming the real "Fifth Beatle" if there ever was one.
Although already an accomplished pianist, Martin started to learn the guitar in order to communicate better with the Beatles, none of whom played the piano well when they started working with him. In return, they all started to improve their piano playing by buying a piano each. By Martin's own admission, they learned the piano better than he managed to learn the guitar.
Father of Gregory Paul Martin and Giles Martin.
Founded 'Air-Edel Recording Studios' with Herman Edel in 1969.
He was awarded Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire in the 1996 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to Music.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (under the category Non-Performer) in 1999.
Inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to British music and integral part of British music culture. The award was presented by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown. [14 November 2006]
When Martin met John Lennon in Los Angeles in the mid-1970s, he took Lennon to task for some critical comments he'd made about Martin, published in "Rolling Stone". Lennon gave Martin a rare apology, and praised him for his dedication and hard work. (For Lennon's part, his "Rolling Stone" comments did include "George made us what we were in the studio," and "He helped us develop a language to talk to [other] musicians.")
While Martin worked mostly hand-and-glove with Paul McCartney musically, he often found John Lennon's musical ideas considerably challenging. Martin always met the challenge, though, contributing the orchestral windup to the mix of "A Day In The Life", and the use of old circus pipes recordings in "Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite".
Winner of the British Phonographic Industry Award for Outstanding Contribution in 1984.