DM's Beatles forums
Solo forums => Fifth Beatles and the Merseybeat Scene => Topic started by: GreenApple on November 18, 2006, 06:05:12 PM
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FROM bbc.co.uk:
BBC NEWS - Wednesday, 15 November 2006
Beatles mentor joins Hall of Fame
Martin received his award from Gordon Brown
Sir George Martin, the producer and composer who is often referred to as "the fifth Beatle", has been inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame.
He signed the group in 1962 and worked on almost all of their records.
Acts including Corinne Bailey Rae and Queen's Roger Taylor performed Beatles tracks at a ceremony in London's Alexandra Palace.
Chancellor Gordon Brown was booed by some of the audience when he made an appearance to present the award.
Mr Brown said: "George Martin is the most amazing man and I'm proud to be able to present him this evening.
"In 1962, even after every major producer rejected The Beatles and one producer said guitar groups had no future, George Martin made The Beatles the most successful group in history."
'Very lucky'
On receiving his award, Sir George, 80, told the audience: "I never realised I was as good as all that. I'm not to be honest, this is hyperbole.
"I think the reason I am here today is I have been a very lucky man and I have worked with the greatest people in showbusiness, performers and writers.
"It rubs off working with people like that, it makes all the difference in the world."
Razorlight singer Johnny Borrell and Queen drummer Roger Taylor and were involved in performing several Beatles tracks along with a 31-piece orchestra and 20-piece London community gospel choir, which was conducted by Sir George.
James Brown, Brian Wilson and Bon Jovi also played at the ceremony and were inducted.
Prince, Led Zeppelin, Rod Stewart and Dusty Springfield completed the list of stars who joined the hall, which was established in 2004.
Jimmy Page collected Led Zeppelin's award, with a tribute to Stewart from chart-topper James Morrison.
Panel of judges
And soul stars Joss Stone and Patti LaBelle performed two of Springfield's greatest hits.
The artists for the hall - which is a concept rather than being housed in an actual building - are chosen by a panel of 60 people.
These include performers, record industry executives, broadcasters and journalists.
The Rolling Stones, Madonna and Bob Dylan are among those who have been inducted already, as well as the Beatles.
In addition to his career with the Fab Four, Sir George also brought comedy names including Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore into recording studios.
He recorded top jazz acts such as Cleo Laine and Stan Getz and worked with the Bee Gees, Dire Straits and Ultravox, among others.