Remembering Beatles Producer George Martin, The 'Fifth Beatle'

06:04

March 09, 2016

The Beatles hold their silver disc for sales of more than 250,000 copies of their debut studio album “Please, Please Me” on April 8, 1963. Left to right are, Paul McCartney, George Harrison (1943 - 2001), Ringo Starr, George Martin of EMI and John Lennon (1940 - 1980). (Chris Ware/Keystone/Getty Images)

George Martin, who died Tuesday at the age of 90, may be a little less known than the rest of The Beatles, but the record producer's impact on the band was beyond measure.

Before harnessing the genre-altering band, he produced mostly symphonic and chamber recordings; a skill that he would bring to much of The Beatles' later work.

Milo Miles, a music critic for Fresh Air, joins Here & Now's Robin Young for a look back at the legendary music producer.

Songs In This Segment

"Let It Be" by The Beatles, from the album "Let it Be" (1970)
"Goldfinger" by Shirley Bassey, from "Goldfinger" the soundtrack (1964)
"I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles, from the album "Meet the Beatles!" (1964)
"Eleanor Rigby" by The Beatles, from the album "Yellow Submarine" (1966)
"Hello Goodbye" by The Beatles, from the album "Magical Mystery Tour" (1967)

Editor's Note: While the album "Let It Be" was produced by Phil Spector, the music for the song "Let It Be" was produced by George Martin and later prepared by Spector. On that track, Martin is also credited with playing Hammond organ and shaker.

Guest

Milo Miles, Fresh Air's world-music and American-roots music critic.

This segment aired on March 9, 2016.