The Association of Professional Recording Services Sound Fellowship Academy recently celebrated its tenth year by paying tribute to the life of its late President Sir George Martin CBE at The Kensington Roof Gardens, with a host of industry professionals paying tribute and sharing their stories.
The tribute lunch – hosted by Lady Martin and her family – was a unique opportunity for the Academy Fellows and the industry to reflect to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Sir George Martin and his contribution to music recording. The importance of supporting the next generation of industry engineers, producers, writers and artists was not forgotten and many producers and artists reflected on the opportunities Sir George had given them throughout their careers.
Paul Gambaccini, American-British radio and television presenter, compèred the lunch activities with a combination of stories from guests and a video of dedicated memories. Those who contributed to the day included Sir Paul McCartney, Trevor Horn, Mark Knopfler, Peter Gabriel, Ken Scott, Peter Filleul, Malcolm Atkin, Ken Townsend, Dave Harries and Maggie Rodford. The stories took guests on a journey of Sir George’s lifetime achievements and approaches to recording internationally acclaimed music and gave a glimpse of some of antics including how to mix Martini’s to ‘Live and Let Die’ and parties that ended in food fights.
Ray Davies was unable to attend the lunch but sent a message read by Debi Doss, sayin ‘George remains one of the greatest producers of contemporary music of his time, and I am proud to have an APRS Fellowship certificate displayed in my home, signed by the one and only Sir George Martin’.
George Martin still holds the record for the most number one singles in the UK and the US.
The event raised funds for The Monserrat Foundation, and the Young Person’s Concert Foundation, two of the charities supported for many years by Sir George and Lady Martin. Montserrat’s Hon Premier, Donaldson Romeo flew into London for the event and gave thanks for Sir George’s support over the years.
Lucie Kitchener, Sir George Martin’s daughter, closed events with a touching speech written by her brother, Giles Martin. She reflected on life growing up in the music industry and Sir George’s passion for music. Lucie said that with her father it was ‘Never about the business of making music but the making of the music’. Lucie also reflected on Sir George’s work with the Monserrat Foundation and his mentality of ‘If you build it they will come’.
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