While 2026 marks the centenary of musical legends such as Miles Davis and Chuck Berry, another important milestone birthday has passed almost in silence: that of George Martin, the “fifth Beatle” – the one man who, in the next Divine Comedy, might well save record executives from a circle of hell devoted entirely to them. In truth, “record executive” is far too narrow a label for Sir George, who was knighted by the Queen exactly thirty years ago, on his seventieth birthday. For The Beatles – John, Paul, George and Ringo – Martin was effectively an additional member: a decisive external presence, a fundamental adviser, a producer in the truest sense of the word. He could stimulate the talent of his protégés and bridge the gap between their most imaginative ideas and practical reality. He is remembered above all for his work with the Beatles, yet he was already a […]