Celebrating Sir George Martin’s legacy on the centenary year of his birth

3rd January 2025 marks the centenary year of Sir George Martin's birth. To honour his life and musical legacy, Strawberry Field will give out 100 roses, each tied with lyrics from songs he recorded.

Sir George Martin was The Beatles’ long-time producer and collaborator, yet his influence on music extended far beyond the Fab Four. He worked with artists such as Céline Dion and Shirley Bassey and even produced the UK’s bestselling single of all time, Elton John’s Candle in the Wind. He was responsible for the explosion of the Merseybeat, recording Gerry and the Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer, the Dakotas, the Foremost and Cilla Black. 

A talented composer, conductor and musician, Martin played both piano and oboe. His deep understanding of music theory, perfect pitch and willingness to experiment made him one of the most celebrated and successful producers in music history.

His career spanned more than 60 years across music, film, television and live productions, including work with Cirque du Soleil. He also produced comedy recordings such as The Goon Show, which gave him early opportunities to experiment with recording techniques, skills he later drew upon while working with The Beatles.

Although he was initially unimpressed by their music, George Martin worked with The Beatles from their first recording sessions in 1962 until their breakup in 1970. John Lennon once said, “George Martin made us what we were in the studio. He helped us develop a language to talk to other musicians.” He was the producer, arranger and occasionally keyboardist for The Beatles albums, adding strings and orchestral scores, and pioneering techniques that defined unique sounds such as in Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. 

Famously, during the recording of Strawberry Fields Forever, Lennon couldn’t decide between two takes. Despite the recordings being in different keys and tempos, Martin seamlessly combined them into a single track that became of the greatest songs ever recorded. His creativity and technical innovation enabled The Beatles to realise their artistic visions, and together they produced music that has stood the test of time.

In spring 2026, Strawberry Field will open the Sir George and Lady Martin Rose Garden, commemorating their legacy. Martin’s wife, Lady Judy, was a devoted supporter and patron of Strawberry Field, and before her passing in 2023, she donated roses to establish a garden at the attraction in her husband’s honour. Find out more about the Sir George and Lady Martin Rose Garden here.