George Martin and his impact on Strawberry Fields Forever

3rd January 2025 marks what would have been Sir George Martin’s 100th birthday.

Martin, The Beatles’ long-time producer, helped create some of the most famous and best-selling singles in music history. Renowned for his innovative studio techniques and classical arrangements, he played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s evolution from pop sensations to pioneers of psychedelic rock. Among his many achievements, one of the most remarkable was his contribution to the creation of Strawberry Fields Forever.

A song that changed music forever

‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ is a song that changed music forever. Released in early 1967 as a double A-side with ‘Penny Lane’, the track marked the beginning of a new age in studio recording. While Lennon’s songwriting and the Beatles’ creativity lay the foundations for such a triumph, it was George Martin (often called the “Fifth Beatle”) whose influence helped the song become a masterpiece.

John’s time away and the birth of Strawberry Fields Forever

By late 1966, The Beatles had stopped touring. John had taken some time away from the band and the chaos of Beatlemania while filming How I Won the War in Almeria. It was during this time that he wrote ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’. When they returned to the studio, the band were eager to experiment with what could be achieved there – an idea George Martin fully supported. And Strawberry Fields Forever proved to be the perfect song to experiment with.

From simple demo to cinematic soundscape

John’s demo was simple, with gentle vocals and Spanish guitar, but Martin saw an opportunity to build it into something bigger. He arranged and conducted a brass and string section, overdubbing them to create the rich, cinematic sound the song is known for. Martin also embraced the use of Mellotron flutes and backward-recorded cymbals, both of which added to the song’s otherworldly feel.

The famous splice: a studio breakthrough

One of Martin’s most remarkable contributions was creating the famous splice that formed the final version of the song. John was struggling to choose between two takes: take 7, which was slower and in B-flat major, and take 26, which was faster and in C major. Despite the differences in tempo and key, Lennon wanted to combine the two and trusted Martin to make it happen. 

Working with studio engineer Geoff Emerick, they adjusted the playback speeds so the takes aligned. At around one minute into the song, listeners can hear this splice – a moment that marked a new era of studio experimentation, where the impossible suddenly became achievable. Martin later said that, to him, “it sticks out like a sore thumb”, but to Beatles fans the splice only enhances the dreamlike, ethereal quality of the song.

A partnership that shaped musical history

‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ is a perfect example of the importance of the relationship between George Martin and The Beatles. Lennon trusted Martin to bring his creative vision to life, and Martin’s technical skill, classical training and innovative approach ensured the recording sounded as before its time as it felt. The result was not just a song inspired by John’s childhood, but a masterpiece that changed the musical landscape.

Honouring the Martin legacy at Strawberry Field

In spring 2026, Strawberry Field will open its Sir George and Lady Judy Martin Rose Garden. The garden will celebrate the life and work of the Martin family, including George’s remarkable career spanning decades in the music industry and Judy’s longstanding support of Strawberry Field. Read more about the Sir George and Lady Judy Martin Rose Garden here.