Referred to as the fifth Beatle – Will be remembered as an icon in Montserrat
He was referred to as the ‘fifth Beatle’ and when the news broke of Sir George Martin’s death, it was natural early outpouring would come from the world he was so well known.
It was immediately written in one BBC report, “Sir George signed The Beatles and produced more than 700 records. He also worked with artists including Gerry and the Pacemakers, Dame Shirley Bassey and Cilla Black.”
“I have so many wonderful memories of this great man that will be with me forever,” said Sir Paul McCartney in a statement on his website.
“He was a true gentleman and like a second father to me. He guided the career of The Beatles with such skill and good humour that he became a true friend to me and my family. If anyone earned the title of the fifth Beatle it was George.
“From the day that he gave The Beatles our first recording contract, to the last time I saw him, he was the most generous, intelligent and musical person I’ve ever had the pleasure to know.”
And so it continued. But here in Montserrat George Martin was known for his love and the economic generosity and growth he brought to Montserrat. That will be the legacy he will leave as the Montserrat Cultural Centre will be a mark to tell the story.
Sir Howard Fergus said in a quick tribute which he headed – “Sir George Martin, CBE, by Sir Howard Fergus,” and which is now excerpted: “…having notched up numerous awards…” it continues, “In the grand scheme, George Martin’s work in Montserrat amounts to an Appendix to his glorious career; but in Montserrat it is of huge significance and transcends music. He has written his name large and indelibly on the island’s social history and cultural landscape.”
Sir Howard captures sir George from 1979, again, “in 2006 he made another cultural landfall.” The poet ends: “Goodbye Sir George and “flights of angels sing you to your rest.”
Her Excellency the Governor, while away on duty sent in the following: “…a man of extraordinary talent who contributed so much to music, but also to Montserrat. We know how he loved this island, and we deeply appreciate all he, his family and the Montserrat Foundation have done to focus the world on Montserrat, both before and after the volcanic eruptions in 1995-1997.”
The Honourable Premier Donaldson Romeo on his behalf and the people of Montserrat. ““The people of Montserrat are saddened by the passing of Sir George Martin and wish to extend sincere condolences to his wife Lady Judy and the entire family.’
His Statement continues: “Sir George’s sterling contribution to Montserrat goes way back to 1979, when he built a state of the art studio called the Air Studios…To those who were around when the volcanic crisis began in 1995, Sir George’s generosity and dedication were seen when at first, he allowed the offices of the Government of Montserrat to operate from his family vacation home is Olveston and later, permitted the use of his home as a guest house and restaurant, after the Vue Pointe Hotel was forced to close due to volcanic activities.”
Leader of the Opposition Hon Reuben T Meade also added his statement of “sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. “Sir George, an adopted son of Montserrat, has left an indelible mark on our beloved island,” he wrote. “We are blessed to have him see the vision of building the Cultural Centre in Little Bay to give the arts in Montserrat, a place to call home…”
“We will forever be grateful for his contributions. By bringing many popular musicians during the 80s to Montserrat, the island gained invaluable promotion that no tourism marketing plan could have provided at the time,” as he called Sir George’s fundraising efforts during the volcanic crisis – “truly remarkable.”
Meade noted: “His bronzed handprints at the Cultural Centre are only a small symbol of the lasting impact of his contributions to Montserrat.
“To Lady Martin and Giles and the rest of his family, thanks for sharing him with Montserrat.
The Montserrat Reporter was very much associated in the production ‘Music for Montserrat’. We too add our condolences at his passing.
You may read the full statements if facilitated at http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35761464 for a BBC record of some of Sir George’s achievements.
