MBW is very proud to announce a special new award dedicated to the late Sir George Martin – a legendary producer and stellar record executive in his own right.
The Sir George Martin Award will be handed out at The A&R Awards in association with Abbey Road Studios on November 2.
The new annual award will recognise an A&R executive with a track record of fostering meaningful artist and songwriter relationships, who has garnered widespread respect amongst the creative community.
The winner will have also helped push artists to fresh heights of success, and continue to play a key role in contemporary hit-making today.
The award cannot be pitched for, with the recipient each year decided by the Sir George Martin estate in conjunction with Music Business Worldwide.
Sir George Martin signed The Beatles to Parlophone Records in 1962 after the band had encountered rejection from a number of major labels.
The decision not only changed the course of pop history, but also Parlophone itself.
“By taking a risk and trusting his instincts my dad signed the Beatles. He was the ultimate link between artist and record label.”
Giles Martin
Under Martin, Parlophone transformed from a comedy brand into a go-to artist home for the likes of The Beatles, The Hollies and Matt Monro – paving the way for label signings such as Pink Floyd, Blur and Coldplay in the decades that followed.
The Beatles released a string of classic albums on Parlophone, all produced by Martin, including Rubber Soul, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Revolver, Help! and A Hard Day’s Night.
Giles Martin, son of Sir George and a Grammy Award-winning producer said: “By taking a risk and trusting his instincts my dad signed The Beatles. He was the ultimate link between artist and record label.
“Together they created a ground-breaking body of work, combining artistic integrity with unparalleled commercial success.”
Tim Ingham, Editor of Music Business Worldwide, added: “Sir George Martin’s feats as a creative influence on The Beatles resonate through the ages, not only as a masterful producer, but also as the man who reshaped the fortunes of Parlophone forever more.
“The Sir George Martin Award will lean heavily on the ‘A’ in A&R – highlighting the work of an individual who has demonstrably bestowed artists with the belief and guidance needed to take their careers to the next level of success.”
The A&R Awards in association with Abbey Road Studios take place on Wednesday, November 2 at London’s Park Lane Hotel.
The shortlist of nominees will be announced in the coming fortnight.
Categories for the UK-focused ceremony include Major Label of The Year, Independent Label of The Year, Publisher Of The Year and Management Company.
Other awards will recognise achievements in specific genres by individual A&R executives across labels, publishers and management companies.
Platinum tables for The A&R Awards have sold out, but some Gold and Standard tables are still available.
