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Episode details

World Service,2 mins

What does it take to be the Beatles' producer?

Newsday

Available for over a year

Sir George Martin, also known as the 'Fifth Beatle', has died at the age of 90. As tributes pour in, he's been described as one of the most influential men in popular music during the late 20th century. Author and music journalist David Hepworth says that "it wasn't merely the Beatles' good fortune to meet George Martin, who sharpened them up rather than dumbing them down. It was ours too.' So what was it about Sir George that made him so important to the legendary band? (Photo: 8th April 1963: British pop group The Beatles holding their silver disc. Left to right are, Paul McCartney, George Harrison (1943 - 2001), Ringo Starr, George Martin of EMI and John Lennon (1940 - 1980); Credit: Chris Ware/Keystone/Getty Images)

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