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George Martin

George Martin, in his own words

USA TODAY

USA TODAY has collected some of George Martin's best bon mots from our archives:

George Martin influenced the Beatles so much he was referred to as the band's fifth member.

On his early career as a classical music producer: "I got hooked on the magic of recording and got more and more immersed," he says. "It was quite heady to have carte blanche. Because we had success, I had liberty to try an outrageous idea without begging for permission."

On the difference in studio productivity levels in the 1960s vs modern times: "In the early days, we'd finish four tracks in an afternoon. Nowadays, people spend three months on one title."

Appreciation: George Martin helped bring Beatles revolution

On why he built a recording studio on the Caribbean island of Monserrat:  "I fell in love right away with the place. In retrospect, to build there was madness. But in my life, I like climbing mountains, doing things people say can't be done."

On getting involved with aid efforts following volcanic eruptions on Monserrat: "I have been lobbying our government to help. But after the last eruption, I knew I had to do something myself. These people are my friends. They have always been so kind to me. It was a place where I never thought about being black or white." He also vowed that his work would not end with a charity concert he organized, using only artists who had been to Monserrat: "I have just opened up a new account for this purpose, and I will be watching every penny, as will the chief minister of Montserrat," he says. "I'm determined that these people will get the money we raise."

Remembering George Martin: 'Climbing mountains' with grace

On producing what he said was his final album, 1997's In My Life: "I've made lots of hit records, had my fair share of earnings, I'm 71 and getting older and deafer. So I just want to quit while I'm on top."

On the audience for his 2001 box set, George Martin: 50 Years in Recording"It wasn't my idea. EMI said, 'We're aware you've been making records for more than 50 years. We'd like to put out a special issue.' I said, 'That's nice of you and lovely for me, but who's going to buy it?' "

On the list of celebrities he recruited for In My Life, comprised of Beatles songs from 1962-70: "It's a tightrope of tastes that could tip over into disaster."

Sean Connery (In My Life): He told me he could sing and wanted to sing it. But I told him that his was one of the most recognizable (spoken) voices anywhere. So he came in and read (John) Lennon's song as a poem, and we added music later."

Robin Williams and Bobby McFerrin (Come Together): "Robin was quite unsure about this. He said he'd be more comfortable doing it if someone were with him. The song's opening (riffs) are done by Bobby in that great style of his."

On getting permission from the surviving Beatles to use the material: Well, George (Harrison) I haven't spoken with. But Paul I have and he said, 'fine.' Besides, it only brings him some more money, no?"

On the many acts he's worked with, which include Elton John, Dire Straits, Celine Dion and Cheap Trick: "I'm not whitewashing. I can put my hand on my heart and say the vast majority of people I've worked with have been absolute lambs. Only one or two were prickly. Those I didn't get on with, I got rid of. Life's too short."

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