UCD to honour 'fifth Beatle'

The fifth Beatle, George Martin, will be recognised by an Irish university for his lifetime contribution to the world of music as a producer and arranger, it was revealed today.

Martin will be given the James Joyce Award by University College Dublin’s Literary and Historical Society on Friday.

He joins other world greats honoured by the L&H including Hollywood star Will Ferrell, author JK Rowling, actor Ralph Fiennes, United Nation’s weapons inspector Hans Blix and former South African president FW De Klerk.

The award is named after one of the society’s most notable alumni and is presented to individuals who have achieved considerable success in the course of their lives and careers.

Every Taoiseach and President has addressed the society since it began.

Ian Hastings, of the UCD L&H Society, said Martin was instrumental in providing the world with some of the finest music of our time.

“His work with The Beatles and a host of other artists represents a truly invaluable contribution to music history, and as such is most deserving of the James Joyce Award,” he added.

The record producer, music arranger and composer is often referred to as 'the fifth Beatle' due to his work on The Beatles’ records.

He is also considered one of the greatest record producers of all time.

The following year Martin, 72, produced and scored Elton John’s best-selling single 'Candle in the Wind', which was a tribute to the Princess Diana.