I recall late during The Beatles’ run as the greatest pop/rock band in history that the late Billy Preston was called at times the “Fifth Beatle.”
He played keyboards on some Beatles’ hits, such as “Get Back.” You can see him in that famous rooftop concert.
The actual Fifth Beatle, though, was a man who was much older than the Liverpool Lads. Sir George Martin produced and arranged countless Beatles’ hits. He guided the band to the top of the music world.
Martin taught musicality to The Beatles. He was their creative genius.
Sir George died this week at the age of 90.
You can say all you dare to say about The Beatles as personalities and their individual contributions to the music world. Yes, they all contributed greatly. They recorded songs that still stand today — five decades later.
Check out some of the videos of Sir Paul McCartney singing Beatles’ classics to contemporary audiences today. You’ll see teenagers whose parents might not have been born yet when The Beatles were at the height of their careers singing along … word for bloody word!
Who made that possible?
The Fifth Beatle. Sir George Martin.
R.I.P., Sir George. Thanks for helping me come of age.