GRAMMY Foundation benefit to honor legendary GRAMMY-winning producer on July 12 at USC

GRAMMY.com

The GRAMMY Foundation announced today that it will honor Sir George Martin, a GRAMMY Trustees Award recipient, six-time GRAMMY Award winner and one of music's most successful and influential producers, at its annual signature gala Starry Night on July 12 at the University of Southern California.

Martin will be the recipient of the Foundation's Leadership Award, which salutes noteworthy humanitarians whose charitable work and contributions align with the mission of the Foundation. This prestigious award is being presented to Martin in recognition of a lifetime of commitment and dedication to social, cultural, economic and educational issues spanning the globe.

"Throughout his legendary career, Sir George has had an impact on music and popular culture that is immeasurable," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy and President of the GRAMMY Foundation. "We look forward to paying tribute to a man who has had an indelible influence on generations of music lovers around the world."

"Sir George's celebrated career has extended far beyond the recording studio," added Steve Schnur, GRAMMY Foundation Board Chair. "His is a lifetime commitment to both music and humanity, and it is only fitting that this year's Foundation Leadership Award honors one of the most iconic figures in music history."

Knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1996, producer, arranger, composer and author Martin is also listed in the Guinness World Records as the most successful producer ever, with more than 50 No. 1 hit records over five decades in America and Great Britain alone. The recordings he has produced have collectively sold more than 1 billion units worldwide.  His award-winning work across every conceivable recording genre and style is unmatched. It includes classical, comedy, jazz, pop, country, R&B, rock, film scores, television scores and more, producing the longest run of No. 1 hits songs in history — more than 36 years.

As a mentor and creative collaborator, Martin helped bring the world the Beatles — one of the most original, successful and influential music phenomenons in popular music history. Best known as the Beatles' producer, he signed them and subsequently produced and arranged nearly all the Beatles' records, even playing on many of the most memorable John Lennon/Paul McCartney songs.

Of the hundreds of other major artists with whom he has worked, a sampling includes Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffett, Cher, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Celine Dion, Earth Wind & Fire, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Neil Sedaka, Carly Simon, Sting, the Who, Brian Wilson, and Stevie Wonder.

Martin, who is dedicated to a range of philanthropic causes, helped found the Prince's Trust with Prince Charles, which is a UK-based charity that helps young people overcome barriers to find a livelihood. He also founded the Montserrat Foundation to aid in the rebuilding of the Caribbean island decimated by a volcano, and the George Martin Music Foundation to construct an educational and cultural center there.

"My lifetime involvement in the music industry has been truly rewarding and my desire to encourage others, especially young people, to pursue a career in music is equally as strong," said Martin. "It is truly an honor to be recognized with the Leadership Award from the GRAMMY Foundation, an organization that works year-round to encourage and support music education in the lives of young people."

The annual Starry Night benefit concert and dinner raises funds for the GRAMMY Foundation, which helps preserve our nation's musical heritage and provides programs that foster future generations of music professionals. The star-studded event will feature performances by some of the most celebrated artists in the world. Multi-GRAMMY Award-winning producer and former GRAMMY Foundation Board member David Foster will serve as the evening's musical director.

To purchase tables or tickets to the event, please contact Dana Tomarken at 310.392.3777 or e-mail dana@grammy.com.