"Well...I Don't Like Your Tie!"

This post is dedicated to my good friend Mike, one of the most fervent Fab Four fans, who attended the special Sir George Martin "Making of Sgt. Pepper" presentation this past Friday. To celebrate the occasion, here are several pictures of Sir George at work with the Beatles in the studio--some were taken during the "Baby's In Black" session, while the others were snapped as they worked on "Paperback Writer." (Poor Ringo was relegated to a game of chess with Neil Aspinall as the others fine tuned the arrangements!)

My favorites have to be the one where George and John are sharing a laugh, and the one where George Harrison is breaking into a dance during playback!

Here is some information on the Sgt. Pepper presentation:

"The Making Of Sgt. Pepper"
July 11, 2008

University of Southern California, Bovard Auditorium, Los Angeles,
Reception: 7 p.m., Presentation: 8 p.m.

"The Making Of Sgt. Pepper" will feature an intimate reception and multimedia presentation by legendary six-time GRAMMY winner George Martin. Including music from the Beatles, video appearances by Phil Collins, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and archive video of George Harrison, Martin will take the audience on a historical ride through Abbey Road Studios and the heart of the creative process that helped change popular music forever.

I can't wait to hear all about it!

Also, George Martin was recognized for his humanitarian and charitable contributions:

Beatles' widows honor producer George Martin

By Sue Zeidler

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The widows of former Beatles John Lennon and George Harrison led an all-star tribute on Saturday to Sir George Martin, the producer who molded the Fab Four into the world's most important pop music force.

Martin, 82, received the Grammy Foundation Leadership Award, in recognition of his humanitarian and charitable efforts, during a dinner and concert featuring the likes of singer Tom Jones and rock guitarist Jeff Beck.

"Awards don't come much better than this," said Martin. "I've been so lucky to work with so many wonderful people, and great talent all my life...I miss so many people who have died on me."

He was referring to Lennon, who was murdered in 1980 and Harrison, who died of cancer in 2001. Their respective widows, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, chaired the event at the University of Southern California. Surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were also listed as event chairs -- a ceremonial title -- but were not present.

The performers have all worked with Martin, who remained busy producing artists after the Beatles broke up. Others on the bill included the band America, composer Burt Bacharach, pianist Dave Grusin, and singer Michael McDonald.

Martin produced jazz, comedy and classical albums before signing the Beatles in 1962. Although the youngsters were rough around the edges, he thought they might have commercial promise. As both mentor and collaborator, he produced nearly all the Beatles' recordings.

Martin was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1996 and named by the Guinness World Records as the most successful producer ever, with more than 50 No. 1 hit records over five decades in the United States and Great Britain alone.

In 2006, he worked with his son Giles, to develop the Beatles-inspired Cirque du Soleil show "Love" in Las Vegas. The accompanying soundtrack album won two Grammys this year.

*And on a personal note, I'd like to congratulate the Invaders on their 200th show! Last night was so much fun! Love you guys! *

(As usual, you may click on the photos to enlarge them.)