Sir George receives US honour

Updated 08.00 Mon Jul 14 2008

Keywords: Los Angeles, award, Academy, Recording, Foundation, Grammy, Beatles, producer, Martin, George

Sir George Martin has been honoured for his work in a glittering ceremony in Los Angeles.

The Beatles producer received an award from The Grammy Foundation, which offers programmes for future music professionals and works in partnership with the Recording Academy.

Event attendees also included Beatles' widows Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, while guest performers Burt Bacharach, guitarist Jeff Beck and singer Tom Jones put on a tribute

Event attendees included Martin's son Giles, Beatles' widows Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, while guest performers Burt Bacharach, guitarist Jeff Beck and singer Tom Jones put on a tribute.

Martin spent most of his acceptance speech talking about Beatles, saying: "Yoko and Olivia are here tonight. Paul and Ringo can't be here, because they're doing their own tour. They're workaholics. I can't understand why, but they are. I've been so lucky to work with so many wonderful people, and great talent all my life."

According to the Academy, Martin is the most successful record producer of all time, with more than 50 chart topping hits and one billion units sold.

He also holds the record for the longest run of number one pop chart hits in history, over 36 years.