Kurt to Perform at GRAMMY Foundation’s Starry Night Gala Honoring Sir George Martin

Starry NightUniversity of Southern California
Los Angeles
July 12, 2008

Knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1996, Sir George Martin is listed in 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. 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 and roll, film scores, television scores and more, producing the longest run of No. 1 hits songs in history — more than 36 years.

As mentor and creative collaborator, Martin helped steward and bring to the world the Beatles — one of the most original, successful, and influential music phenomena 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.

This GRAMMY Foundation Starry Night benefit will feature performances by Grammy nominees and winners, including A Fine Frenzy aka Alison Sudol, America, Burt Bacharach, Jeff Beck, Chris Botti, Natalie Cole, Kurt Elling, Dave Grusin, Tom Jones, Michael McDonald, Naomi Sommers, and Jimmy Webb. In addition, members of the Gibson/Baldwin GRAMMY Jazz Ensembles will perform. The high school students selected from across the United States attending the fourth annual GRAMMY Camp — held this year from July 12–26 at USC — will also be in attendance.

The distinguished group of dinner chairs for this event include Olivia Harrison, Sir Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono and Ringo Starr.

This intimate dinner and concert will benefit the GRAMMY Foundation, which provides programs that foster future generations of music professionals and helps preserve our nation’s musical heritage.