Beatles Producer George Martin Honored

George Martin, the classically trained producer who helmed the Beatles' recordings from their mop-top phase through their later musical masterworks, was honored Saturday night in Los Angeles.

Mr. Martin, 82, received a career award from the Recording Academy's Grammy Foundation, which provides education programs for future music professionals and works to preserve musical history.

Mr. Martin is the most successful record producer of all time, according to the academy, with more than 50 chart-topping hits and 1 billion units sold. He also holds the record for the longest run of no. 1 pop-chart hits in history, spanning 36 years.

The event also included a concert saluting Mr. Martin and the songs he helped make famous, with guest performers including songwriter Burt Bacharach, guitarist Jeff Beck, and singer Tom Jones.