IFPI honours Sir George Martin and Rupert Perry with outstanding service medals
London 25 May, 2004
Sir George Martin CBE and Rupert Perry CBE were honoured with prestigious IFPI medals at an IFPI dinner on May 18, as the international recording industry association's Main Board met in London.
Jay Berman, IFPI Chairman and CEO, presented the medals to Martin and Perry for their outstanding service to IFPI and to the international recording industry.
Rupert Perry, former President of EMI Europe and Chairman of IFPI's European Regional Board until 2003, has been a tireless ambassador for the recording industry over a career spanning more than three decades. He played a leading role in the industry's lobbying, market development and government relations work in key music markets across the world - from Italy to China, from Russia to Greece.
Sir George Martin, the producer, musician and composer best known for his work with the Beatles, has been an authoritative spokesman for artists and for the recording industry in the debate over the future of music in the digital age. His intervention in the campaign on the European Copyright Directive was particularly influential. The Directive, adopted in 2002, has laid the foundations for the protection of music in the digital age.
Paying tribute, Jay Berman said:
"Sir George Martin has been a great friend and ally of IFPI and of our industry over many years. His support for our campaign on the Copyright Directive played a decisive role in convincing European Parliamentarians of the need to give proper protection to record companies, artists and musicians, in the legal environment of the digital age. George Martin brings with him the authority of the true musical creator and producer - his voice, on our behalf, has been highly influential and we are indebted to him for his support.
Berman continued:
"Rupert Perry has been a true champion of the international recording industry, promoting and defending our interests in virtually every market where we do business. During his many years on the Main Board of IFPI, and latterly as the Chairman of our European Regional Board, Rupert has carried the fight to governments, relentlessly promoting our case to politicians and ambassadors. I would be surprised if there is a British Ambassador anywhere in the world who does not recall a visit from Rupert to state, or to restate, the case for better enforcement, for stronger rights and for proper market access. For this tireless dedication, IFPI and our member companies owe Rupert a great debt".
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Background for editors
Sir George Martin entered the music industry in 1950 after studying at the Guildhall School of Music. Joining the EMI Group in 1955 he signed The Beatles in 1962, producing every record they made until they disbanded in 1970. In 1965, Sir George formed a production company with three other producers. They started work on what, four years later was to become Air Studios, a recording complex that remains one of the most successful studio operations in the world. A composer in his own right, George has been responsible for the music of a considerable number of films and three books. During his career, Sir George has been the recipient of two Ivor Novello awards and five Grammy Awards.
Rupert Perry joined EMI Records in 1971 remaining with the company for over three decades. As President of EMI Europe in the mid-1990s, Perry played an active role on IFPI's European Regional Board, latterly as its Chairman. In 1999 he was appointed to the worldwide position of Senior Vice President, EMI Recorded Music. He received his CBE for his contribution to the British music industry in January 1997.
The IFPI medal recognises outstanding service to IFPI and to the international recording industry. The first award was made to Pierre Chesnais in 1987 and there have been 18 recipients honoured since then.
IFPI represents the recording industry internationally, with more than 1,500 members in over 70 countries.