Beatles gold records

[kenindfw]

For those of you who bought the Recording the Beatles book that came out last year, you are familiar with the name Brian Kehew who was one of the authors. He is starting a petition to get the Beatles engineers recognized for their work (common today - not back then). You can see his post here: http://recforums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/t/21685/0/

I thought I would pass this along in case anyone wants to participate.

Here is the text:

One of the oddities discovered when researching the Beatles' work for our book was this odd fact: almost none of the staff from those records had received gold/platinum records or awards for their work. (I do believe there are two exceptions, both more recently given; Geoff Emerick for Sgt. Pepper and Glyn Johns for Let It Be).

A few years ago, we had volunteered the idea to Capitol Records (as they sold zillions of the "#1" album) that they might want to give awards to the engineers who CREATED those records. Capitol agreed, but were denied by Apple Records. Now again on the topic, I am inspired to write this, as their first engineer Norman Smith is not well.

In today's world - the manager, hair dresser, rehearsal space and video director all get gold records for "the album". (And of course, the engineers.) In those days, it was not the case, nor did people receive or expect "points" (how different it is now!). However, such awards CAN be given later with permission of the artist and the label.

We are starting a grass-roots petition to have Apple/EMI and the Beatles award their engineering staff for the albums they did.

Consider that the people who created:
"She Loves You"
"Twist and Shout"
"A Hard Days' Night"
"Paperback Writer"
"Eleanor Rigby"
"In My Life"
"Tomorrow Never Knows"
"I am the Walrus"
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
"Helter Skelter"
"Blackbird"
"Julia"
"Something"
- are not so recognized for their work. It is IMPOSSIBLE to argue that there are more important recorded works. They literally changed the face of music and their influence on the art of recording is astounding. Even if for "#1" and "Love" alone, their work still has impact today.

So, if you feel this work is justified in receiving the standard award from our industry, please show your support AS the industry. We're asking you to send an email to

[email protected]

and just include your name and city in the text. (No email addresses will be kept or given out. Text MAY include your credits or awards, if it may help sway some people down the line.)

We also hope you can also pass this on to people you know "in the business" who may be able to join in. There will be a simple letter formulated asking that the work be officially recognized, and hopefully the 'powers that be' will support this nice gesture. There can be no valid reason why this should not be approved.

Thanks!
Brian Kehew/Kevin Ryan
authors of "Recording the Beatles"