The Beatles record producer, Sir George Martin, has died at his home on Tuesday, aged 90. Beatles drummer Ringo Starr broke the news of the “fifth Beatle’s” death on Twitter and led a rush of tributes, saying Martin “will be missed“. His family followed, thanking “everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support“.
Sir George Martin was a hugely integral part of the Beatles‘ career, having signed them and gone on to produce more than 700 records with them. In a statement on his website, Paul McCartney wrote “I have so many wonderful memories of this great man that will be with me forever“.
McCartney continued, “he was a true gentleman and like a second father to me. He guided the career of The Beatles with such skill and good humour that he became a true friend to me and my family. If anyone earned the title of the fifth Beatle it was George. From the day that he gave The Beatles our first recording contract, to the last time I saw him, he was the most generous, intelligent and musical person I’ve ever had the pleasure to know“.
Raised in Holloway, North London, Martin aided The Beatles in their global success after hearing their demo tape in 1962. As the head of the Parlophone record label, Martin worked with a whole list of famous names – Dame Shirley Bassey, Cilla Black and Gerry and the Pacemakers to name a few.
#Peace.Love.GeorgeMartin
