‘Fifth Beatle’ George Martin dead at 90
LOS ANGELES/LONDON: George Martin, known as “the fifth Beatle” for his work in shaping the band that became one of the world’s most influential music forces, has died at the age of 90.
He was considered the most successful music producer ever, cited in the Guinness Book of Records for having more than 50 No 1 hit records over five decades in the US and Great Britain alone.
“God bless George Martin, peace and love to Judy and his family. George will be missed,” Ringo Starr, the Beatles’ drummer, said on Twitter.
Starr followed the message by posting a black and white photo of the “Fab Four” with Martin, saying: “Thank you for all your love and kindness George.”
Martin’s management confirmed his death, saying that Martin died peacefully at his home on Tuesday evening.
Martin served as producer, collaborator and mentor to Beatles John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Starr.
Sean Ono, John Lennon’s son with Yoko Ono, posted a picture of Martin on Instagram, with the caption: “R.I.P. George Martin. I’m so gutted I don’t have many words.”
Tributes from the music world also poured in on Twitter.
Lenny Kravitz said: “The legends are really all going home!” Boy George said: “George Martin. Gentleman and legend”, while Mark Ronson said Martin was “the greatest British record producer of all time”.
During his six-decade career in the music industry, Martin produced almost all of the Beatles’ recordings and also worked with the likes of Gerry & the Pacemakers, Jeff Beck, America and Cheap Trick.
He was knighted in 1996 for his services to the music industry.