Sir George Martin Dies Aged 90
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Renowned record producer Sir George Martin, known as the “fifth Beatle”, has died, aged 90.
Beatles drummer Ringo Starr broke the news on Twitter, saying that Sir George “will be missed”.
Sir George’s family has thanked everyone “for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support” after his death on Tuesday at his home.
It was Sir George who signed the Beatles, allegedly based on their personalities rather than their music, and produced more than 700 records. He also worked with Gerry and the Pacemakers, Dame Shirley Bassey and Cilla Black.
Sir Paul McCartney said in a statement on his website:
“I have so many wonderful memories of this great man that will be with me forever. 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.”
George Martin had 205 commercially released tracks with the Beatles, and sold 37 million copies of Candle in the Wind – which he co-produced with Sir Elton John in 1997. Six Grammy awards, two Ivor Novello Awards, one Oscar nomination for A Hard day’s Night, and a Knighthood in 1996.
Neil Portnow, president and chief exec of The Recording Academy, also paid tribute to the producer.
“Having worked on hundreds of recordings, he was one of the most innovative producers of all time and his impact on music is unparalleled,” he said.
His projects ranged from The Beatles to Bond films, and everything he worked on was a roaring success.
You will be sorely missed, Sir George.