Legendary producer George Martin, widely credited as the “Fifth Beatle”, has passed away at the age of 90. The iconic producer was responsible for signing The Beatles as well as producing almost all of their recorded work.

Former Beatle Ringo Starr broke the news of Martin’s death via Twitter, writing, “God bless George Martin peace and love to Judy and his family love Ringo and Barbara George will be missed.”

As Billboard notes, in addition to helping the band pioneer countless innovative recording techniques, Martin was responsible for the grand arrangements that appeared on songs like ‘A Day In The Life’ and ‘Yesterday’.

Born on 3rd January 1926, in Highbury, London, Martin, a self-taught pianist who once described the Beatles’ first demo as “rather unpromising” would go on to be the man behind the scenes of an incredible 23 No. 1 singles in the US and 30 in the UK.

Martin, who was knighted in 1996 and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, is survived by his son Giles, also a famous music producer, and his other children Alexis, Gregory, and Lucy.

Love The Beatles?

Get the latest The Beatles news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine