One of the most prominent producers in the history of pop and rock music history has passed away, as Beatles producer George Martin has died at the age of 90.
The sad news was confirmed by Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, plus John Lennon's son Sean, who both posted tribute tweets about the producer.
UPDATE (3/9, 8:30 a.m.): Paul McCartney has offered his condolences and shared memories of working with Martin in a heartfelt Facebook post. Read it below.
Martin began his career in the '50s by producing classical and comedy records for EMI and its Parlophone Records subdivision. He signed the Beatles in 1962 and produced their early sessions that spawned career-making hits like "Love Me Do" and "Please Please Me." He went on to produce nearly everything the Beatles ever recorded, and he has frequently been referred to as the "Fifth Beatle."
Throughout his career, Martin also worked with Cilla Black, Gerry & the Pacemakers, Jeff Beck, Kenny Rogers, Cheap Trick, Elton John, Celine Dion, Pete Townshend and Paul McCartney and Wings. He won various Grammys, is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was nominated for an Oscar, and was knighted in 1996.
The sad news was confirmed by Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, plus John Lennon's son Sean, who both posted tribute tweets about the producer.
God bless George Martin peace and love to Judy and his family love Ringo and Barbara George will be missed xxx 😎✌️🌟💖☮
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) March 9, 2016
Thank you for all your love and kindness George peace and love xx😎✌️🌟💖 pic.twitter.com/um2hRFB7qF
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) March 9, 2016
R.I.P. George Martin. I'm so gutted I don't have many words. Thinking of Judy and Giles and… https://t.co/3Nc8sCgRpN
— Sean Ono Lennon (@seanonolennon) March 9, 2016
UPDATE (3/9, 8:30 a.m.): Paul McCartney has offered his condolences and shared memories of working with Martin in a heartfelt Facebook post. Read it below.
I'm so sad to hear the news of the passing of dear George Martin. I have so many wonderful memories of this great man...
Posted by Paul McCartney on Wednesday, 9 March 2016
Martin began his career in the '50s by producing classical and comedy records for EMI and its Parlophone Records subdivision. He signed the Beatles in 1962 and produced their early sessions that spawned career-making hits like "Love Me Do" and "Please Please Me." He went on to produce nearly everything the Beatles ever recorded, and he has frequently been referred to as the "Fifth Beatle."
Throughout his career, Martin also worked with Cilla Black, Gerry & the Pacemakers, Jeff Beck, Kenny Rogers, Cheap Trick, Elton John, Celine Dion, Pete Townshend and Paul McCartney and Wings. He won various Grammys, is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was nominated for an Oscar, and was knighted in 1996.