Legendary Beatles Producer George Martin Has Passed Away

He was known around the industry as the "Fifth Beatle."

Image via WikiCommons

Legendary producer George Martin, who was known around the world as the "Fifth Beatle" for his extensive work with the group, has passed away at the age of 90. The news first hit online late last night and was then confirmed by both Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney on Twitter. In a statement on his website, McCartney wrote that Martin was like a second father to him over the years. "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," McCartney wrote. 

Martin was a staple in the music industry for decades and widely credited for giving the Beatles their first record contract and then for work on their albums over the years, with the only exception being the project Let It Be. Following the news of his death, a number of stars from across the music industry have shared their thoughts and condolences with Martin and his family, as well as the two living Beatles, Starr and McCartney. Aside from the Beatles, Martin also worked with Elton JohnJeff BeckCheap Trick, and more throughout his career, and won a total of six Grammys with the group over the years. 

According to Billboard, Martin holds the record for most No. 1 songs on the Hot 100 chart through his career with 23, which is ahead of the likes of Max Martin, Mariah Carey, and more. He produced such hit songs for the group as "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "Love Me Do," "Help!," "Yesterday," "Penny Lane," "Hey Jude," and many more. Martin was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, which was also the same year that McCartney was inducted. You can check out the full reaction from the music industry to Martin's death below. 

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RIP Sir George Martin. Our love and thoughts are with his family today. https://t.co/yz2UOqDQvY pic.twitter.com/FEmk64zJND

Awww man! RIP Sir George Martin and thank you for the inspiration! My life wouldnt have been the same without you.
RIP to my musical brother George Martin. We were friends since 1964, & I am so thankful 4 that gift. Bless u & your precious posse 4ever.❤️Q
RIP Sir George Martin (3rd January 1926 – 8th March 2016) >>> https://t.co/qd12XAMuXp pic.twitter.com/A7Pvon7KgC
#GeorgeMartin produced arguably the greatest @007 title song of all time - @PaulMcCartney 's 'Live And Let Die' https://t.co/KGl6vS8UO8
George Martin impacted music with contributions that will outlive us all.
Sir George, WE Thank you. https://t.co/CGvncqgRJ4
Agggghhhh . Just heard the news about George Martin. 💔We lose another great. What a horrid year for losses of legends.
So sad to hear of George Martin's passing. He'll live forever through his amazing achievements. pic.twitter.com/K5jU8iaLa1
So sorry to hear about George Martin passing away. I met him several times and he was a lovely gentle talented man R.I.P.
So sorry to hear about George Martin passing away. I met him several times and he was a lovely gentle talented man R.I.P.

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