The producer of the Beatles, Sir George Martin, passed away recently. He was 90.
Martin signed the Beatles to Parlophone Records when others had turned them down. He became and remained one of the most influential producers in popular music history and was often described as the fifth Beatle, reports the Guardian.
The news of Martin's demise first emerged in a tweet from Ringo Starr that read, "God bless George Martin peace and love to Judy and his family love Ringo and Barbara George will be missed xxx" and was later confirmed by various news sources.
Later, Adam Sharp, who represented both Martin and his son Giles, said in a statement "We can confirm that Sir George Martin passed away peacefully at home yesterday evening, Tuesday 8 March. The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support."
As soon as the tragic news came out, tributes started pouring in on social media.
Sean Ono Lennon, son of John and Yoko Ono, tweeted, "R.I.P. George Martin. I'm so gutted I don't have many words. Thinking of Judy and Giles and family. Love Always, Sean."
Paying tribute, Nigel Godrich, producer of onetime Parlophone act Radiohead, called Martin his hero and wrote, "The definitive record producer.. such a gentleman and was so kind to me. He did it all first . and best."
Meanwhile, journalist and author David Simon, the creator/showrunner of US TV series the Wire, said, "If the rest of us could all have such a shepherd for our works, the world might just make sense."
David Cameron, the British prime minister tweeted, "Sir George Martin was a giant of music - working with the Fab Four to create the world's most enduring pop music.
