Sir George Martin dies, aged 90

Sir George Martin will be missed but never forgotten

World mourns the loss and celebrates the memory of legendary producer and ‘Fifth Beatle,’ who died at his home yesterday

Today the world mourns the loss of George Martin after he died in his sleep last night (8 March), aged 90. Martin is survived by his wife of nearly fifty years, Judy Lockhart Smith, and his four children.

A statement released by C A Management, which represented Martin, said: “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.”

Ringo Starr led the tributes to the legendary figure, posting on his Twitter feed: “God bless George Martin peace and love to Judy and his family love Ringo and Barbara George will be missed.”

In a heartfelt tribute to Martin, Paul McCartney said: “the world has lost a truly great man who left an indelible mark on my soul and the history of British music.”

Martin was the arranger, composer, conductor, audio engineer, musician and producer who helped turn four promising musicians from Liverpool into the most successful group of all time, and cemented his place as one of the most significant figures in pop music history. After studying piano and oboe at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he worked for the BBC’s classical music department, before joining EMI in 1950. During the 1950s’ he was known for producing comedy and novelty records, with Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan and Bernard Cribbins among those he worked with.

It was, though, his production work with The Beatles for which he will be remembered by most. After signing the group to their first deal in 1962, he produced their first single Love Me Do, which reached No 17 on the UK Singles Chart. Martin would continue working with the Fab Four up to their 1969 album Abbey Road and was known as the ‘Fifth Beatle.’ In addition to The Beatles, Martin also produced the work of Ultravox, Elton John, Gerry & The Pacemakers, Cheap Trick, Celine Dion and many, many more.

Songwriting offer our condolences to Sir George Martin’s family and friends.

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