Sir George Martin, the noted record producer whose creativity helped to shape the sound of The Beatles through their heyday, has died at the age of 90. Such was his influence on the ‘Fab Four’ that he became affectionately known as the ‘fifth Beatle’. Tributes have poured in from both the remaining members - Sir Paul McCartney and drummer Ringo Starr - and many other fans and celebrities after the tragic news was broken.
Influence on ‘The Beatles’
Martin became the producer who signed the most famous band of all-time, The Beatles, and shared their epic journey from 1962 through to their ultimate break up in 1970.
With no previous experience in pop Music, he was starting from a clean slate with no preconceptions as to what music should sound like. That innovative approach was to prove a coup for the Liverpool group, as they were able to experiment and create a unique sound at the famous Abbey Road Studios.
Not just the ‘Fab Four’
Martin also worked with many other famous artists during his lifetime, including Cilla Black, Elton John, Celine Dion and even Bernard Cribbins, ensuring that “Right Said Fred” had the desired production values to be a chart success.
Goodwill messages
With a plethora of goodwill messages being received by his family since his death on Tuesday at home, his manager wanted to share their thanks to everyone for the “thoughts, prayers and messages of support” that had been received.
Tributes from Paul and Ringo
Both of the remaining Beatles’ band members have paid tribute to Martin’s influence on their stellar success, with 75-year-old Ringo stating: “God bless George Martin” and adding that he “will be missed.” McCartney shared the sentiment, saying that “the world has lost a truly great man.”
Yoko Ono and John Lennon’s son, Sean was clearly deeply upset at the news, saying “I’m so gutted I don’t have many words.”
Produced Bond hits
Even James Bond felt compelled to express his remorse, with Sir Roger Moore stating that “he made my first Bond film sound brilliant!
" Martin was involved on two Bond signature tunes, producing “Live and Let Die” with Wings and the unforgettable “Goldfinger” with the booming Shirley Bassey.
Influenced millions of fans
That feeling of loss will no doubt be shared by many other stars that benefited from the creative genius at their disposal, not to mention the millions more who were influenced by The Beatles music during their formative years.
With a staggering figure of over 700 records produced by Sir George across a lengthy career spanning over six decades in the music industry, including 30 UK number ones and 23 US top spots, his legacy is certainly secure.
