Beatles producer Sir George Martin dies

Tributes have been paid from across the world of music at the news that Sir George Martin, the producer who signed The Beatles to Parlophone Records, has died. 

The news was broken by Ringo Starr on Twitter:
 

> 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

Martin was influential in moulding The Beatles' sound, so much so that he was often referred to as "the fifth Beatle". A classically trained pianist, Martin was initially endeared to The Beatles because of his experience producing comedy records for the likes of The Goonies, whom the band adored, and signed the Fab Four almost as much for their wit as their early musical ability. He went on to produce almost all of their output, and was responsible for 30 UK number 1's. 

In a blog post on his website, Sir Paul McCartney has paid tribute to 'a true friend': "I have so many wonderful memories of this great man that will be with me forever. He was a true gentleman and like a second father to me. He guided the career of The Beatles with such skill and good humour that he became a true friend to me and my family. If anyone earned the title of the fifth Beatle it was George."

As well as working with The Beatles as a group, Martin also worked with an array of other artists including America, Jeff Beck, UFO, and Cheap Trick. He also collaborated with Paul McCartney on his solo material, including the Bond theme Live And Let Die, as well as Shirley Bassey's Goldfinger.
The actor Sir Roger Moore tweeted:

> How very sad to wake to the news Sir George Martin has left us. He made my first Bond film sound brilliant! > > — Sir Roger Moore (@sirrogermoore) March 9, 2016

Abbey Road Studios, where George and The Beatles made some of their most iconic records, posted this message on Facebook
 

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> Abbey Road Studios wish to express their deepest condolences to the Martin family on hearing the sad news that Sir... > > Posted by Abbey Road Studios on Wednesday, 9 March 2016

America, for whom Martin produced 7 albums, paid tribute on Twitter:
 

> Saddened by the passing of our dear friend and musical collaborator Sir George Martin. Uniquely special man. RIP pic.twitter.com/FclhlqEmv5 > > — America (@americaband) March 9, 2016

Flea, bassist for Red Hot Chili Peppers made reference to the abundant and revolutionary creativity involved in Beatles records:
 

> George martin. Wow. People made records that were that good. > > — Flea (@flea333) March 9, 2016

RIP Sir George, a true legend of rock.