'Fifth Beatle' Sir George Martin dies, aged 90

Martin, pictured with the Beatles in 1963, was knighted in 1996

Record producer Sir George Martin, known as the "fifth Beatle", has died, aged 90. His family thanked "everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support" after his death at home on Tuesday, his manager said.


Beatles drummer Ringo Starr broke the news on Twitter and led tributes, saying Sir George "will be missed". In a career spanning five decades, Sir George signed the Beatles and produced more than 700 records.

He also worked with artists including Gerry and the Pacemakers, Shirley Bassey and Cilla Black.
Obituary: Sir George Martin and the sound of British popular music