Beatles legend George Martin dies, aged 90

LEGENDARY British record producer George Martin, who turned the Beatles into the best-selling band in history, has died aged 90, with tributes pouring in for “a giant of music”. Beatles drummer Ringo Starr was the first to give the news, tweeting a picture of the “Fab Four” with Martin and saying: “God bless George Martin peace and love to Judy and his family . . . George will be missed”. Paul McCartney – the only other surviving member of the band signed up by Martin in 1962 – called him “a true gentleman” and “a second father”. “If anyone earned the title of the fifth Beatle it was George,” McCartney wrote on his website. “The world has lost a truly great man who left an indelible mark on my soul and the history of British music,” he said. Mar tin’s family confirmed that the producer, who helped revolutionise the sound of pop music, had died at home on Tuesday, and thanked “everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support”. Martin signed up the Beatles to his Parlophone label after hearing their demo record, recognising their potential while criticising their composition skills. British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted that Martin had been “a giant of music”. Abbey Road, the iconic studios in London where Martin and the band most famously worked, issued a statement honouring “Sir George ” for “transforming music recording with his creative flair, innovation and passion”. After the band split, Martin went on to work with other artists, including Bob Dylan, Sting and Elton John. He produced 30 British number- one singles, won six Grammys and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1996