George Martin - the man often described as "the fifth Beatle" - has died at the age of 90.
The music producer's legendary status was cemented when he signed the Fab Four, going on to be the brains behind dozens of number one hits worldwide.
George Martin in studio with Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, source Brian Eno, Twitter
George Martin heard the Beatles in 1962 and signed them to his record label Parlophone when nobody else would.
Thank you for all your love and kindness George peace and love xx😎✌ï¸ðŸŒŸðŸ’– pic.twitter.com/um2hRFB7qF
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) March 9, 2016
George had been nicknamed "the fifth Beatle" for his work with the Liverpudlian band.
In a statement today Paul McCartney said he deserved the title:
"I'm so sad to hear the news of the passing of dear George Martin. 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. From the day that he gave The Beatles our first recording contract, to the last time I saw him, he was the most generous, intelligent and musical person I've ever had the pleasure to know."
Tributes have been pouring in on social media from the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Mark Ronson and Liam Gallagher.
Sir George Martin RIP LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) March 9, 2016
Jennifer Ryan reports:
