Legendary producer, Sir George Martin, who was the man behind most of The Beatles era-defining recordings, has died aged 90.
Sir George, who was the producer and arranger for the band, was a British treasure who signed The Beatles to a label contract when no one else would.
He produced virtually all their songs and introduced arrangements into Yesterday and A Day in the Life.
Beatles drummer Ringo Starr shared the news on Twitter. He said: 'God bless George Martin peace and love to Judy and his family love Ringo and Barbara George will be missed.'
A Universal Music Group spokesperson confirmed Sir George's death, but details are not yet clear.
Sir George, often called 'the Fifth Beatle', gave the Beatles their first recording contract and produced virtually all of their music.
He was born in London on January 3, 1926, and after leaving the Navy in 1947, he studied piano and oboe.
Major musicians including Neil Finn, Lenny Kravitz and Boy George have joined in sharing their condolences.