Sir George Martin Dies

March 8, 2016. Sir George Martin died at his home in England at 90. The Beatles' producer, the man often called the "Fifth Beatle," was gone. Martin produced virtually all of the Beatles' recordings. He took four scruffy Liverpool kids and helped them create the most influential music of the 20th century. His classical training and willingness to experiment made him perfect for the Beatles' ambitions. He arranged strings for "Eleanor Rigby." He created the orchestral chaos of "A Day in the Life." He figured out how to record "Strawberry Fields Forever." When the Beatles wanted to sound like they were underwater or backwards or from another dimension, Martin made it happen. His influence extended beyond production. He played piano on several tracks. He arranged horns and strings. He mediated band conflicts. He was part psychiatrist, part enabler, part genius. After the Beatles split, he continued producing major artists. His career spanned decades, but the Beatles work was what defined him. Those albums changed music forever, and Martin was essential to their creation.

Paul McCartney called him "the greatest record producer ever." Ringo tweeted heartfelt thanks. The music world mourned one of its true architects. Younger producers cited Martin as inspiration. His willingness to try anything, to break rules, to trust the artists while guiding them - that became the template. Radio stations played Beatles marathons. People discussed their favorite Martin production choices. That string arrangement. That backwards guitar. That orchestral crescendo.