Paul & Ringo Pay Tribute To George Martin

The world has lost the legendary "fifth Beatle." Beatles producer and music industry great George Martin died at age 90, Ringo Starr confirmed on Twitter Wednesday night (March 8). Both Starr and Paul McCartney paid tribute to Martin after his death, penning emotional messages that honored the late producer and composer.

"God bless George Martin peace and love to Judy and his family love Ringo and Barbara," the Beatles drummer wrote on Twitter. "George will be missed xxx."

John Lennon's son, Sean, wrote on Instagram: "R.I.P. George Martin. I'm so gutted I don't have many words. Thinking of Judy and Giles and family. Love Always, Sean."

According to E! News, Martin, who was knighted in 1996, was instrumental in the Beatles' success, signing the legendary group in 1962 and arranging iconic Beatles tunes like "Yesterday," "Strawberry Fields," and "Eleanor Rigby." In addition to his time with the band, Martin, who was a recipient of six Grammy awards and an Oscar nomination, also produced hits like Elton John's Princess Diana tribute "Candle in the Wind 1997," as well as several James Bond themes, including Paul McCartney's "Live and Let Die."

Calling Martin a "second father" to him, McCartney wrote eloquently of his relationship with the Beatles producer on his website:

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.

Recalling the memory of arranging "Yesterday" with the producer, McCartney noted that Martin wanted to add a string quartet on the song, an idea that paid off so well that the singer couldn't stop talking about it.

"It was so thrilling to know his idea was so correct that I went round telling people about it for weeks," McCartney remembered. "His idea obviously worked because the song subsequently became one of the most recorded songs ever with versions by Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye and thousands more."

"I am proud to have known such a fine gentleman with such a keen sense of humour, who had the ability to poke fun at himself. Even when he was Knighted by the Queen there was never the slightest trace of snobbery about him," McCartney said. "My family and I, to whom he was a dear friend, will miss him greatly and send our love to his wife Judy and their kids Giles and Lucy, and the grandkids."

"The world has lost a truly great man who left an indelible mark on my soul and the history of British music," he concluded. "God bless you George and all who sail in you!"

R.I.P. George Martin.