George Martin

English record producer, arranger, composer, conductor, audio engineer and musician. He is sometimes referred to as "the Fifth Beatle" in reference to his extensive involvement on each of the Beatles' original albums. He is considered one of the greatest record producers of all time, with 30 number one hit singles in the UK and 23 number one hits in the USA.

Influenced by a range of musical styles, encompassing Cole Porter and Johnny Dankworth, he attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama from 1947 to 1950, studying piano and oboe. Following his graduation, he worked for the BBC's classical music department, then joined EMI on 28 November 1950 at its daughter company Parlophone Ltd in Abbey road, London. Martin produced comedy and novelty records in the early 1950s, working with the likes of Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan.

In a career spanning over six decades, Martin has worked in music, film, television and live performance. He has also held a number of senior executive roles at media companies and contributes to a wide range of charitable causes, including his work for the Prince's Trust and the Caribbean island of Montserrat.

In recognition of his services to the music industry and popular culture, he was awarded as Knight Bachelor in 1996.

On 3 January 1948, his 22nd birthday Martin married Jean "Sheena" Chisholm, a soprano. They had two children, Alexis (born 1953) and Gregory Paul Martin (born 21 January 1957). He later married Judy Lockhart-Smith, a secretary with whom he had an office affair already in 1957, on 24 June 1966, and they also had two children, Lucy (born 9 August 1967) and Giles Martin (born 9 October 1969).

George Martin died on the night of 8 March 2016 at the age of 90.