Beatles Producer George Martin Dies at 90

Martin signed the Beatles to their first recording contract in 1962, and his formal musical training and expertise with music technology played an integral role in shaping the many sounds of the most important rock band of the 20th century.

Beatles drummer Ringo Starr broke the news of Martin's death on Twitter.

"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," Paul McCartney wrote in a statement on his website.