LONDON: George Martin, known as “the Fifth Beatle” for his work in shaping the band that became one of the world’s most influential music forces, has died at the age of 90.

He was considered the most successful music producer ever, cited in the Guinness Book of Records for having more than 50 No. 1 hit records over five decades in the United States and Britain alone.Martin’s family confirmed that the producer, who helped revolutionize the sound of pop music, died at home on Tuesday, and thanked “everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support.”

Beatles drummer Ringo Starr earlier broke the news, writing on Twitter: “God bless George Martin peace and love to Judy and his family... George will be missed,” alongside a black-and-white picture of the band with Martin.

British Prime Minister David Cameron led tributes to the producer, who signed up the Beatles when he was the head of the Parlophone label after hearing their demo record in 1962.

“Sir George Martin was a giant of music — working with the Fab Four to create the world’s most enduring pop music,” Cameron wrote on Twitter.

Martin’s innovative recording techniques and role as authoritarian figure and mentor was so essential to the band’s success that he was nicknamed the “Fifth Beatle.”

“R.I.P. George Martin. I’m so gutted I don’t have many words. Thinking of Judy and Giles and family,” late band member John Lennon’s son Sean wrote on Instagram, referring to Martin’s wife and one of his four children.

Martin was born on Jan. 3, 1926, a carpenter’s son from north London.

After serving in the Second World War, he studied at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and began playing the oboe in bars and clubs around London.

His first job was in the BBC’s music library.