Six-time GRAMMY winner George Martin, who as producer of the Beatles presided over some of the most influential recordings of the 20th century, died March 8. A cause of death has not been disclosed. He was 90 years old.

Known as the "fifth Beatle," Martin signed the Fab Four to their first recording contract in 1962 and would go on to produce a majority of the group's catalog, including albums such as Please Please Me (1963), Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) and Abbey Road (1969). His bold, innovative production stylings are evidenced on such Beatles classics as "A Day In The Life," "Eleanor Rigby," "Michelle," "Strawberry Fields Forever," and "Yesterday," among others. An integral collaborator as both a producer and arranger, Martin was instrumental in transforming the role of the independent producer in pop music.

In addition to the Beatles, Martin produced recordings for GRAMMY winners such as Jeff Beck, Celine Dion, Elton John, and Phil Collins. His work as a producer and arranger also spanned symphonic, choral and chamber music, and jazz.

Martin's GRAMMY wins include Album Of The Year for 1967 for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) for 1973 for Paul McCartney's "Live And Let Die" and Best Surround Sound Album for 2007 for Love, the latter of which he shared with his son and fellow producer, Giles Martin. He was honored with The Recording Academy's Trustees Award in 1996.

"Having worked on hundreds of recordings, [George Martin] was one of the most innovative producers of all time and his impact on music is unparalleled," said Neil Portnow, Recording Academy President/CEO.