Known as “the fifth Beatle,” legendary producer George Martin was responsible for some of the most beloved songs and albums from the iconic group.

Martin, who died Tuesday in England at age 90, signed the Beatles to their first record contract in 1962. He went on to work with other famed musical singers and bands including America, Cheap Trick, Jeff Beck and Celine Dion — but his years with the Beatles was like nothing else in musical history. For them, he did everything — he was accountant, editor, father figure, arranger and, of course, producer.

British Prime Minister David Cameron hailed Martin as “a giant of music,” while Ringo Starr tweeted out, “George will be missed.” Paul McCartney said in a blog post that Martin was “like a second father to me.”

Martin worked his magic with the four young musicians whose raw talent needed guidance and direction. “When I first met the Beatles in 1962, I didn’t think much of their songs at all,” Martin once told JazzWax.com. “But they learned so quickly how to write a hit. They were like plants in a hothouse. They grew incredibly fast.”

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While Martin leaves behind numerous historic and cherished pieces of music, here are just six ways he made a major difference to some of the most beloved and memorable Beatles songs — all of which are still popular to this day.

“Eleanor Rigby”
Martin once said his approach was “greatly influenced by Bernard Herrmann and his film score for ‘Psycho.’ He (Herrmann) had a way of making violins sound fierce. That inspired me to have the strings play short notes forcefully, giving the song a nice punch. If you listen to the two, you’ll hear the connection.”

“Yesterday”
Paul McCartney recalled in his blog that Martin came up with the idea of “putting a string quartet” on the record. McCartney replied, “Oh no, George. We are a rock and roll band and I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Martin gently suggested giving it a try. Martin schooled McCartney — who eventually admitted the “idea was so correct that I went ’round telling people about it for weeks.”

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“Please, Please Me”
Martin suggested speeding up the song, which was originally a slow Roy Orbison ballad. The result — the song became the group’s first giant hit and gave birth to Beatlemania.

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“I Am the Walrus”
Martin added the choir. Enough said.

“Love Me Do”
Martin chose this tune for the Beatles’ debut single and he relegated newly hired Ringo Starr to tambourine, which irked the drummer forever.

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“Penny Lane”
Because none of the lads from Liverpool could read music, Martin’s classical background was key. They would hum a melody or some additional instrumentation to the producer, who would translate it into a written score. Horns — flute, trumpet, piccolo and more — all were added to McCartney’s “Penny Lane,” sealing its brilliance.

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