Andy White, a Scottish session musician and drummer on The Beatles' debut single, died Monday at the age of 85 at his New Jersey residence following a stroke, according to BBC News.
White would be remembered as a man with "amazing humility and humbleness about his many achievements," his family said.
White was recruited to play the drums on The Beatles' first single "Love Me Do" and its B-side "P.S. I Love You," earning him the title of the "Fifth Beatle," joining the ranks of Stuart Sutcliffe, Pete Best and Jimmie Nicol.
"Love Me Do" was originally recorded during the band's EMI audition in June 1962 with Pete Best behind the drums. Three months later, the group signed on Ringo Starr as their new drummer, who played on the song during a session on Sept. 4, 1962, but producer George Martin was not convinced with his performance and brought in White to replace Starr on the drums during the Sept. 11 session at the EMI Studios at Abbey Road, according to Rolling Stone.
White received £5 as compensation for the three-hour session and did not get a share of the royalties for his performance on the group's first hit.
Two versions of "Love Me Do" were released, one with White behind the drums and Starr playing the tambourine, and one with Starr as the drummer. The White versions were included in The Beatles' debut album, "Please Please Me," according to Billboard.
The Glasgow-born musician also performed with the likes of Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, Chuck Berry, Herman's Hermits and Lulu. He later moved to the U.S., where he married voiceover artist Thea White and became a drumming instructor.
RIP Drumming Adjudicator, Session Drummer who played with the Beatles and all round Gentleman Andy White who passed away...
Posted by New York Metro Pipe Band on Tuesday, 10 November 2015
