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Charlie Gillett 1942 - 2010
Known as a champion of world music, the Lancashire-born broadcaster passed away late yesterday.
He had previously contracted an autoimmune disease, and last week suffered a heart attack.
Gillett is credited with discovering Dire Straits in 1976 after playing Sultans of Swing from their demo tape on his Radio London show Honky Tonk.
He also wrote an acclaimed history of rock 'n' roll, The Sound of the City, in the 1970s.
Source: BBC News 
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I first met Charlie when had the honour and privilege of working with him when he licensed his record company to Island Records where I worked.
He also went on top presenting a show on Sunday mornings at Radio London where indeed he was the first to play and promote both Dire Straits and Elvis Costello. The show went on to become required listening for every A&R manager in London, all hoping to sign the potential "Next Big Thing".
I kept in contact with Charlie and often met him as a DJ at large outdoor concerts.
I last met Charlie just before I emigrated in Australia in 2004. He invited me down to his 3 hour show at BBC radio London. It was quite amazing to see the number of volunteers who came down to man the phones, take pics etc.
Since moving here, I kept in touch via facebook.
Charlie's passing will be mourned by many groups, listeners and record companies.It's a sad loss to music and in particular to world music of which he was a passionate supporter
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