World Music DJ Charlie Gillett Dies Aged 68

BBC Radio 3 and World Service DJ Charlie Gillett has died at the age of 68.

The world music champion had been battling autoimmune disease for some time and suffered a heart attack last week.

In a statement, Gillett's family confirmed that he died in a London hospital yesterday  (March 17).

As well as pioneering world music, Lancashire born Gillett 'discovered' Dire Straits when he first played their 'Sultans Of Swing' demo on his Radio London show back in 1976.

He also managed Ian Dury's first band Kilburn and the High Roads in the mid 1970's.

Gillett's friend and fellow DJ Mark Lamarr paid tribute to the “considered and passionate gentlemen.”

"When I first met him, it was like meeting the rock 'n' roll equivalent of Dickens or Shakespeare," Lamarr said.

"He championed so many great bands. I've spoken to him at great length about so many different musical styles and he will always pinpoint the exact great moment that you should know about."