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ON NOW : The Newsroom
22/05/2013

The Newsroom The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen

BBC World Service DJ Charlie Gillett - the man who helped coin the term "world music" - has died after a long illness at the age of 68.

The Lancashire-born broadcaster passed away in a London hospital on Wednesday 17 March 2010.

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.

World Service director Peter Horrocks said Gillett was an inspiration whose spirit of adventure and passion for the rich diversity of global music opened the ears of the world.

"His broadcasts brought together music and radio fans from far flung corners of the globe," he said.

"His postbag was one of the biggest, most affectionate and diverse in Bush House, which confirmed his special place in listener's lives. He was a very special broadcaster and he will be sorely missed."

Image for Charlie Gillett's World Of Music

Last on

19 June 2010

World Music from Cuba, Congo, USA, Senegal and Belize.

Mon 21 Jun 2010 02:32 GMT BBC World Service

See all previous episodes from Charlie Gillett's World Of Music

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