Charlie had a great influence on many people, me among them. I was inspired by The Sound of the City (written as a Master's thesis) and have always held the man in great regard.

Decent footballer, too.

endlessly helpful, interested and generally lovely when I've spoken to him for research, even when ill.

I used to love his Satursday night show - introduced me to lots of fantastic music through radio ping pong (I think that was what he called it - him and guests playing records to each other.

always loved his radio shows and always seemed to be a thoroughly nice guy.

Genuine music-first type person.

a love of music that shone through everything he did.

By all accounts a lovely chap, and he put out some great records on Oval, including Johnnie Allan's 'Promised Land'

I fell in love with the music of West Africa while listening to Charlie’s shows in the 1980s. He had a warm radio voice, a natural enthusiasm for the music and obviously relished the idea of an audience anticipating the new sounds he had discovered.
In 1986, I visited The Gambia. My fondest memory of that time is cruising gently along the Gambia river in a small boat, with a kora player sitting at one end, plucking away. In no small way I have Charlie to thank for that.

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I am saddened to hear of his passing. I was fortunate enough to have talked with him on many occasions when I helped out on Bob Harris' GLR radio show in the 1990s. Charlie's show followed Bob's and he would always pop in for a chat. I will long remember his friendliness and - strangely - his immaculate dress sense. He was always very smartly turned out!

But what I will remember most was his deep, deep love of the music he played. This love was expressed in an understated way, but it was so heartfelt and genuine. Notwithstanding the fact that his local radio shows reached fewer people, I would suggest that he was as influential in bringing music from other cultures to his audience's attention as John Peel was in the field of indie.

Thanks for all the wonderful sounds you introduced us to, Charlie... and thanks as well for reminding us that a humble and warm-hearted person can prosper in the music industry.

He introduced me to so much life-affirming music and influenced me with his openness: good music can come from anywhere.

of the comments above. Came across as a humble yet charismatic, informed but not over-bearing kind of guy.

double post

A most charming man.

I treasure his 'Sound Of The City' compilations.

I always valued reading what he had to say about music that often otherwise might have escaped my attention, and on the two or three times our paths crossed professionally he was unfailingly helpful, generous and illuminating.

A true music man and a terribly sad loss.

What a lovely man he was. If it wasn't for Another Saturday Night I most certainly wouldn't be treading the path I'm on. Whenever we met he was charming, full of encouragement and never failed to offer me invaluable advice about all aspects of the music business. I remember sitting in his studio at GLR with a shit-kickin'country player, a Fado singer and a Nigerian guitarist who I swear must have had 12 fingers. In the middle was a beaming Charlie - soaking it all up with a huge grin on his face. There was a man who adored good music. He'll be much missed.

Charlie.... my hat is off to you. Thanks for everything.

was such a great idea for the radio. Simple idea of broadcasting what a lot of us music lovers do with our friends all the time - as we do here in fact.
Very sorry to hear of his passing.

Growing up in London in the 70s, I used to listen to Charlie's shows, and the music he played opened up so many doors.
I never met him, but I wish I had. He always seemed such a nice bloke. Damn.

I was lucky enough to work on his Saturday night Radio London show for three years as a volunteer answering the phones. Charlie was a genuinely nice guy who always had time to chat to everyone. He had a fantastic knowledge of music and his shows were superb - innovative and always entertaining. I will miss his smile, his warmth and of course his music.

RIP Charlie.....

What terrible news. I had the delightful pleasure of working with him at Capital Radio. I also agree with all the other posters and especially Sheev's comments. My condolences to his family. You were so lucky to have him in your lives.

I used to listen to his to his Capital and GLR programmes and now regret not listening to his World Service show, taking it for granted he'd always be around. I once emailed him at GLR about a track on Soun of The City and he took the trouble to reply which not all people would have.

As well as the albums and books mentioned by others, there were 2 great albums Charlie compiled- And the World's All Yours and And This Time It's For Real which is a great soul compilation.

Just browsing about this link reminded me how many great things he introduced me to; happy listening with some nice eno, byrne and others playing the famous ping pong.

http://www.charliegillett.com/playlists.html