Charlie
was one of the giants of world music, the host in the past of my
favourite radio shows, "Sound of the City" on Radio London until
a few years ago, and more recently, "World on 3" on BBC Radio 3,
as well as his weekly BBC World Service show, "World of Music".
He passed away in the morning of March 17 of a heart attack. He
was 68, and had been suffering health problems for the past few
years.
This is a devastating loss to
the music world, and although I never met him, I feel a personal
loss for what he has meant to me for many years, going back to
when I first read his groundbreaking book on the roots of rock &
roll, The Sound of the City back in the early 70's, to
the more recent years when I learned so much from his knowledge,
passion and sense of humour about the music I also loved.
I have often cited Charlie's
show, his website and forum on this website and in my
newsletter. I'll have more about Charlie coming soon.
Meanwhile, here is obituary in
The Guardian
An appreciation I wrote about
Charlie in 2006 when he had to give up his Radio London show is
here. The forum on
Charlie's website
of course is
filled with shocked and saddened reactions.
He will be greatly missed,
around the world.
Photo of Charlie (2005)
Philip Ryalis/Redferns
NEW
(March 20, 2010):
See my updated tribute page to Charlie
Sam
Mtukudzi, the only son of Oliver Mtukudzi died in a traffic
accident Sunday night, March 14 in Zimbabwe.