Charlie Gillett
February 20, 1942 – March 17, 2010
Charlie Gillett was an influential British radio disc jockey, music historian and writer. During the mid ’60s, Gillett was working as a college professor when he began contributing weekly music-related articles to the Record Mirror. In 1970, he released his first book, The Sound Of The City: The Rise of Rock and Roll, a comprehensive history of popular music that is still considered one of the best. He was soon contributing to Rolling Stone and New Musical Express magazines. In 1972, Gillett moved over to radio where he hosted a popular weekly program on Radio London. It was through that medium that he was the first to play early demos by the likes of Elvis Costello, Ian Dury, Graham Parker and Dire Straits, oftentimes leading to record deals for the artists. During this period, Gillett released his second book, and helped bring Cajun music to the U.K. through his newly formed Oval Records. Throughout his career Gillett also managed Dury, co-produced Lene Lovich’s popular debut album, and owned the publishing for such hit songs as Paul Hardcastle’s “19.” Charlie Gillett was 68 when he died of multiple health related problems on March 17, 2010.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums and Ed Hardy for the assist.