He was a great DJ and did a huge amount to promote world music in the UK. He's not as well known as he should be north of Watford, but he will be sadly missed.

I was at college with his son. Charlie was a lovely man.

http://wordmagazine.co.uk/content/charlie-gillett-1942-2010

'...in 1972 [he] was invited to be a presenter on BBC2’s music flagship show, The Old Grey Whistle Test. He turned it down, explaining many years later that he had never regretted doing so because: “I was going to have to be talking to people like Yes, and Emerson Lake & Palmer, and I really couldn’t imagine what I would say to them.”'

Even if you didn't listen to him on a regular basis (and I didn't) it's clear he was a champion of music he believed in, and in a Peel-esque way made sure it found its chance with a wider audience.

So sad to hear that Charlie Gillett has died. I remember his Radio London programmes fondly, and enjoying his writing, especially his Sounds of the City. Exposed me to a lot of music that I wouldn't have heard otherwise. Spiritually someone who should have written for the Word.