I don't know of anyone who is so highly regarded in the music biz, and respected for his openness and honesty. He could have been a very rich man, but integrity got in the way - he only ever played music that he liked himself, and would rarely play anything that didn't meet his own tastes. But he gave so many new and unknown performers a chance, by playing their records or giving them a two or three song slot on his radio show.

I really can't believe he won't be with us any more. He's honestly been part of my listening life for over 35 years.

He was a real mensch, a fine man. I'll miss him.