Just heard on the radio that broadcaster and writer Charlie Gillett has died. 'Making Tracks - The History of Atlantic Records' from 1975 was one of the first books I ever read that gave me some background info into many fabulous soul and R&b recordings and the guys behind the label. Always interesting to listen to when he made radio programmes too.

Actually I just looked at Making Tracks last night and thought 'must read that again...'. If I believed in spooky stuff I'd say it was significant. But I don't so it was just coincidence. But sort of nice.

RIP Charlie

Just heard on the radio that broadcaster and writer Charlie Gillett has died. 'Making Tracks - The History of Atlantic Records' from 1975 was one of the first books I ever read that gave me some background info into many fabulous soul and R&b recordings and the guys behind the label. Always interesting to listen to when he made radio programmes too.

Actually I just looked at Making Tracks last night and thought 'must read that again...'. If I believed in spooky stuff I'd say it was significant. But I don't so it was just coincidence. But sort of nice.

RIP Charlie

Very sad news. A great all rounder was Charlie, with such an array of musical interests. I'm a lover of Cajun/Zydeco and he really helped to put this kind of music on the map. And he was a thoroughly nice guy to boot.

RIP Charlie. You were a gentleman and a scholar.

shocked and saddened by this, sounds of the city is essential reading, have got all edits. never knew him but personally came across him in early 70's when he was a big supporter of some friends of mine, reggae band talisman from Bristol. RIP

Just heard on the radio that broadcaster and writer Charlie Gillett has died. 'Making Tracks - The History of Atlantic Records' from 1975 was one of the first books I ever read that gave me some background info into many fabulous soul and R&b recordings and the guys behind the label. Always interesting to listen to when he made radio programmes too.

Actually I just looked at Making Tracks last night and thought 'must read that again...'. If I believed in spooky stuff I'd say it was significant. But I don't so it was just coincidence. But sort of nice.

RIP Charlie

Yep, a true 100% music man. His books were a massive inspiration to me and I'm gonna make a point of digging 'em out tonight so I've got 'em for some downtime reading action @ Prestatyn, which would be entirely appropriate given the nature of "Making Tracks" and "The Sound Of The City".

These should be essential reads for everyone on here given the subject matter - Charlie covered all this stuff in the early 70's so he was absolutely a pioneer in reporting on the U.S. Soul/R'n'B Music business. I particularly remember his story about meeting Morty Craft on an aircraft and his blow by blow account of the creation of Atlantic Records - Jerry Wexler is my kinda guy.

Charlie Gillett should be a massive inspiration for everyone on S.S. because he was an early champion of great Black music and he took the time and trouble to document his experiences.

Hopefully they'll now reprint his books and bring him to a whole new audience. He deserves nothing less.

R.I.P. Charlie. I know you'll be having fun.........

Ian D

shocked and saddened by this, sounds of the city is essential reading, have got all edits. never knew him but personally came across him in early 70's when he was a big supporter of some friends of mine, reggae band talisman from Bristol. RIP

Life and Soul,

Just curious, but you said you were in Bristol in the 70's.... do you remember Mark Stewart and The Pop Group/Pigbag lot? Mark first introduced me to Tapper Zukie's Man Ah Warrior...! Ahhh, what larks we had!!

I'd just heard this tragic news via facebook.

Charlie was a lovely man and will obviously be missed by many people around the world.

He once gave me some good business advice which sadly I was unable to take and it cost me a lot of money. I wish I'd had his patience and courage.

Rest in peace, Charlie.

Paul Mooney

'Sound Of The City' was an early 'bible' for me - still have my original copy. And he was raised in Stockton-on-Tees - RIP

'Sound Of The City' was an early 'bible' for me - still have my original copy. And he was raised in Stockton-on-Tees - RIP

Hello Mike,

Sound Of The City and Making Tracks were the first serious music books I ever read.

When I had the office in Skinner Street about twenty years ago, Charlie told me he'd attended a school or college just around the corner. Until then I hadn't known he grew up here in the north east.

He was pleased to see good music coming out of the area and he gave me a lot of encouragement.

In recent years I only stayed in touch with him via myspace and facebook but I really wish I'd taken the time to call him just to say "hello".

Hello Mike,

Sound Of The City and Making Tracks were the first serious music books I ever read.

When I had the office in Skinner Street about twenty years ago, Charlie told me he'd attended a school or college just around the corner. Until then I hadn't known he grew up here in the north east.

He was pleased to see good music coming out of the area and he gave me a lot of encouragement.

In recent years I only stayed in touch with him via myspace and facebook but I really wish I'd taken the time to call him just to say "hello".

Don't we all Paul.

Unless I'm completely mistaken, didn't he also initially launch the Police via Oval Records, which would obviously be another North East connection?

Ian D

Don't we all Paul.

Unless I'm completely mistaken, didn't he also initially launch the Police via Oval Records, which would obviously be another North East connection?

Ian D

Hello Ian,

I'm not sure about The Police but he did help Dire Straits, who also had north east connections (he did that as a radio DJ giving them their first major exposure).

Thinking about Oval Records, I remember buying the Barbara Lynn LP as a teenager. 1975 I think.

Hello Ian,

I'm not sure about The Police but he did help Dire Straits, who also had north east connections (he did that as a radio DJ giving them their first major exposure).

Thinking about Oval Records, I remember buying the Barbara Lynn LP as a teenager. 1975 I think.

Anything that Charlie Gillott wrote was always essential and worthwhile reading .

RIP Charlie , you have earned it

Malc Burton