Radio producer Phil Swern has passed away aged 76, with BBC Radio 2 star Tony Blackburn leading tributes on social media. Phil, who was known as The Collector on Radio 2, was best known for working on the station's Sounds of the 60s as well as Ken Bruce's PopMaster quiz.
Former colleague Tony Blackburn announced the news of Phil's death on X in a heartbreaking tweet. He wrote: "I am very sad to say that my dear friend of over 60 years and producer of @BBCRadio2 Sound of the Sixties passed away yesterday afternoon after a long illness.
I am so glad I saw him and his wife Lynsey last Friday. Phil, the Collector, Swern will be missed by us all." Tony added on Facebook: "He was very respected in the music business for his music knowledge and professionalism, but above all he was a lovely kind and funny man...He passed away at home with his wife Lynsey who has been at his side looking after him.
My love goes out to her and his family we will all miss him very much." Ken Bruce - who worked with Phil on PopMaster - also paid tribute to the producer.
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