As a fellow music enthusiast and radio aficionado, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Phil Swern. His legacy in the world of broadcasting is undeniable, from his pioneering work on PopMaster to his tireless efforts on Pick Of The Pops and Sound Of The 60s.
76-year-old radio personality Phil Swern, well-known for his work on Radio 2 and the creation of PopMaster, passed away following a prolonged illness.
Several well-known friends like Tony Blackburn and Ken Bruce, among others, were quick to express their condolences upon learning about his unexpected demise, acknowledging him as a cherished companion.
On this sorrowful day, Ken expressed his deep sadness by writing: ‘Today is filled with immense sadness, for my cherished friend Phil Swern has left us.’
‘Phil was a brilliantly inventive man with a passion for music. He had a vast career as a record and radio producer, deviser of tv formats and as the guiding light and co-creator of Popmaster.
He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular culture, amassing a vast record collection from a young age, which continued to fuel his passion well into his seventies.
His absence means that Popmaster doesn’t exist on either radio or television. His departure has left an enormous void in my life, as well as countless others.
Additionally, Tony expressed: ‘It’s extremely unfortunate to announce that my cherished friend of more than six decades who was the producer of Sound of the Sixties on BBC Radio 2, has sadly passed away in the afternoon of yesterday following a prolonged illness.’
1. “It was truly wonderful running into him and his wife, Lynsey, on Friday. We’re all going to miss Swern, a remarkable individual affectionately known as The Collector.”
On Sunday morning, PopMaster’s official X account shared the news with fans in a heartfelt tribute.
Regrettably, today marks the farewell to Phil Swern, who for a long time has been the mainstay and creative force behind the content of Popmaster.
As I stood there, my dear wife Lyndsey by my side, the soothing melody of Nat King Cole’s “What a Wonderful World” filled the air. I can’t help but feel that loss has taken away one of the kindest souls from ours. Truly, we will miss our gentle man.
In his early career, Phil produced Pick Of The Pops on Radio 1 in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
After its stint on Radio 1, Phil steered the programme on Radio 2 from 1997 until 2023.
His wide-spread successful career has also seen him produce Sound Of The 60s for 17 years.
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2024-09-01 14:33