Photo: BBC
Producer and music collector Phil Swern has died after a long illness.
The news was posted on social media this morning by his friend and colleague, Tony Blackburn.
It said: “I am so sad to say that my dear friend of over 60 years Phil The Collector Swern passed away yesterday after a long illness.
“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.
“I was so glad I saw him and his wife Lynsey on Friday and was able to have a final chat with him. 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.”
Phil, who was 76, earned the nickname “The Collector” while working on Sounds of the 60s with Brian Matthew.
His work also included producing Pick of the Pops for Radio 1 in the late 1980s and early 1990s and had produced the show for BBC Radio 2 from 1997 to 2023. From 2007 to 2022, he produced Sounds of the 60s for Radio 2. He was a part of coming up with questions for the PopMaster quiz on Radio 2’s Ken Bruce for some time.
At Capital Radio, Phil worked on the Sunday afternoon quiz show, You Ain’t Heard Nothing Yet and spent some time working at Capital Gold from its launch.
Last Bank Holiday Monday, he was on Boom Radio with Phil Swern’s Hidden Gems, where he delved into his collection for some forgotten treasures.
He produced a number of hit records, published music books, worked on some TV shows and is known for owning every UK Top 40 chart hit since records began in 1952.
In 2010, Phil was awarded a BASCA Gold Badge Award for his work in the music industry.
A statement to RadioToday from BBC Radio 2 said: “Everyone at Radio 2 is saddened to hear the news that Phil Swern has passed away. He was an extremely talented producer whose career at Radio 2 spanned many years. He was a much loved colleague with an unparalleled knowledge of music. Our thoughts are with his family.”
It’s the saddest of days as my great friend Phil Swern has passed away. 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. (1/2).
— Ken Bruce (@RealKenBruce) September 1, 2024
Sadly today, we said goodbye to Phil Swern, the Collector for many years the driving force behind Popmaster’s content. His wife Lyndsey was at his side. His favourite song was Nat King Coles, What a Wonderful World. We will miss our gentle man.
— Popmaster (@PopmasterTM) September 1, 2024