Radio presenters Tony Blackburn and Ken Bruce are among those who have paid tribute to BBC Radio producer and PopMaster quiz co-creator Phil Swern, who has died at the age of 76. The official account for PopMaster shared: "Sadly today, we said goodbye to Phil Swern, the Collector, for many years the driving force behind PopMaster’s content." Swern, who was born in Ealing, west London, produced a string of radio programmes including shows for BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2.
Blackburn was one of the first people to pay tribute to his "dear friend", while Bruce described Swern's passing as the “saddest of days”. Blackburn wrote on Facebook: "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." In 2015 Swern told the BBC how he became known as 'The Collector' - by collecting every record that had ever charted.
"I was going the record fairs, shops all over the country," he said explaining his love for records stemmed from his childhood when he used to be taken to stores "as a treat" by his parents every Saturday. Swern also came up with questions for PopMaster, which featured on BBC Radio 2's Ken Bruce Show. Posting his tribute on social media Bruce wrote: "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. He was a one-man fount of all pop knowledge, starting his record collection as a boy and still displaying the same enthusiasm into his seventies."
A Legacy in Radio
Phil Swern's impact on the world of radio is undeniable. He dedicated his life to music, a passion that started in his childhood. His love for records, cultivated through weekly visits to record stores with his parents, led him to amass an impressive collection that became a symbol of his dedication. He started his journey in radio by producing iconic shows like Pick of the Pops for Radio 1 and later moved to Radio 2, where he helmed the show for an impressive 26 years. He also produced the long-running Sounds of the 60s for 17 years, demonstrating his versatility and deep understanding of music history.
Beyond the Charts: A Creative Force
Swern's contributions went beyond radio. His creative talents extended to devising questions for Ken Bruce's popular quiz show, PopMaster, which has become a staple of BBC Radio 2. He was also a sought-after producer for television, producing a number of hit records and even authoring music books. His love for music and his dedication to sharing it with the world made him a beloved figure in the industry.
A Loss Felt by Many
The news of Phil Swern's passing has left a void in the hearts of many. His colleagues and friends have shared their heartfelt tributes, praising his kindness, humor, and unwavering passion for music. Ken Bruce, in his tribute, emphasized Swern's role in the creation of PopMaster, saying, "Without him, there would be no PopMaster, on radio or tv." Tony Blackburn, who knew Swern for over 60 years, described him as a "lovely kind and funny man" and expressed his sorrow at the loss of a dear friend. The official PopMaster account also paid tribute, highlighting Swern's enduring contribution to the show.
A Lasting Legacy
Phil Swern's legacy extends far beyond his impressive career in radio. His passion for music, his dedication to his craft, and his warmth and humor have left an indelible mark on the industry. His name will forever be associated with the iconic shows he produced and the countless listeners he entertained. He leaves behind a legacy of joy, music, and a reminder of the power of shared passion.
The Man Who Loved Music, More Than Anything
Swern's love for music was infectious. He didn't just collect records; he lived and breathed them. His dedication to finding that last elusive record, Diana Decker's Poppa Piccolino, speaks volumes about his relentless pursuit of musical treasures. This passion resonated with his listeners, making him a respected figure in the world of radio and beyond. Swern's life was a testament to the power of passion and the joy of sharing music with the world.
