Gillett, who was a presenter on BBC Radio 3 and World Service, had contracted an autoimmune disease and last week suffered a heart attack.

Although probably best known for his role in bringing world music to a larger audience via his radio shows and the albums he compiled, Gillett was also credited with helping to discover Dire Straits, after playing their demo tape on his Radio London show Honky Tonk.

With his partner Gordon Nelki, Gillett launched the Oval label ...