Iconic Australian music producer and talent manager Glenn Wheatley, who was responsible for launching the careers of John Farnham and Delta Goodrem, has died.
The 74-year-old passed away in Melbourne on Tuesday, reportedly from complications from COVID-19.
Wheatley had been in the music industry for more than 40 years.
He started out as a musician playing bass in 1960s rock band The Master Apprentices, with hits such as Because I Love You and Turn Up Your Radio.
In a statement posted to their Facebook page, The Masters Apprentices said they were "deeply saddened" by Wheatley's death.
"He has left his mark forever on Australian Music," they said.
"We will miss him greatly. Our deepest sympathies to his wife Gaynor, son Tim and daughters Samantha and Kara.
"Always a Masters Apprentice! With thoughts, memories and love — Brian, Mick, Gavin, Rick, Craig and Bill."
Goodrem said Wheatley had "impacted the lives of so many".
"I am forever grateful for our time together in my early career," she wrote on Instagram.
"All my love and prayers are with his family."
Former Little River Band member Glenn Shorrock also paid tribute to his longtime friend.
Shorrock told the ABC Wheatley would be greatly missed.
"He was a great negotiator and he was a great champion of Australian music, both here and, of course, overseas," he said.
"He thought Australian musicians were getting a raw deal, and we did get a raw deal in those days.
"He fought for better royalty rates and more money for struggling musicians."
From John Farnham to Delta Goodrem
Wheatley was best known for his management skills and knack for spotting talent.
Brisbane-born Wheatley managed Little River Band in the 1970s, which became the first Australian-based band to achieve multi-platinum record sales in the US.
He then went on to manage his close friend, John Farnham, who under his guidance released the hugely successful 1986 album Whispering Jack.
It was the singer's most popular album of his career and remains the highest-selling album in Australia by an Australian artist.
Wheatley remained Farnham's manager up until his death.
Wheatley was also responsible for launching the career of pop singer Delta Goodrem.
He discovered Goodrem when she was a teenager and helped guide her to fame with her 2003 debut album Innocent Eyes.
The album went on to become one of the highest-selling albums in ARIA history.
Nine entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins led the tributes by sharing his grief in a Tuesday night Twitter post.
"Gutted... what a man... what a life," Wilkins tweeted.
Wheatley was also a pioneer of commercial radio in Australia, establishing the first FM station, EON, in Melbourne in 1980.
EON later became Triple M, which has been one of the most successful commercial stations in Australia.
Wheatley's public image took a turn in 2007 when he was convicted of tax fraud and sentenced to 15 months in prison.
He told the court at the time that he regretted what he had done and was ashamed of what he'd brought on his family.
Wheatley leaves behind his wife Gaynor Martin and their three children.
AAP/ABC
