British DJ Alan Freeman (79) dies

British broadcaster Alan Freeman has died at the age of 79.

British broadcaster Alan Freeman has died at the age of 79.

Freeman, who coined the phrase "Greetings, Pop Pickers" in 1961, died peacefully at his home in Twickenham, London, after a brief illness.

Freeman was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1927 and came to Britain in 1957, where he enjoyed almost 50 years in the industry.

The former Radio 1 DJ described rock music fans as "music lovers", although his final broadcasts focused on his beloved world of opera, presenting Their Greatest Bitsfor BBC Radio Two from 1997 until 2001.

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Nicknamed "Fluff", Freeman was described by a BBC spokeswoman as self-effacing.

Broadcaster Chris Tarrant once expressed his amazement that any man could build an entire career on three phrases - "All right", "Stay Bright" and "Not 'Arf".