The family of Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees announced with great sadness yesterday that the legendary singer and songwriter passed away following his battle with cancer.

The entertainment world has lined up to pay tribute – including Paul Gambaccini who described Robin as "one of the most important people in the history of British music"

"Everyone should be aware that the Bee Gees are second only to Lennon and McCartney as the most successful songwriting unit in British popular music” said Gambaccini.

"Their accomplishments have been monumental. Not only have they written their own number one hits, but they wrote huge hit records for Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Celine Dion, Destiny's Child, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, the list goes on and on.

The Bee Gees rank among the world’s highest selling artists of all time, with hits including Stayin' Alive, How Deep Is Your Love and Night Fever.