Peel was so beloved in Britain that even the Prime Minister made a statement after his death.
Tony Blair's spokesman said the Prime Minister was "genuinely saddened by the news."
He added: "His view is that he was a unique voice in British broadcasting and used that voice to unearth new talent and different subjects and make them accessible to a much wider audience."
Peel's program built up a reputation around the world, and in addition to his Radio 1 show, he could also be heard on the BBC's World Service.
Blur lead singer Damon Albarn said Peel's patronage was "one of the most significant things that happened to us in our careers".
After announcing Peel's death on Radio 1, the station played his favorite song, "Teenage Kicks," by the Undertones.
The band’s Michael Bradley was shocked upon hearing of Peel's death. "He always had his finger on the pulse of the music industry and the fact that Radio 1 played the Undertones, the White Stripes and the Strokes today showed just how relevant he remained throughout his career."
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