Legendary record executive Mo Ostin has died at the age of 95.
The music mogul ran Warner/Reprise records for over three decades from 1960 and worked alongside some of the biggest names in the business, including The Kinks, Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell.
A statement released by Tom Corson and Aaron Bay Schuck who are the current co-chairmen of Warner Records announced he had died on Sunday of natural causes.
It read: "Mo was one of the greatest record men of all time, and a prime architect of the modern music business.
"For Mo, it was always first and foremost about helping artists realise their vision. One of the pivotal figures in the evolution of Warner Music Group, in the 1960s Mo ushered Warner/Reprise Records into a golden era of revolutionary, culture-shifting artistry."
They continued to explain how Mo "remained a tireless champion of creative freedom" and helped to nurture those who worked for him.
"Mo lived an extraordinary life doing what he loved, and he will be deeply missed throughout the industry he helped create, and by the countless artists and colleagues whom he inspired to be their best selves," they added.
"On behalf of everyone at Warner, we want to thank Mo for everything he did, and for his inspiring belief in our bright future. Our condolences go out to his family at this difficult time."
Mo eventually left Warner in 1994 after 34 years with the company. He moved to Dreamworks and founded the entertainment company's music division.
In 2003, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Neil Young was present at the induction and said: "I love Mo, and you talk about a phrase that means something different today than what it used to mean, it’s called behind the music.
"That phrase now connotes soap operas to me, but this man Mo Ostin was behind the music."
Following the news of his death, many fans flocked to social media to express their sadness.
One Twitter user wrote: "What an inspiration he was for so many people! I admired him tremendously, more than I have words to express. I learned so much from him & feel so lucky to have known him & to have worked for him."
Another penned: "You know, we are sometimes too generous with the term "legend" when we mark the passing of big names on here, but not in this case.
"We will not see another record person quite like Mo Ostin, the visionary Warner Bros. Records head who has died at 95."
And Universal Music Group also said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of legendary music executive Mo Ostin. His lasting impact on the music industry will continue to be felt for generations to come."
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