Mickie Most, the legendary pop producer who spearheaded the 1960s "British invasion" of America by groups such as The Animals and Herman's Hermits and worked with stars from Lulu to Jeff Beck, has died at the age of 64.

He became best known through his appearances on New Faces, where his cutting putdowns to aspiring hopefuls earned him a reputation as the Simon Cowell of his day.

Viewed as Britain's answer to Phil Spector, the US record producer, Most (pictured below) was at the forefront of promoting the wave of UK talent that found commercial success on both sides of the Atlantic in the early Sixties. Under Most's guidance, winsome folk singer Donovan was reinvented. A few years later, Most masterminded "glam rock" acts such as Mud and Suzi Quatro on his RAK label.

Most, who is credited with producing more number one singles than anyone else, was worth a reported £50m.

Last night, his friend Deke Arlon, of Sanctuary Entertainment Group, said: "He was a remarkable talent who will leave huge hole in the music industry."