Of all the musicians to emerge from the Croydon area in the early 60s, it is hard to imagine a more fervent ambassador for the blues than Cliff Aungier.

His total enthusiasm for the music shone through every conversation, performance and recording.

Born in West Croydon in April 1941, Cliff's future was mapped out for him by a television appearance from Big Bill Broonzy, one of the American blues artists who became his heroes.

While working his apprenticeship at the CEGB power station on the Purley Way, he met Gerry Lockran who shared his passion for the guitar and the two became close friends and musical partners.

Gerry introduced Cliff to Royd Rivers, forming a harmonica and guitar duo in the style of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee and recording their debut LP for Decca in 1965, produced by Jimmy Page.

In August 1965, Cliff and Gerry were responsible for opening the folk and blues club at the Half Moon in Putney Folksville' paved the way for many years of live music, as the Moon established itself as one of the premier venues in London.

A fine folk-blues guitarist with a strong voice, Cliff toured solo, playing concerts and festivals throughout Europe and recording many times; in 1969 he received a silver disc for his cover of Tim Hardin's Lady Came from Baltimore.

A radio journalist and executive producer on the Channel Four documentary Living the Blues, Cliff was plagued by several years of ill-health and passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday, March 13. He is survived by his wife Wendy and two sons Mike and Stefan, from his first marriage to Simone.