ACCLAIMED Belfast music producer Billy McBurney, known to many as the founder of Outlet Records, has died.
The producer and music impresario, famed for bringing a wide variety music of the city, passed away yesterday aged 84.
Tributes have been paid to the married father-of-eight, who recorded and produced music for renowned artists and bands including, Luke Kelly and the Dubliners, Stiff Little Fingers, The Fureys and Ann Breen.
His first studio was at the rear of the old St Mary's Hall in Bank Street before he set up in Smithfield Market and formed Outlet Records in 1968.
His daughter Audrey Doherty last night described how her father's love of music saw him work with both sides of the sectarian divide, without fear or favour.
She told of how he was shot by loyalists and his business targeted, but he continued to trade in the city as "music was his life".
Mr McBurney recorded many Irish traditional musicians including Sean Maguire and the late Tom McHale as well as helping to further the career of the late David McWilliams of Days of Pearly Spencer fame.
He was also known for producing Republican music including, The Men Behind the Wire single.
Ms Doherty said her father developed a love of music from his mother, who opened the Premier Record Shop in the old Smithfield Market in the 1920s.
"Dad started in the music business by helping his mother out at her shop, it was then he discovered he was good with music and set up his own studio in St Mary's Hall in Bank Street," she said.
"He recorded all sorts of music and recorded music from both sides of the sectarian divide, there was many a time a Lambeg drum was brought into the studio.
"Afterwards he moved the studio to Smithfield Market and started to import American labels and artists into Belfast.
"But he also took great pride in helping local artists like Sean Maguire and Tom McHale, he recorded their albums. Van the Man also came in on one occasion and did a demo with him.
"Dad also produced Irish Republican music, including The Men Behind The Wire, under his label which led to him to being shot five times.
"But he fought back and continued to work with both sides of the community, he was able to bring both sides of the community into his studio, he was just interested in bringing music to people."
She told how he also he brought international music to the city including American country and blues and even met up with music legend Johnny Cash and his wife June during one of their concerts in Belfast.
Ms Doherty added: "Dad enjoyed a wonderful life, he worked very hard. He was open to anything, music was his life.
"Even through illness his face lit up when he walked about music, he had a great ear for music."
Requiem mass for Mr McBurney is due to take place on Saturday in St Brigid's Church, Derryvolgie Avenue followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery.
