Billy Joel and Neil Diamond have led tributes to rock promoter Don Kirshner, who has died.

The 76-year-old, who was also a music publisher, died of heart failure In a hospital in Boca Raton on Monday (January 17).

An influential figure on the the US music scene, Kirshner also helped launch the careers of Prince, The Police and Lionel Richie.

Diamond told the Associated Press he was “saddened” to learn of Kirshner's death.

"ll always be grateful to him for pairing 'I'm A Believer' and other songs of mine with the Monkees,” he said. “The music business never had a better supporter."

Joel, whose career was also aided by Kirshner, said: "Don Kirshner gave new, young musicians the opportunity to showcase their performances for a huge audience during the 'golden age' of the popular music business.”

Kirshner began his career in the music industry as a song writer and he was recognised by the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007.

(by Jason Gregory)