Grammy Award-winning engineer and producer Phil Ramone has died at 72. He was reportedly hospitalised in February 2013 with an aortic aneurysm and died on March 30, 2013 at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Response to the news of the death of Phil Ramone was instantaneous on March 30, 2013, as the Internet was filled with tributes and remembrances from his colleagues, collaborators and admirers, including Billy Joel, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Josh Groban and many more.

"I always thought of Phil Ramone as the most talented guy in my band,” Billy Joel, who worked with the producer on several albums, said. "So much of my music was shaped by him and brought to fruition by him. I have lost a dear friend -- and my greatest mentor."

Barbra Streisand said in a statement: "I’m so saddened to learn of Phil’s passing. We first worked together in 1967 when I did a free concert in Central Park. His brilliance at capturing sound was immediately evident. Later we worked together on the film A Star Is Born where Phil was able to record me singing live, including 'Evergreen.' In the next decade we worked on the soundtrack to Yentl and many other recordings. Phil had impeccable musical taste, great ears and the most gentle way of bringing out the best in all the artists he worked with. The monumental recordings he produced will endure for all time."

Quincy Jones, Ramone's longtime collaborator, said: "There aren't enough words to express how heavy my heart is with the news of the passing of my dear friend and brother Phil Ramone.

Elton John described him as "a friend, a musical genius and the most lovable person. It was a thrill for me to have worked with Phil, and I have so many wonderful memories."

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