A music historian says many Maori musicians owe a debt of gratitude to recording industry pioneer Eldred Stebbing.
Waatea News reports Mr Stebbing died at the weekend at the age of 86, ending a recording career that started in the 1940s.
John Dix, the author of the classic New Zealand music history Stranded in Paradise, says he gave a break to artists such as the Howard Morrison Quartet, Daphne Walker and Bunny Walters.
Mr Stebbing's funeral will be held at the All Saints Church in Ponsonby on Friday.