Australian music journalist, commentator and broadcaster Glenn A Baker has died at 74 after a period of illness.

Baker, who was editor of Billboard magazine for more than 20 years, was known for his extensive knowledge of music and won the BBC’s “Rock Brain of The Universe” title three times.

He wrote 17 books and hundreds of magazine articles, co-founded record label Raven Records, and had a huge music collection said to include around 80,000 records and 30,000 CDs.

Baker’s passing, just three days after his 74th birthday, was announced on Thursday morning on his Facebook page.

“Glenn’s contribution to the Australian rock ’n’ roll music landscape was immense, but his family remembers him as a loving father of six and grandfather of thirteen,” the post said.

“Glenn’s passion for music, travel, food and his family (still not entirely sure of the order) was, like his personality, larger than life.

“While the family wishes for privacy, if you do wish to honour Glenn or continue his legacy in some way, have a passionate conversation today with somebody about your favourite Australian muso or band.”

Baker’s longtime friend and collaborator Stuart Coupe also posted about the news, saying that his death had come after an illness and adding: “I’m beyond sad.”

Baker’s son, Orson, confirmed he had suffered a period of illness and been “declining for a while”.

Orson told 702 ABC Sydney his father was someone who “absolutely grabbed life, throttled it, and did everything that he wanted to do”.

Baker was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2018 for his service to the entertainment industry through promoting, preserving and documenting popular music culture.

At the time, he said was “enormously proud” to be acknowledged with the honour.

“I’m one of those people who has just done what I’ve loved doing for a very long time,” Baker said.

“I’ve been to well over 100 countries. I mean, I’ve been on the road with the Rolling Stones, with AC/DC. and I’ve travelled to Moscow in the Soviet years with John Farnham… I’ve done so many things but it’s always just been part of what I do.”