The Christian music industry is grieving the loss of Bill Hearn who has died aged 58 in Texas, after being diagnosed with cancer.

He passed away in Nashville, the same city where he had served as Chief Executive Office and Chair of the Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG).

Really sad today.
Just want to honour the life of Bill Hearn.
The mastermind behind so much... https://t.co/aflU66owjV

— Martin Smith (@MartinSmithTV) December 11, 2017

Capitol Music Group Chairman Steve Barnett said: "The Capitol Music Group family has lost one of its most valued members.

"We are all extremely saddened at the news of Bill's passing, and extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."

Appointment CEO in 1996 of what was then known as the EMI Christian Music Group, the organisation experienced significant growth under Hearn's leadership.

I'm so saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Hearn of Capitol Records - an icon in the music industry. Bill was so committed to Hillsong Music, was loved by us all, and will be missed greatly. Heaven's gain.

— Brian Houston (@BrianCHouston) December 11, 2017

It represents leading Christian performers including Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant, Matt Redman, Kari Jobe and Hillsong United.

CCMG is a division of the Capit0l Music Group, itself part of the Los Angeles-based Universal Music Group (UMG).

Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG, said: "Bill Hearn led Capitol Christian Music Group like the family business it is: with his unique passionate and mission-driven leadership.

"Anyone who has walked through the doors there knows that it overflows with a special spirit that emanated from Bill himself."

Bill Hearn, who was involved in the Hearn Family Charitable Foundation, is survived by his wife Charmion Gustke Hearn, two sisters, a niece and nephew.

Among his numerous accomplishments, Hearn received the TJ Martell Foundation's Frances Preston Lifetime Music Industry Achievement Award in 2015 for his contribution to the music industry.