Ray Columbus is being remembered for his contribution to New Zealand music.

The 74-year-old died at his home north of Auckland yesterday. He had been ill for a long time.

He shot to fame in 1964 with his hit She's a Mod and the dance move that went with it.

Entertainer Frankie Stevens told Rachel Smalley Ray Columbus' band the Invaders only lasted for a couple of years.

"But he, as a person who supported New Zealand music and New Zealand musicians and performers, was really quite unparalleled."

Stevens said music was changing in New Zealand in the 1960s and 70s and there was a big generational shift.

Ray Columbus was in the middle of it all.

"He was doing things that were all new, I mean musically. The guys that were in the Invaders were all pop musicians."

LISTEN ABOVE: Frankie Stevens spoke with Rachel Smalley about Ray Columbus