Sir Howard, died in Rotorua today, aged 74.
Mr Key, speaking from New York where he is at the United Nations, says Howard Morrison has been at the forefront of New Zealand music for more than 50 years and his contribution was immense.
"Sir Howard was a New Zealand success story. From humble beginnings he became an international success, first with the Howard Morrison Quartet, and then in an illustrious solo career," Mr Key said.
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"But more than that, Sir Howard was one of New Zealand's best loved entertainers, his appeal spanning every age group." Howard Morrison was knighted in 1990 for services to entertainment.
"I pay tribute to a real gentleman. My thoughts are with his whanau at this time. Sir Howard Morrison will be greatly missed." Sir Howard, who had a history of heart problems, died in Rotorua. He had just returned from a holiday in Rarotonga.
He had a singing career for more than 50 years, gaining fame as his Howard Morrison Quartet ran up a string of hits in the late 1950s and 1960s.
He was awarded an OBE in 1976, and knighted in 1990. Of mixed Maori and Pakeha ancestry, Sir Howard was born in 1935 into a Rotorua family renowned for its entertainment skills. He married Rangiwhata Ann Manahi in 1957. They had two sons and a daughter.
