Annie Nightingale, the first female presenter on BBC Radio 1 and the station’s longest-serving DJ, has died aged 83, the BBC has confirmed.
Her family said that she died on 11 January at home in London following a short illness.
Who was Annie Nightingale?
Annie Nightingale, 83, was born in Osterley, Middlesex. The broadcaster joined Radio 1 in 1970 as its first ever female DJ and went on to become its longest-serving host.
Known for promoting new and underground music, she was also praised for supporting other women in a male-dominated industry.
BBC director general Tim Davie today hailed Nightingale as a ‘uniquely gifted broadcaster who blessed us with her love of music and passion for journalism for 50 years’, while Radio 1 DJ Danny Howard called her an ‘all time radio great’.
DJ and presenter Trevor Nelson, who started his broadcasting career in the 1980s and still presents on BBC Radio 1Xtra, said Nightingale, who was twice divorced, had made him ‘feel like music broadcasting is for life’.
‘Dear Annie, you were more than just a trailblazer for women on radio, you made me feel like music broadcasting is for life. Rave in peace,’ he posted on X.
BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley, who had her own long-running show on Radio 1, said: ‘The coolest woman who ever graced the airwaves. She blazed a trail for us all and never compromised. Her passion for music never diminished. Annie – My utmost respect and thanks for it all.’
Nightingale was appointed an MBE for services to radio broadcasting in 2002, and in 2010 received a Guinness World Record as the longest serving female broadcaster at a ceremony attended by Liam Gallagher, one of her favourite musicians.
A stylish presence both on and off the screen, Nightingale was photographed alongside the likes of Kate Moss – who attended a party to mark her 40th anniversary at Radio 1.
Another of her confidants was Paul McCartney, who dramatically phoned her live on air to give a statement after John Lennon was assassinated in 1980. ‘Don’t wobble,’ Nightingale told herself – as she recalled in a 2020 interview.
Her role saw her interview a dizzying cast of celebrities, including Sean Connery for his first role in James Bond. It would be one of the many highpoints of a career that began as a general reporter on her local paper, the Brighton and Hove Gazette.
She is survived by two children – Alex and Lucy – who she shared with her first husband Gordon Thomas. She was later married to actor Tony ‘Binky’ Baker but the couple later divorced.
What have Annie Nightingale’s family said?
A family statement released today said: ‘Annie Nightingale MBE passed away yesterday at her home in London after a short illness.
‘Annie was a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many. Her impulse to share that enthusiasm with audiences remains undimmed after six decades of broadcasting on BBC TV and radio globally.
‘Never underestimate the role model she became. Breaking down doors by refusing to bow down to sexual prejudice and male fear gave encouragement to generations of your women who, like Annie, only wanted to tell you about an amazing tune they had just heard.
‘Watching Annie do this on television in the 1970s, most famously as a presenter on the BBC music show The Old Grey Whistle Test or hearing her play the latest breakbeat techno on Radio One is testimony to someone who never stopped believing in the magic of rock ‘n’ roll.’
When is Annie Nightingale funeral?
Right now, we don’t have any updates about Annie Nightingale’s funeral. The family’s statement mentioned that a memorial service to celebrate her life will be held in the spring.
Having said that, we are still following up on her death, we will update you as soon as we get important information about Annie Nightingale funeral service.
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