Hall of Fame
The Radio Academy Hall of Fame, sponsored by PPL, is the UK radio industry's tribute to those legendary voices who make and have made an outstanding contribution to the sound of British radio and to British cultural life.
ABC
1952-2001
Douglas Adams' talent of combining fantasy with humanity led him to write The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; an off-beat radio science fiction series that spawned records, stage shows, films, a prodigious website and a small library of books.
1930-1982
As compere of The Top Twenty Show Barry Alldis was the voice of Radio Luxembourg. He is credited with introducing the 'Power Play' to Britain in 1957, when he helped to choose a new release that would be featured on the station throughout each week.
b. 4 February 1946
A broadcast journalist and political correspondent, Peter Allen joined BBC Five Live at its launch and, with co-presenter Jane Garvey, helped to bring a fresh approach to morning news programmes in a highly acclaimed teaming that lasted for 13 years.
b. 28 October 1944.
Gerry has spent almost his entire broadcasting career as a speech broadcaster in Northern Ireland where he coined the term “Stroke City” as a way of dealing with the disputed name Derry/Londonderry.
1913-1999
Anderson was an early presenter of Woman's Hour who maintained a sober, sincere and traditional approach without sounding patronising. She endeared herself to listeners at a time when British broadcasting was primarily male dominated.
1922-1987
Although he hosted a number of popular shows on television, Andrew's work as a reporter, especially of boxing and rugby, helped to define sports broadcasting for a generation.
1914-1991
John Arlott, was a BBC radio cricket commentator whose poetic phraseology was once described as "the voice of an English summer." His final broadcast, received a standing ovation from the crowd and players.
1900-1982
The team of Arthur Askey and Richard Murdoch, on the BBC comedy series Band Waggon, developed into a quick-fire style that moved radio comedy on from the rituals of the variety theatre.
b. 22 June 1957
Danny Baker shares with his audience a passion for music, off-beat trivia and views on football that have been described as fearless, outspoken and controversial.
b. 17 December 1947
Bates created a compulsive and often-mimicked mid-morning feature Our Tune on BBC Radio 1, in which he preceded a listener-chosen record with a poignant story.
b. 29 January 1943
Tony Blackburn was the voice that launched BBC Radio 1. His breezy banter coupled with a readily identifiable choice of jokes quickly made him a listeners' favourite.
1916-1999
Undeterred by being entertained by a radio ventriloquist, the audience for Educating Archie, with Peter Brough and his dummy Archie, grew to 15 million listeners in the 1950s.
b. 2 February 1951
A presenter on BBC Radio 2 since 1982, Ken hosts the mid-morning slot, is a regular on Friday Night Is Music Night and comperes the station's broadcast of The Eurovision Song Contest.
b. 29 October 1933
Cameron became known across the UK as the voice of Independent Radio News, while his authoritative and consummately professional microphone style entertained Londoners for over thirty years.
1948-2006
“He was one of the BBC's finest broadcasters and a brilliant political interviewer, who was also a great listener. Nick's interviewing style was penetrating but unfailingly courteous."
1927-1973
Jimmy Clitheroe is mostly remembered for the situation comedy The Clitheroe Kid in which he played the part of an 11 year-old boy for 16 series from 1957-1972.
1908-2004
Alastair Cook's Letter From America ran for 58 years. Greatly respected on both sides of the Atlantic, he was honored by the Queen and addressed the US Congress on its 200th anniversary.
1899-1969
For almost twenty years, The Billy Cotton Band Show entertained listeners with a popular format that mixed comedy and light entertainment with tunes that catered for music hall-type audiences.
DEFG
1908-1996
To the generations who grew up with Children's Hour, the voice of 'Uncle David' could be instantly recollected decades later. He started as a performer on the show in 1935, eventually rising to Head of Children's Hour in 1953, then Head of Children's Programmes from 1961-64. Thereafter, he moved to the drama department as a producer, where he remained until his retirement.
1914-1988
De Manio was chosen to present a new morning programme, Today when it launched in 1958. He tackled it with an intimate, relaxed style, although he attracted much attention for his inability to read the studio clock correctly. He resigned from the programme in 1971 after the introduction of a new format and subsequent presented an afternoon show, Jack De Manio Precisely until 1978.
1943-2006
Dickin joined the BBC in 1970, becoming the first presenter on air at BBC Radio Oxford. After a spell on other radio stations in Australia and the UK, he joined Talk Radio (later talkSPORT). He was labelled ‘Britain’s Angriest Man’ by talkSPORT listeners and won a Golden Rose award for coverage of the Lockerbie disaster.
1913-1965
Richard Dimbleby was the BBC’s first-ever radio news reporter and later became the Corporation’s official War Correspondent. His measured, cultured delivery, combined with his ability to paint evocative word pictures, gave his dispatches both authority and vividness. He was the unofficial voice of the nation on state occassions and was honoured with both the OBE and the CBE.
b. 20 July 1941.
Ed Doolan joined Britain's first provincial commercial radio station (BRMB) when it was set up, broadcasting his own mix of current affairs and politics. His programmes give Birmingham listeners an insight into how the city is run, acting as an interface between public servants and rate-payers. He moved this formula to BBC WM in 1982. Doolan's services to the Birmingham have been recognised by Honorary Doctorates from all three of the city's universities.
1934-2004
From 1958 the suave, calmly measured tones of John Dunn enhanced various BBC radio networks, none more memorably than Radio 2, where he established himself as one of the nation's favourite broadcasters. He fronted a range of shows including Housewives' Choice, Roundabout and Friday Night Is Music Night. A broadcaster of the old school, Dunn pulled off the rare achievement of remaining popular in an altogether noisier, more frenetic age.
b. 22 December 1948.
Having made a name for himself on Radio Luxembourg, 21 year-old Noel Edmonds took over the BBC Radio 1 Saturday Morning Show from the legendary Kenny Everett in 1969. Four years later, he inherited the weekday breakfast slot from Tony Blackburn. Edmonds moved into television, initially as a presenter of Top Of The Pops and more recently as a quiz-show host.
1908-1972
Franklin Engelmann was a wartime BBC announcer before before becoming a popular quiz show presenter. Nicknamed 'Jingle', he was much loved as the genteel host of Down Your Way and laid claim to being the original presenter of Pick of the Pops.He died in 1972, one day before the recording of the 1,000th episode of Gardener's Question Time which he had chaired for over ten years.
1944-1995
Kenny Everett made his broadcasting debut on the offshore station Radio London. His surreal sense of humour rapidly established him as an outstanding pirate radio personality. He was one of the original BBC Radio 1 presenters, but fell out of favour after a misguided on-air comment. Although he returned to the station, he moved to London's Capital Radio shortly after it launched. At the time of his death, he had a successful career in television and divided his energies between both media.
b. 12 June 1961.
A former student radio presenter who joined Capital Radio shortly after moving into commercial radio. Neil Fox gained popularity in the early 1990s as 'Dr Fox' before moving on to present the Network Chart Show. Fox has been a judge on the television series Pop Idol and has presented the More Music Breakfast Show on Magic 105.4 since 2005.He has received numerous awards including nine Sony's.
1927-2006
.Alan 'Fluff' Freeman joined the BBC Light Programme from Radio Luxembourg and, after presenting several music programmes for the station, he transformed Pick Of The Pops into a music radio institution - introducing it with the much imitated catchphrase "Greetings, pop pickers." His perennial association with chart-based shows through the ensuing decades overshadowed his tireless championing of heavy metal and a lifelong love of classical music.
b. 2 April 1949.
Paul appeared on BBC Radio 1 for 18 years, presenting the US Chart Show for most of that time. In addition to broadcasting on television and other BBC and commercial radio stations, he has been writer or co-author of several definitive music reference books. Renowned for his knowledge of both the American and British music industries, as reflected in programmes such as America's Greatest Hits, Paul Gambaccini is the ultimate chart show voice.
b. 23 June 1964
.Having begun her radio career as a promotions assistant on a local radio station, Jane Garvey became the first voice on BBC Radio Five Live at its launch. Her subsequent partnering with Peter Allen resulted in four Sony Radio Academy Gold Awards.
When an Intercity train that Jane was travelling in crashed at Southall killing five passengers, she reported from the scene using her mobile phone. Her accounts of the tragedy are among Five Live's most memorable and emotive broadcasts.
The Goons - Spike Milligan, Peter Sellars and Harry Secombe – were stars of an imensly popular comedy programme, The Goon Show. The relentless, surreal anarchy of the show was unique and enduringly influential. Driven by scriptwriter Milligan’s manic-depressive personality, it combined army humour, satire on the decline of Empire, plots with a weird, dream-like logic, and a gallery of eccentrics, many of whom were voiced by the chameleonic Sellers. Most of the stories involved mishaps inflicted on Secombe’s naif, irrepressible alter ego Neddy Seagoon.
b. 25 June 1952
Alan Green began his broadcasting career, presenting current affairs in Northern Ireland before joining BBC Radio’s Sport department as a senior sports broadcaster. As an observer of 100-120 matches a season, he has won the admiration of fans for his honest assessments of games and players’ performances. John Inverdale once said of him, “You listen to Alan Green because you know that even if the game is as dull as ditchwater, the commentary won't be.”
1927-1998
A professional musician since the forties and a journalist since the fifties, Benny Green brought his ‘voice of an East End London cabbie’ to the BBC. With his quick wit and eclectic interests, Benny was a natural radio conversationalist. His regular Sunday afternoon stint on BBC Radio 2 gave him the opportunity to air his acerbic, controversial observations on the music scene, which attracted a large and loyal following.
HIJK
1898-1989
Henry was an instrumental figure during the dance band era in Britain from the 1920s to 1950s. With his unassuming manner and proven musicianship, Hall led the BBC Dance Orchestra to even greater popularity than ever before. He made his first broadcast for the British Broadcasting Company in 1924 and achieved national recognition after replacing Jack Payne as leader of the BBC Dance Orchestra in 1932.
1924-1968
Comedian Tony Hancock worked his way from London’s notorious Windmill Theatre through radio shows such as Workers’ Playtime, Variety Bandbox and Educating Archie to the ground-breaking Hancock’s Half Hour. His character of Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock caught the mood of mid-fifties Britain, so much so that even his address implanted itself permanently in to the public’s imagination.
1896-1949
Tommy Handley was already a seasoned radio performer, when the phenomenally successful It’s That Man Again’ (‘ITMA’) was created to showcase his wisecracking personality. Though launched in 1939, during the final days of peace, it was the onset of war that allowed Handley to give vent to topical, Hitler-baiting gags, making ITMA essential listening – ‘that man’ in the title being Hitler himself.
1918-1975.
William Hardcastle achieved distinction in both print and broadcast news journalism. He launched The World At One and stayed with it for ten years, building an audience of four million. In 1970 was was teamed with Derek Cooper for another new programme, PM. Hardcastle had a businesslike, but warm broadcasting voice, and a style that emphasised fact rather than comment, bringing some Fleet Street urgency to the radio presentation of news.
b. 11 April 1946.
By sharing his passionate and unwavering support for the type of music that he loves, Bob Harris has earned the respect of listeners over four decades. Honoured on both sides of the Atlantic and gifted with an instantly recognisable 'whisper' that is comfortably reassuring, he was best described by The Mail On Sunday who called him “a national treasure”.
b. 17 December 1937.
Australian-born Brian Hayes made his UK radio debut as a producer and presenter of talk programmes on London's Capital Radio before moving to LBC. Between 1976 and 1990 he was the controversial presenter of the morning phone-in show which inspired many imitations around the country. His achievements have been recognised by a number of awards including a special Sony in 1987 for his outstanding contribution to the development of radio.
1942-1995
Stuart Henry became a pirate radio disc jockey when he joined Radio Scotland at its launch in 1965. He was one of the first presenters on the new BBC Radio 1 before moving to Radio Luxembourg. Henry had a distinctive style, in contrast to the mid-Atlantic accents or studied zaniness of some of his contemporaries, being quietly spoken, as if talking to each listener individually in his pleasant Scottish brogue.
1907-1969
Kenneth Horne established a partnership with Richard Murdoch which blossomed in the radio shows Ack Ack, Beer Beer and Much Binding In The Marsh. He subsequently devised the popular sketch show Beyond Our Ken, which spawned another comedy series Round The Horne, renowned for its puns and doubles entendres. As radio's most urbane and genial funny man, Horne was brilliant with a script, a master of comic timing and an unselfish foil.
b. 17 August 1943.
John Humphrys was an established journalistic reporter and foreign correspondent when he moved to London in 1980. A year later he became presenter of The Nine O'Clock News before taking the position of co-presenter of BBC Radio 4's flagship early morning news programme, Today. He has a reputation as one of the toughest of political interviewers, but his confrontational style is tempered by humour and informed by assiduous preparation.
1906-1978
Jack Jackson's career as a trumpeter moved on to a series of programmes with his own band on Radio Luxembourg, only to be curtailed by the outbreak of war. After retiring as a bandleader in 1947, Jackson became a radio compere on Radio Luxembourg and the BBC Light Programme. The seminal Jackson style punctuated pop records with comedy clips, subverted the conventional record-spinning format and influenced such disciples as Kenny Everett and Noel Edmonds.
b. 19 May 1926.
David Jacobs sepulchral voice thrilled a nation when it introduced the hugely popular 1950s radio serial, Journey Into Space. His background as an announcer and newsreader made him a perfect choice as chairman of What's My Line and Any Questions. Jacobs image has always been suave and immaculately blazered, and yet he found huge success in the altogether more casual world of the disc jockey. He has been voted Britain's Top DJ on six occasions.
1922-1980
A former Red Cross nurse and welder, Hattie Jacques was cast as Sophie Tuckshop in the well-established radio series ITMA. She subsequently appeared in Educating Archie before joining Hancock's Half Hour to provide a foil for Tony Hancock as the domineering secretary Griselda Pugh. Her popularity on radio led to even greater fame elsewhere, including 14 of the Carry On.. films and in the television comedy series Sykes.
b. 4 July 1950
Canadian born David has one of the most recognisable voices in radio, with over 40 years in the industry, and has worked across some of the UK’s biggest radio stations. He acquired the nickname 'Kid' at the time when he was the youngest radio presenter in Europe and it has stayed with him ever since. Originally a progressive music presenter, Jensen has consistently introduced the public to new artistes that have gone on to achieve stardom.
1912-1994
Brian Johnston joined the BBC in 1946, becoming the first of a new breed of 'entertainer-commentators'. He established himself, as a jolly reporter with a schoolboy sense of humour, presenting offbeat, live outside broadcasts for the topical magazine programme In Town Tonight. As a cricket presenter, 'Johnners' gave the audience what it wanted; information, irreverence, humour. He was one of the boys, forever larking about with his mates in the commentary box.
1930-1990
BBC sports commentator, Peter Jones broadcast from most major football events from the late 1960s until 1990. He also presented or commentated on other sporting events and state occasions. Jones is remembered for his dramatic and sympathetic descriptions of the disasters at the Heysel Stadium and at Hillsborough, although it is said that he never recovered fully after witnessing the latter. He died shortly after collapsing while commentating on the Oxford and Cambridge boat race.
1920-2000
Peter Jones radio partnership with Peter Ustinov in the 1950s comedy series In All Directions, highlighted a talent for improvisation that would later be showcased in his long running appearances on Just A Minute. After achieving success in the TV sitcom The Rag Trade, Jones returned to radio where he found a new audience by playing the part of The Book in Douglas Adams's whimsical sci-fi comedy series The Hitch-Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy.
1908-2003
After starting as an actor on BBC radio dramas, Alan Keith's broadcasting career continued for a record breaking 70 years. His idea for a radio programme featuring the 100 best pieces of music from around the world, eventually became Your Hundred Best Tunes. It was presented by Keith for 44 years, expanding far beyond its initial 13 week slot and outliving the BBC Light Programme for which it was originally commissioned. The show is often said to have helped popularise classical music.
LMNO
1908-1981
Alvar Lidell was responsible for many world-changing broadcasts. He read the 1939 ultimatum that urged Germany to withdraw from Poland and later introduced Neville Chamberlain's sombre announcement that Britain was at war with Germany. His opening remark, “Here is the News, and this is Alvar Lidell reading it” became a reassuring catchphrase during hostilities.
1944-1999
Adrian Love is fondly remembered for a compulsive late-night phone-in with Anna Raeburn on Capital Radio and Love in the Afternoon on BBC Radio 2.
A colleague at Southern Counties Radio said, "Adrian was an ordinary man who had the skill to be an ordinary person on the radio, and this was a touch of genius."
1921-2008
Musician and bandleader Humphrey Lyttelton was the main Jazz presenter on the BBC for many years, hosting The Best of Jazz for over 40 years. As the chairman of I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, his timing and humour helped to suggest both a state of despair and a naïve innocence that propelled the programme to cult status.
b. 30 August 1941.
Initially employed by the BBC as a reporter on The World At One, Sue MacGregor hosted Woman's Hour for 15 years and the Today programme from 1984-2002. She currently presents The Reunion and A Good Read. Speaking of her time on Today, Michael Palin commented on her "unflappability and her wonderful ability to let people put their own foot in their mouths".
1919-1998
Betty Marsden was the female lead in Beyond Our Ken alongside Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Williams and Kenneth Horne. She enjoyed further success with Round the Horne, employing her impressive vocal range to create larger than life characters such Fanny Haddock and Dame Celia Molestrangler.
b. 17 September 1928.
Brian established himself as the regular presenter of the BBC Light Programme shows Saturday Club and Easy Beat, offering a regular dose of pop music to the younger generation at a time when it was a rare commodity on the BBC. He launched The Sound of the Sixties, in 1990 and has presented the show ever since.
1907-1981
Jessie Matthews was a huge star on both sides of the Atlantic by the time she took over the title role of Mrs Dale in the long-running BBC radio soap opera Mrs Dale's Diary. A year after the final episode was broadcast, Matthews was awarded an OBE.
b. 4 Feb 1960
As one of the UK's top jazz presenters, Helen created the format for Jazz FM's long-running evening programme Dinner Jazz.
Her style, personality and musical knowledge have done much to attract new listeners to the appeal of jazz.
b. 21 September 1958.
Starting in BBC Local Radio, Simon moved via BBC Radio 1 to his current positions on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 5 Live. On being awarded a Sony Radio Academy Award as Speech Broadcaster of the Year 2008, Mayo was described as "a master of light and shade, handling serious and lighter issues with aplomb."
1897-1967
As a BBC announcer, McCullock was commentator on the first radio broadcast of an FA Cup Final in 1927 and helped to set up Children's Hour in 1933. Known to children as 'Uncle Mac', his closing catchphrase, “Goodnight Children; Everywhere” was eagerly anticipated by listeners.
1923-2000
Jean Metcalfe became one of the BBC's first female announcers during the war when she was appointed to the BBC General Forces Programme. She soon began to present records on the station's request show, Forces Favourites. With the cesation of hostilities, she remained with the show when it was renamed Family Favourites and moved to the BBC Light Programme. She later married another of the show's presenters, Cliff Michelmore. Metcalfe presented Woman's Hour in the 1950's and, after a gap away from the BBC, returned with If You Think You've Got Problems.
1942-1989
Ray Moore was a TV continuity announcer, newsreader and presenter before joining BBC Radio 2. His witty early morning show were renowned for their endings which developed into a series of lengthy and popular hand overs to the breakfast presenter Terry Wogan. The two were renowned for a spontaneous repartee that attracted its own audience. Following listener demand, Moore released two records, the first of which remained in the charts for seven weeks.
1907-1990
Comedian Richard 'Stinker' Murdoch had his radio break alongside Arthur Askey in the BBC comedy programme Band Waggon. Created as a light entertainment show, the pair revolutionised it with madcap comedy, much of which was supposedly based in a flat at the top of Broadcasting House. Murdoch later joined Kenneth Horne for 'Much Binding in the Marsh' before taking on the role of a bumbling civil servant in The Men from the Ministry with Wilfrid Hyde-White and later Deryck Guyler. His radio career lasted for almost 60 years.
b. 2 May 1950
Jenni cut her teeth on local radio in Bristol before moving into television as a reporter and presenter. In the mid-1980s she joined the BBC Radio 4 Today programme and launched the Saturday edition with John Humphrys two years later. Murray has been the regular presenter of BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour since 1987 and presents The Message for the same station. Described by Charles Wheeler as having, “the most beautiful voice on radio, ever”, she was awarded an OBE for radio broadcasting in the 1999 Birthday Honours list.
b. 19 September 1928
Pete moved from acting to Radio Luxembourg where he established himself as one of that station’s top names. He later broadened his appeal with the launch of a Saturday night show Pete’s Party on the BBC Light Programme while still recording shows for Luxembourg. In the mid-1960s, he was dropped by the BBC after presenting sponsored shows on Radio Caroline and Radio London, but was picked up by BBC Radio 1 at its launch. After presenting shows for BBC Radio 2 and Radio 4 Murray moved to LBC where he remained until 2002.
b. 9 August 1951.
Following 11 years in journalism, during which time he specialised as a political correspondent, Naughtie moved into radio as presenter of The Week In Westminster and then The World At One before joining the Today programme in 1994. Naughtie is known for changing his interviewing style to match his guests. He is quoted as saying, "The funny thing about radio is that although people can't see it, it is extraordinarily intimate. The one thing you can't have is monochrome presentation."
b. 1 April 1942.
Former journalist Annie Nightingale was the first female DJ on BBC Radio 1 and is the station's longest-serving presenter. She has presented a range of programmes, is a champion of underground music and is not afraid to embrace new musical styles. She currently spins breaks on her overnight show and often features major breaks DJs. Annie was awarded an MBE for services to radio broadcasting in 2002.
PQRS
1928-2009
Norman appeared as Philip Archer in the radio drama The Archers, from its trial run in 1950 until his death, gaining the official world record for an actor playing a continuous role. A talented and versatile performer, he appeared in television and stage productions ranging from Shakespeare to pantomime.
b. 10 October 1923
A loveable and self confessed 'straight man', Parsons has endeared himself to radio listeners as host of every episode of Just A Minute since it began in 1967. In a 2010 interview Parsons described the success of the show as laughing at himself while comedians around him make jokes at his expense. “You can't take yourself seriously”.
b. 13 December 1948
A music broadcaster who learned his craft as a club DJ, Andy first appeared on radio in Manchester before moving to London. He has successfully mixed music and sport, commentating on cricket for more than two decades and interviewing top musicians and sports personalities.
1939-2004
Peel broke the mould in 1960s UK radio by presenting US West Coast music from the offshore station Radio London. Heralded for showcasing new musical talent on the BBC his inimitable style slipped easily onto BBC Radio 4, where he presented a popular speech programme.
1904-1978
The first BBC newsreader with a regional accent, Pickles achieved his greatest success as the genial host of Have A Go in which ordinary people performed party pieces and answered simple questions. He was a Children's Hour regular and a great MC with a genuine common touch.
1914-1985
A pre-war broadcaster on Radio Normandy, Plomley joined the BBC in the 1940s to present a new BBC programme, Desert Island Discs; a show that he introduced for 49 year. Now an institution, Plomley's creation has become the longest running music radio programme in the world.
b. 3 April 1944
Anna established herself as a radio Agony Aunt on London’s Capital Radio during the 1970s and 1980s. Speaking of this era, Vincent Graff said, “If you were a baffled teenager trying to find your way in the world, Anna and the Doc gave you the roadmap.”
1909-1987
An observational humorist who described his short witty sketches as “pictures of life.” At its peak, The Al Read Show was heard by an audience of 20 million. Historian Cliff Hays said of Read, “Al hit the right note at the right time and was good at it.”
1929-1994
Redhead relished dropping a word in the ear of the nation every morning, tackling everyone with cheerful confidence and zest. A cultivated man with wide interests, he made many memorable and authoratitive radio series.
b. 24 June 1951
A combination of broadcasting skill and a passion for the music have made Rodigan one of the world's most respected reggae aficionados. His Capital Radio shows were so popular that reggae promoters were said to have been afraid to put on events at the same time.
b. 26 December 1942
A DJ for the US Navy and Radio Caroline, Rosko joined BBC Radio 1 when it launched and remained with the station for almost nine years. He once described his American-influenced broadcast style as "highly rated, often imitated, but rarely duplicated."
b. 7 February 1949
Les Ross played records in discos and nightclubs in Birmingham before becoming a broadcaster. He epitomised the expertise of the truly local radio presenter, uniting the huge Midlands city into one community and earning Chris Tarrant’s description as "the definitive voice of Birmingham".
1943-1989
Roger Scott blended a love of contemporary music with an encyclopedic knowledge and an enviable knack of opening his mouth only when he had something of substance to say. His broadcasting style influenced a new breed of presenters and continues to do so today.
1958-2006
For many years, Linda carved out a career in the difficult world of stand-up comedy before embracing radio. She was equally at home with sitcoms, chat, quizzes or sketch shows and stubbornly refused to fit any stereotype, her deadpan diatribes about everyday irritations resonating with millions.
1904-1996
John Snagge's rich, fruity vocal tone was one of the most distinctive in the medium. He commentated on Boat Race for 50 years, announced both D-Day and VE Day, and was senior commentator at the 1953 Coronation, while also holding down executive positions with the BBC.
1882-1965
In 1927 Christopher Stone became the first UK disc jockey after persuading the BBC to adopt his idea for a record programme. The Melody Maker said of him, "Everyone who has written, produced or compered a gramophone programme should salute the founder of his trade."
TUVWXYZ
b. 10 October 1946
After co-hosting an the anarchic Saturday morning children's television show, Tarrant burst onto Capital Radio with a programme that made him a broadcasting phenomenon.His presentational style allows him to slip seamlessly between television and radio as a games show host or a DJ.
b. 26 April 1972
Margherita is a multi-talented radio and TV presenter, who can comfortably switch from political and cultural issues to discussing the current music scene. She is an ambassador for The Prince's Trust and has been a Mercury Music Prize judge.
b. 3 May 1958
A popular radio and television personality, Sandi has appeared on numerous children's, factual and comedy programmes, She has been heard on a variety of BBC Radio 4 shows, including Excess Baggage and The News Quiz, the latter of which she chairs with an incomparable and almost rascally humour.
b. 25 May 1945
With a radio career ranging from the offshore pirate station Radio Caroline to the Magic Network, Travis has entertained listeners since the mid-1960s. One of the longest serving broadcasters on BBC Radio 1, his exit from the station has become a radio legend.
1928-2005
John fronted the BBC Today programme from 1970 to 1986. His on-air partnership with Brian Readhead created a classic presentation team that made the show essential early morning listening and set a new standard for all news programmes.
1941-2005
Tommy Vance was in the original broadcast teams for both BBC Radio 1 and London's Capital Radio. His Friday Rock Show for the BBC was memorable for coupling his distinctive gravelly voice and slick presentation with heavy metal and rock music.
b. 30 March 1945
Immortalised as the DJ who 'spanned the ban' by broadcasting as the offshore stations were outlawed, Walker missed the launch of BBC Radio 1. He eventually joined the station in 1969 with outspoken views and a choice of music that made him a firm favourite with listeners.
b. 11 November 1925
June Whitfield made her radio breakthrough as the long-suffering 'Eth' in The Glums. After success in films and television, she returned to radio in comedy and satire programmes, and as Miss Marple in dramatisations of the Agatha Christie novels.
1926-1988
Williams had a long and notable radio career with a repertoire of characters ranging from the sophisticated to the ridiculous. His run of more that 20 years on Just A Minute demonstrated his incisive wit and vocal talent, and provided a marked contrast to the other panelists.
1920-1985
Windsor was responsible for recruiting the young Noel Edmonds to Radio Luxembourg and Kenny Everett credited him as his mentor. His nickname 'TW' and his deep, resonant two-tone opening call of “Hel-lo” made him one of the giants of the era and won him a faithful audience.
b. 3 August 1938
Sir Michael Terence 'Terry' Wogan KBE DL began his career at RTE where he presented shows such as Jackpot in the 1960s. He moved to BBC Radio 1 and made his name presenting the Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 in the 1970s. After a spell in TV he returned to the station in 1993 and created Wake Up To Wogan, the UK's most popular breakfast show.
b. 21 September 1921
A singer and broadcaster, Jimmy appeared on the BBC Light Programme and Radio Luxembourg before becoming part of the launch team of DJs on BBC Radio 1. He is best remembered for his programmes on BBC Radio 2 where he created a unique blend of music, chat and interviews with world leaders, statesmen and royalty.
