PIONEERING Radio 1 DJ Annie Nightingale has tragically passed away at the age of 83.
The pioneer presenter became the station’s first female DJ in 1970 – launching the careers of dozens of unknown artists.
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Annie Nightingale has tragically passed away Credit: Brochure
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She was the first female Radio 1 DJ Credits: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Her family paid tribute, saying Annie died at her home in London yesterday after a “short illness”.
They added: “Annie was a trailblazer, 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 around the world.
“Never underestimate the role model she has become. Breaking down doors by refusing to give in to sexual prejudice and male fear has given encouragement to generations of young women who, like Annie, just wanted to tell you about the amazing song they just heard.
“Watching Annie do this on television in the 1970s, most famously as a presenter on the BBC’s The Old Gray Whistle Test, or hearing her play the latest breakbeat techno on Radio One, is testament to someone who never stopped believing in the magic of rock . ‘n’ roll.”
A celebration of Annie’s life will be held at a memorial Mass in the spring, the family added.
Annie, who has two children, was born in Osterley, Middlesex, and started her career as a journalist for the BBC and ITV.
After joining the Brighton Evening Argus as a general reporter, she switched to interviewing celebrities as the paper’s first music columnist.
Annie later presented a pop culture show, That’s For Me, on the BBC which was about showcasing unheard musicians.
She also co-hosted the music series Sing A Song Of Sixpence and launched her own chain of fashion boutiques called Snob.
In 1970, she became the first presenter on BBC Radio 1 – specializing in supporting underground music.
Annie was the station’s longest-serving presenter and held the Guinness World Record for longest career as a radio presenter.
She helped launch the careers of many acts – including Talking Heads, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Clash and The Ramones.
She previously spoke out about her role, saying she feared the BBC wanted her to “fall”.
Annie added: “I felt like the tech guys were waiting for me to fail too. I felt like a female driver.”
The DJ proved the doubters wrong though – paving the way for other female TV presenters including Annie Mac, Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley.
Away from Radio 1, Annie presented The Old Gray Whistle Test.
In 2020 she was made a CBE for her services to radio broadcasting and also became the first Radio 1 DJ to be inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame.
Annie shared two children, Alex and Lucy, with her first husband, Gordon Thomas.
She was also married to actor Binky Baker, but the couple later divorced.
Tributes have poured in for the tragic DJ, led by fellow presenter Trevor Nelson.
He said: “Dear Annie, you were more than just a trailblazer for women in radio, you made me feel like broadcasting music was for life.
“Rave in peace.”
BBC Radio 1 presenter Aled Haydn Jones said: “All of us at Radio 1 are devastated by the loss of Annie, our thoughts are with her family and friends.
“Annie was a world DJ, TV presenter and journalist, and throughout her career she was a champion of new music and new artists.
“She was the first female DJ on Radio 1 and during her 50 years at the station she was a pioneer for women in the industry and dance music.
“We’ve lost a broadcasting legend and, thanks to Annie, things will never be the same.”
While Danny Howard, host of Radio 1’s Dance Party, wrote: “Very sad to hear the news of Annie Nightingale’s death.
“Great radio for all time and an inspiration to many!
“I was amazed by her knowledge and passion for music, the way she talked about it and the stories she had!
“Such a good soul and will be missed. Thank you Annie RIP”
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Annie said she felt like everyone wanted her to fail when she first got the job Credit: Getty
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She eventually became the longest-serving television anchor Credit: Getty Images – Getty
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The DJ started out as a journalist before moving into music journalism. Credits: Brochure
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It was known for exhibiting unknown artists Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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