{"id":43653,"date":"2024-01-12T14:48:37","date_gmt":"2024-01-12T13:48:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1959653"},"modified":"2024-01-12T15:43:45","modified_gmt":"2024-01-12T14:43:45","slug":"radio-1-legend-annie-nightingale-dies-aged-83","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/radio-1-legend-annie-nightingale-dies-aged-83\/","title":{"rendered":"Radio 1 legend Annie Nightingale dies, aged 83"},"content":{"rendered":"

Her illustrious career in broadcasting spanned several decades. <\/p>

By David Craig\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 12 January 2024 at 13:48 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Legendary DJ and broadcaster Annie Nightingale has died aged 83, it has been confirmed.<\/p>\n

She became the first female presenter for BBC Radio 1 in 1970 and went on to become its longest-serving, spending more than 50 years at the station before winding down Annie Nightingale Presents late last year.<\/p>\n

A statement from her family (via BBC News<\/a>) said: \u201cAnnie Nightingale MBE passed away yesterday at her home in London after a short illness.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie was a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many. Her impulse to share that enthusiasm with audiences remained undimmed after six decades of broadcasting on BBC TV and radio globally.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever 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 young women who, like Annie, only wanted to tell you about an amazing tune they had just heard.<\/p>\n

\u201cWatching 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 1 is testimony to someone who never stopped believing in the magic of rock \u2018n\u2019 roll.\u201d<\/p>\n

BBC Director-General Tim Davie led the tributes today, saying: \u201cI\u2019m deeply saddened by Annie\u2019s passing and our thoughts are with her family, many friends and the whole of Radio 1.<\/p>\n

\"Annie\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Annie Nightingale photographed in 1970.<\/span><\/figcaption> Evening Standard\/Hulton Archive\/Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

\u201cAnnie was a uniquely gifted broadcaster who blessed us with her love of music and passion for journalism, for over 50 years. As well as being a trailblazer for new music, she was a champion for female broadcasters, supporting and encouraging other women to enter the industry.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will all miss her terribly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Head of BBC Radio 1 Aled Haydn Jones added: \u201cAll of us at Radio 1 are devastated to lose Annie, our thoughts are with her family and friends.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie was a world class DJ, broadcaster and journalist, and throughout her entire career was a champion of new music and new artists. She was the first female DJ on Radio 1 and over her 50 years on the station was a pioneer for women in the industry and in dance music.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have lost a broadcasting legend and, thanks to Annie, things will never be the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tributes are also pouring in on social media to the trailblazing talent, with current BBC Radio 1 DJ Danny Howard describing her as \u201can inspiration to many\u201d and \u201csuch a kind soul\u201d.<\/p>\n

Very sad to hear the news of Annie Nightingale passing \ud83d\udc94 An all time radio great and an inspiration to many! I was in awe of her knowledge and passion for music, the way she talked about it and the stories she had! Such a kind soul and will be missed. Thank you Annie R.I.P \ud83d\udd4a\ufe0f\ud83d\ude22 pic.twitter.com\/TH1wLcAKkq<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Danny Howard (@dannyhowarddj) January 12, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote>