Annie Nightingale, BBC Radio 1’s first ever female presenter, has died, at the age of 83.
She was not only the first, but also went on to become the station’s longest-serving presenter. Joining in 1970, she was its only female voice for 12 years.
In a statement her family 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 remained 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 young 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.
“A celebration of her life will take place in the Spring at a Memorial Service.
“The family request privacy at this time.”
Nightingale’s eclectic music collection ranged from punk to acid house and grime. While she made her name on the radio, she also presented The Old Grey Whistle Test on BBC Two. In the late 80s, she also hosted an interview show for ITV, called One To One – this featured Debbie Harry, Paul McCartney and Peter Gabriel amongst others.
In fact, McCartney and The Beatles have been credited with giving Nightingale her break. After trying and failing to get onto Radio 1 for “3 years”, it was the Liverpool band and their staff at Apple which persuaded them to give her an audition.
“All of us at Radio 1 are devastated to lose Annie, our thoughts are with her family and friends,” said Aled Haydn Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1.
“Annie 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.
“We have lost a broadcasting legend and, thanks to Annie, things will never be the same.”
BBC Director-General, Tim Davie added:
“I’m deeply saddened by Annie’s passing and our thoughts are with her family, many friends and the whole of Radio 1.
“Annie 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.
“We will all miss her terribly.”
#RIPAnnieNightingale The first and the greatest to ever do it. An inspiration to generations of women everywhere and a beacon of light and hope to me. Fly high Queen 🫅 https://t.co/NMl9pe7Ksl
— PAULETTE (@DJPAULETTE) January 12, 2024
Aww Annie Nightingale, one of the all time radio greats.
— Steve Penk (@StevePenk) January 12, 2024
Thanks Annie for teaching us all how to make better radio.
Ah, no. RIP Annie Nightingale, pictured with Paul in 1975.
— Beatles Books Podcast (@BooksBeatles) January 12, 2024
‘The Beatles were always very nice to me. It was a great honour to be accepted by them' pic.twitter.com/Xz2GCZwp9q
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 💙
— Trevor Nelson (@DJTrevorNelson) January 12, 2024
Annie Nightingale: Legendary Radio 1 DJ dies at 83 https://t.co/6x8lnMb63E
Rest In Peace you absolute 👑 Annie Nightingale.
— Rowetta🎙 (@Rowetta) January 12, 2024
Always so lovely to me, from the first time we met in 1990.
Beautiful legend! 🙌🏽❤️ pic.twitter.com/FK8EgnYfJK
