BBC pays tribute to radio icon Annie Nightingale as fans hail her a ‘true inspiration’ to women

The BBC has paid a gushing tribute to radio icon Annie Nightingale following her death at 83.

The radio and TV broadcaster was the first female presenter on BBC Radio 1 in 1970 and remained there until the present day, specialising in championing new and underground music all while supporting women in a male-dominated industry. Annie was BBC Radio 1’s longest-serving broadcaster and even held the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a female radio presenter.

The family’s statement read: “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.”

Tributes have poured in for Annie (

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Popperfoto via Getty Images) Annie has been hailed as a ‘true inspiration’ to women in radio (

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PA)

It continued: “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. Alex, Lucy, Ollie and Will.”

Following the news of Annie’s sad passing, tributes have poured in. BBC Director-General Tim Davie also released a statement, which read: “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.”

Elsewhere, Aled Haydn Jones, who is Head of BBC Radio 1, wrote: “All of us at Radio 1 are devastated to lose Annie, our thoughts are with her family and friends. 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 of Music Lorna Clarke added: “She was a fierce pioneer for new music and supporting female talent and will be hugely missed by her many supporters from around the world.”

DJ and music journalist Maryanne Hobbs took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to pay tribute to the late radio icon. “RIP Queen Annie Nightingale,” she wrote alongside a throwback photo of a young Annie playing with some records while in the radio studio.

BBC Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball reshared the same photo of Annie, and alongside it she penned: “Annie Nightingale. Heartbroken to hear the news. The original trailblazer for us women in radio. She loved music like no other… and could outlast any of us at the party. So grateful for all the love and support she offered me over the years what a dame… rest well.”

Greg James also paid tribute to the late radio legend as he reshared an interview that Annie did with The Guardian. Greg wrote: “Annie Nightingale’s life and achievements were so extraordinary you couldn’t possibly sum them up on here. This interview is well worth your time. It was such a treat if you happened to be in the building at the same time as her. She was always so interested in what everyone else was up to. We’re going to miss her so much. She was just absolutely amazing.”

Jeremy Vine also shared his condolences as he took to Twitter to say: “Rest in peace, Annie Nightingale.” DJ Trevor Nelson added: “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.”

Music guru Zane Lowe posted an inspiring quote from Annie, which read: “’If you’re a young person, make your life exciting now. Make this decade the thing that you’re excited about. Come on! Use it now! Don’t look back. I don’t look back’. RIP Annie Nightingale.”

BBC Radio 1 DJ Danny Howard also shared: “Very sad to hear the news of Annie Nightingale passing. 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.”

The Middlesex-born star began her career as a journalist in Brighton. In the early to mid-60s, she explored other options in television as a reporter on South Today and in light entertainment and music programmes.

She joined the Brighton and Hove Gazette as a general reporter and was quickly promoted to the Brighton Evening Argus as a general reporter, feature writer and diarist. Her later work saw her interview Sean Connery in his first James Bond role. She even became the paper’s first pop music columnist.

Annie met Dusty Springfield and her manager Vicki Wickham, who was the editor of the pop TV show, Ready Steady Go! She was soon invited to host a new sister show. She presented her own show, That’s For Me and made sure to book talented musical guests who were not previously seen on television.

She co-hosted music series, Sing A Song Of Sixpence and appeared on A Whole Scene Going. The multi-talented icon also launched a chain of fashion boutiques. During the 60s, she wrote columns for many magazines writing about teen and social issues. She was the pop music columnist for Cosmopolitan and regularly wrote for the Sunday Mirror and Daily Express.

Annie became a DJ after being inspired by the impact of pop pirate ships. She applied for a job as a Radio 1 DJ but was first rejected for being a woman. She tried for three years and was finally given a chance to audition by her friends The Beatles. She was given a trial of six shows before she got the job as the first female radio DJ on BBC Radio 1.

She remained the station’s only female DJ until 1982, when Janice Long joined, and is credited with helping to pave the way for the likes of Sara Cox, Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball. Along with her radio work, Annie also published memoirs, hosted interview series, and presented many iconic shows such as The Old Grey Whistle Test.

She introduced and championed legendary artists such as Talking Heads, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Clash, The Ramones and many more. Annie helped launch many artists’ careers and was called a trailblazer by many people such as Lauren Laverne, Jo Whiley, Zoe Ball and Annie Mac. The radio DJ remained on the air until late last year with Annie Nightingale Presents.

In 2021, BBC Radio 1 launched a new scholarship for female and non-binary dance music DJs which was named after Nightingale. In 2019, she was made a CBE for services to radio having previously been made an MBE in 2002. In her personal life, Annie married writer Gordon Thomas and welcomed children Alex and Lucy. She went on to marry Binky Baker (known for Gangster No. 1). The marriage ended in divorce.

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