Trailblazing BBC Radio presenter Annie Nightingale dies aged 83
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Annie Nightingale, the BBC Radio presenter, has died aged 83, her family have announced, paying tribute to a “trailblazer” who “refused to bow down to men”.
The presenter became the first woman to host BBC Radio 1 when she joined the station in 1970.
Nightingale’s family have announced her death, and hailed the presenter as a “trailblazer”.
In a statement, they 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.”
They said: “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.”
Her family added that Nightingale was someone who “never stopped believing in the magic of rock ‘n’ roll”.
Nightingale broke new ground as the first female presenter of BBC Radio 1, and later admitted that she feared a mistake during her first broadcast, when she played the wrong record, would cost her the job.
She kept the role, however, and remained at the station for decades, earning a Guinness World Record in 2010 for having the longest career as a female radio presenter. She also presented the Old Grey Whistle Test from 1978 to 1980.
In 2022 she hosted a series of special programmes on Radio 1 and Radio 2 to mark 50 years on broadcasting.
Annie Mac, who hosted a variety of Radio 1 shows before leaving in 2021 after 17 years, described Nightingale as a “trailblazer, spirited, adventurous, fearless, hilarious, smart, and so good at her job”.
Alongside a black-and-white photo of a young Nightingale, she wrote: “This is the woman who changed the face and sound of British TV and Radio broadcasting forever. You can’t underestimate it.
“Before Annie Nightingale came on Radio 1, it was legitimately believed by BBC bosses that people didn’t want to hear women’s voices on the radio.
“Radio DJs were seen as husband substitutes for the wives who listened at home. God forbid British women might want to listen to other women.”
The Dublin-born DJ, who real name is Annie Macmanus, said Nightingale “smashed through all the sexist stereotypes of what kind of broadcaster a woman should be” and continued on through until she was an older woman who played underground music on Radio 1.
She added: “She was always the epitome of ‘cool’, relentlessly curious and enthusiastic and hungry to learn. She always had the messiest desk in our office, the best outfits, and the most outrageous stories to tell. She was so sound!
“I hope stages and festivals and awards will be named in her honour for decades to come. Queen of breaks! Annie Nightingale, you absolute legend, may you always be ‘on One’.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley also thanked Nightingale as she called her “the coolest woman who ever graced the airwaves”.
“She blazed a trail for us all and never compromised. Her passion for music never diminished. Annie – my utmost respect and thanks for it all. Much love Jo,” she added.
Emily Eavis, a Glastonbury Festival co-organiser, remembered her as “an inspiration to so many women in music” and a “lovely human being”.
She recalled: “Annie gave me so much support when I was in my twenties, I always felt so grateful to have such a strong woman encouraging me along the way and I’m sure she has done the same for many others like me.”
Greg James, Radio 1 Breakfast Show host, said being in the presence of Nightingale was “such a treat” and she will be missed “so much”.
While Danny Howard, the host of Radio 1’s Dance Party, said she was an “all-time radio great” and a “kind soul”.
Fellow veteran presenter Trevor Nelson said Nightingale made him “feel like music broadcasting is for life”, adding: “Rave in peace.”
Tim Davie, the BBC director general, paid tribute to a “uniquely gifted broadcaster”, saying: “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.”
Zoe Ball, Nightingale’s BBC Radio 2 colleague, also shared her sadness at the loss, saying she was “heartbroken” at the news.
She said: “She loved music like no other, she sought out the tunes and artists that shaped our lives, she interviewed them all, opening doors for musicians, DJs and broadcasters alike.”
Mollie King, a BBC Radio 1 presenter, said on air as she announced the news of Nightingale’s death on Friday that the DJ “really championed female talent”.
