Published
Fri, Jan 12, 2024, 14:15
- The legendary host passed away yesterday at her home in London following a short illness.
Trailblazing British DJ and radio host Annie Nightingale MBE has died aged 83.
The news was confirmed earlier today, January 12th, via a short statement from Nightingale's family. It said she died yesterday at her home in London following a short illness.
"Annie was a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many," the statement read. "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."
Born in Middlesex on April 1st, 1941, Nightingale began working in TV and newspapers before earning her break at then-young station BBC Radio 1 in 1970, becoming the station's first woman DJ after a ban was lifted. She remained the only woman on the airwaves for 12 years, graduating from an afternoon slot to the evening, where she was granted greater freedom over the musical programming.
In the '80s, Nightingale's love affair with electronic music began, introducing listeners to acid house, breaks, techno and, later, grime, EDM and more. Her beloved Annie Nightingale presents... show was broadcasting weekly up until last Sunday, making her BBC Radio 1's longest-serving DJ. She also used to DJ regularly at clubs and festivals across the UK and Europe, including Glastonbury, Snowbombing and Glade.
Read some tributes, and revisit Nightingale's RA Exchange from 2020.