Pioneering BBC DJ Annie Nightingale — the first (and for 12 years, only) female DJ on the network’s Radio 1 station, whose embrace of multiple genres of music cast a vast influence on the country’s music fans — died Friday after a brief illness, according to The Guardian. She was 83.
Nightingale joined the station in 1970 and was revered for her enthusiastic support for multiple genres of music for the next half century, spanning progressive rock, punk, acid house, grime and more. She remained on the air until late last year, and was also well known for co-hosting the influential BBC weekly TV show, “The Old Grey Whistle Test.”
RIP Annie Nightingale. Such sad news. A pioneer on both radio and TV, a hugely important champion of great music, and a genuinely lovely person, as today's beautiful tributes prove pic.twitter/SEonakNlDa
— Birmingham 81 (@Birmingham_81) January 12, 2024
Her death was announced on Radio 1 by presenter Mollie King, who said, “I think I can say I speak for myself and other women in broadcasting when I say we owe her an immense amount of gratitude for everything she has done.”
A statement from her family reads in part: “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.
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
