Get the latest gossip

Annie Nightingale dies aged 83: Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley lead tributes to 'the coolest woman who ever graced the airwaves' as BBC Radio 1's first female DJ passes away at her home


It was revealed on Friday that the legendary radio DJ died at home after a short illness, with her family paying tribute to a 'pioneer and inspiration to many'.

Breaking down doors by refusing to bow down to sexual prejudice and male fear gave encouragement to generations of your 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.' 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.

Get the Android app

Or read this on Daily Mail

Read more on:

Photo of Jo Whiley

Jo Whiley

Photo of Zoe Ball

Zoe Ball

Photo of Annie Nightingale

Annie Nightingale

Related news:

News photo

Annie Nightingale, Pioneering BBC Radio DJ, Dies at 83

News photo

Annie Nightingale Dies: First Female BBC Radio 1 DJ & Host Of ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’ Was 83

News photo

Annie Nightingale: Radio 1’s first female DJ and champion of new music dies aged 83