The legendary Annie Nightingale is no more! BBC Radio 1’s first radio presenter breathed her last on January 11 in London. Her family announced the news via a statement. The first female DJ on Radio 1 leaves behind an unmatched legacy.
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.
Annie Nightingale’s Family
Nightingale had the Guinness World Record holder for the longest career in her respective line of work. Starting off as a journalist initially, she joined Radio 1 in 1970 and continued ever since. She was the only female DJ for BBC Radio 1 for 12 years. This was until Janice Long joined her in 1982. Nightingale carved a niche for herself at the station with listeners. She was primarily responsible for introducing the underground acid house scene to the mainstream in the late 80s.
Groundbreaking gender-based stereotypes back then professionally, Annie inspired a complete timeline of women gradually embracing her line of work. She was celebrated for her passion to encourage a wide range of musical genres. She was awarded an OBE for services to radio broadcasting in 2002. A CBE appointment followed in 2020.
Rest in Power, Annie!
