The BBC Radio 1 DJ passed away on 11 January 2024, aged 83.
Annie Nightingale, the first female presenter on Radio 1 and the station’s longest running broadcaster, has died. Her family said that she passed away at her home in London following a short illness. ” “Annie was a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many,” the pioneering DJ’s family wrote in a statement. “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.”
Nightingale began presenting on BBC Radio 1 in the 1970s, making history as the station’s first female broadcaster, and remained the only woman DJ there for 12 years. During the 70s, 80s and 90s she hosted Radio 1’s Request Show. She was the station’s longest serving DJ and remained on air until late last year with her show Annie Nightingale presents. Her pioneering work also saw her champion the careers of emerging female and non-binary DJs with a scholarship programme in 2021.
Since the news of Nightingale’s passing, tributes have been paid to the legendary broadcaster including fellow BBC Radio presenters such as Maryanne Hobbs, Lauren Laverne, Trevor Nelson and Jo Whiley. Read a selection of tributes below.
RIP Queen Annie Nightingale pic.twitter.com/YrWjOHMEBQ
— maryanne hobbs (@maryannehobbs) January 12, 2024
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 🖤 pic.twitter.com/iMqoaJqvEw— Jo Whiley (@jowhiley) January 12, 2024
RIP Annie Nightingale. An extraordinary trailblazer, talent and pioneer in music.
A huge part of Warp’s history and legacy, Annie championed so many of our artists, and we are endlessly grateful for her incredible support over the years.
She will be truly missed. pic.twitter.com/kG5kE1fuZi
— Warp Records (@WarpRecords) January 12, 2024
What Annie Nightingale did for women in music wouldn’t fit in a book, much less a tweet. She didn’t hold the door open: she was the door. I’m incredibly grateful for her life and to have been one of many people who followed behind and tried to walk in her giant footprints.
— The Blessed Madonna (@Blessed_Madonna) January 12, 2024
