Annie Nightingale Bio, Parents, Husband, Children, Siblings, Net Worth: Annie Nightingale: Radio 1’s first female DJ and champion of new music has died, aged 83
She was the first female presenter on BBC Radio 1 in 1970 and the first female presenter for BBC Television’s The Old Grey Whistle Test
Annie Nightingale died at 83 on Thursday, January 11, 2024, after a short illness, her family has announced.
The family’s statement read: “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.”
It continued: “Never underestimate the role model she became. Break ing 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.
“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”
“A celebration of her life will take place in the Spring at a Memorial Service. The family request privacy at this time. Alex, Lucy, Ollie and Will”
Nightingale first broadcast on the BBC in 1963 as a panelist on Juke Box Jury, before joining Radio 1 seven years later.
She started presenting on Radio 1 in 1970 and became its longest-serving broadcaster, hosting her show Annie Nightingale Presents… until late last year.
As a DJ she has traveled the world, and once said she had been “mugged in Cuba, drugged in Baghdad, and bugged in Russia”.
Nightingale was the first woman to present the BBC’s Old Grey Whistle Test music show which aired on BBC Two, and she wrote two autobiographical books.
She was awarded an MBE in 2002 and a CBE in 2020. In 2004, she became the first female DJ from Radio 1 to be inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame.
In a tribute, BBC Radio 1 DJ Danny Howard, host of Radio 1’s Dance Party, described Annie Nightingale as an “all time radio great”..
“Very sad to hear the news of Annie Nightingale passing,” he posted on X. “An all time radio great and an inspiration to many! I was in awe of her knowledge and passion for music, the way she talked about it and the stories she had! Such a kind soul and will be missed. Thank you Annie R.I.P.”
The BBC’s director-general, Tim Davie, said Nightingale was a “uniquely gifted broadcaster” and hailed her as a “champion for female broadcasters” as he paid tribute, while the head of BBC Radio 1, Aled Haydn Jones, said: “All of us at Radio 1 are devastated to lose Annie, our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Annie Nightingale Age, Height & Weight
Annie Nightingale died at the age of 83 in January 2024. The late English radio and television broadcaster was born on Monday, April 1, 1940, in Osterley, Isleworth, United Kingdom. Her height and weight are unavailable at this time.
Annie Nightingale Parents
Annie Nightingale is the daughter of Celia and Basil Nightingale. She attended St Catherine’s School, Twickenham, Lady Eleanor Holles School, Hampton, Middlesex, and the School of Journalism at the Polytechnic of Central London, now the University of Westminster.
Annie Nightingale Husband
It’s unclear whether the BBC Radio 1 veteran DJ was married at the time she died. Annie Nightingale married twice with both marriages ending in divorce.
Nightingale was first married to writer, Gordon Thomas with whom she had two children, Alex and Lucy and then following their divorce, she married actor Binky Baker who appeared in the 2000 film, “Gangster No. 1”
Annie Nightingale Children
Annie Nightingale is survived by 2 children; Alex Nightingale and Lucy Wilkes. The late broadcaster shares both children with his first husband, Gordon Thomas, a writer. The date of birth, age, and occupation of her two kids are unknown at this time since they live away from the spotlight.
Annie Nightingale Siblings
Annie Nightingale never shared any information regarding his siblings making it unknown to us whether or not he’s the only child of his parents. There are no records about that. Nightingale began her career as a journalist in Brighton, East Sussex.
Annie Nightingale Net Worth
At the time of her death, Annie Nightingale’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million from her career as a broadcaster. She was the first female presenter on BBC Radio 1 in 1970 and the first female presenter for BBC Television’s The Old Grey Whistle Test where she stayed for eleven years.
Source: Ghgossip.com
