PIONEERING Radio 1 DJ Annie Nightingale has tragically passed away aged 83.
The trailblazing presenter became the first female DJ on the station in 1970.
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Her family paid tribute, saying Annie passed away at her home in London yesterday after a “short illness”.
They added: “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.
“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.
“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 Annie’s life will take place at a memorial service in the spring, the family added.
Annie, who has two children, was born in Osterley, Middlesex, and began her career as a journalist for the BBC and ITV.
After joining the Brighton Evening Argus as a general news reporter, she switched to interviewing celebs as the paper’s first music columnist.
Annie later presented a pop culture show, That’s For Me, on the BBC which featured on showcasing unheard of musicians.
She also co-hosted the music series, Sing A Song Of Sixpence, and put put out her own chain of fashion boutiques called Snob.
In 1970, she became the first female presenter on BBC Radio 1 – specialising in supporting underground music.
Annie was the station’s longest-serving broadcaster and held the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a female radio presenter.
She previously spoke out about her role, saying she feared the BBC wanted her to “fail”.
Annie added: “I felt the technical guys were waiting for me to fail, too. I felt very much like a woman driver.”
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