Radio presenter Janice Long dies aged 66
She passed away on Christmas Day morning
Radio presenter Janice Long has died at the age of 66.
She presented on many radio stations across her career and was the first regular female presenter on Top Of The Pops, she was also a popular presenter on Hits Radio's sister station Greatest Hits Radio.
During a 40-year career, she hosted shows across flagship BBC stations including Radio 1, helped launch the careers of artists including Amy Winehouse and covered major music events such as Live Aid.
"A wonderful, warm human being"
Janice's agent Nigel Forsyth confirmed the news that she sadly passed away on the morning of Christmas Day after a short illness.
In a statement he said: “Janice was a wonderful warm human being and exceptional broadcaster.
"She told a brilliant story and always made you roar with laughter with her sharp wit. She will leave behind her husband Paul and two children who she thought the world of.
"Janice was passionate about her music and championed new artists throughout her life including The Smiths, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Primal Scream, Richard Hawley, and was the DJ who gave Amy Winehouse her first radio session.
"Janice wanted it known she was so thankful to the NHS and all who looked after her.”
An overview of Janice Long's amazing career history.
- Janice started her Radio career at BBC Radio Merseyside in Liverpool in 1979. Eventually presenting her own show Streetlife for the station on Sunday evenings, focusing on local Liverpool bands, Frankie Goes to Hollywood did their first radio session for Janice.
- In the early 80s After interviewing Paul Gambaccini, the latter famously recommended her to BBC Radio 1 where over the next decade she became an important music tastemaker alongside the likes of John Peel and Annie Nightingale.
- Janice went on to present shows at BBC London, XFM, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Radio Wales as well as most recently Saturday Afternoons on Greatest Hits Radio
- Janice was honoured with a BASCA Gold Badge award in 2016 for her unique contribution to music.
- In 1983, she became the first female presenter on Top of the Pops and remained the only female presenter of the programme for the ensuing five years
- Janice was also the only female presenter at Live Aid for the coverage from Wembley
- In January 2019, Janice joined the original line-up of Greatest Hits Radio, hosting a Saturday afternoon programme
- Janice will be remembered as a fierce champion of new music, who broke countless important bands and artists into the mainstream, who in turn then helped to shape popular music culture.
- Janice broke the mould and new ground for female’s working in the broadcast and media industries
Everyone at Hits Radio share our thoughts and deepest condolences with her family and loved ones at this time.