Tony Blackburn – Broadcaster, DJ, Soul Pioneer

Born in Guildford, Surrey in 1943, Tony Blackburn was educated at Millfield School in Somerset and later Bournemouth College. The son of a doctor in Lilliput, near Poole in Dorset, Tony made his first public performance with the Ian Ralfini Dance Orchestra at the Bournemouth Pavilion during his college years. He went on to play with several hotel bands before discovering his true calling: radio.

In 1964, having read in the music press that disc jockeys were wanted for offshore radio, Tony applied and was hired by Radio Caroline South. His first broadcast was on 25th July 1964. Two years later, he joined Radio London, where he introduced the UK’s first-ever soul music programme.

Tony became a household name in 1967 when he joined the BBC Light Programme. Later that year, on 30th September, he made broadcasting history by being the very first voice on the newly launched BBC Radio 1, presenting the flagship daily Breakfast Show—a role he held until 1974 before moving to the mid-morning show and then Junior Choice. Tony remained with Radio 1 until 1984.

Following his time at Radio 1, Tony revitalised BBC Radio London with his hugely popular soul show and weekly “Soul Nights” events, which became so successful they eventually eclipsed Capital Radio’s long-running “Best Disco in Town.” His impact on soul music in the UK was profound, with Stevie Wonder once turning up in person to thank him for championing the genre.

In 1988, Tony joined Capital Radio to help launch Capital Gold, where his soul shows ran until 2002. He later presented on Jazz FM, Smooth Radio, and the Real Radio Network, before moving to Classic Gold to host the Breakfast Show until 2007. By 2008, he was presenting weekend shows on Smooth Radio, as well as shows on KCFM in Hull and KMFM across Kent.

In 2010, Tony took over BBC Radio 2’s iconic Pick of the Pops, following in the footsteps of Alan Freeman and Dale Winton. He also became a regular fixture on Radio 2’s New Year’s Eve specials and numerous Bank Holiday programmes. He returned to BBC Radio London to host a Sunday soul show, also broadcast across the BBC Local Radio network.

In 2017, Tony began presenting Sounds of the Sixties on Radio 2, one of the station’s top-rated programmes. He also launched Tony Blackburn’s Golden Hour, which airs live on Sunday evenings at 7pm.

Since 2018, Tony has taken Sounds of the Sixties on the road, performing to packed theatres across the UK with a full live band and talented guest singers. The tour remains in high demand, with dates confirmed through to 2025.

Tony is widely regarded as a true pioneer of British broadcasting. His passion for soul music has defined much of his career and helped shape the UK’s music landscape. Over the decades, he has become a beloved figure on both radio and television.

His many accolades include 37 industry awards, among them two Gold Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Radio—first awarded in 1989 and again in 2014, making him the only recipient of two lifetime achievement honours. He also received the Sony Award for Best Breakfast Show (Contemporary Music) in 1993 and the Radio Academy’s Music and Media Award in 1997.

Tony’s television credits are equally impressive. He hosted his own show, Time for Blackburn, in 1969 and was a regular presenter on Top of the Pops throughout the late 1960s and 1970s. He co-hosted ITV’s Animals Do the Funniest Things, which attracted over seven million viewers, and made numerous guest appearances across a wide range of shows.

In 2002, he won the first-ever series of ITV’s I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, and in 2012 appeared (controversially under-scored!) on Let’s Dance for Sport Relief alongside David Hamilton. In 2014, he was featured on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories and began regular segments for The One Show on BBC One.

In 2023, Tony joined the presenting team of BBC Morning Live, continuing to bring his warmth and humour, to new audiences.

Tony is represented by Nick Canham