A new simulcast programme with BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Merseyside is set to pay a star-studded tribute to broadcaster and DJ Janice Long, who died on Christmas Day.
Presenter Zoe Ball will host the programme titled Janice Long: A Life In Music on Sunday 23rd January, where listeners will hear memories from the friends, colleagues and family of Janice Long, who died at the age of 66 following a short illness.
Sir Paul McCartney is among a number of artists from the music world featured on the programme. Janice Long is recognised as giving the first airtime and sessions to bands and artists that rose to fame including Adele, The Smiths, Amy Winehouse and Primal Scream.
Janice Long began her career in 1979 as an assistant on BBC Radio Merseyside, before she later moved into a presenter role on Streetlife.
She was the first woman to be given her own national daily show on BBC Radio 1 and became the first female regular presenter of Top Of The Pops.
Long also worked for a number of radio stations including XFM, Radio 6 Music and Liverpool-based Crash FM, which she co-founded.
In a personal tribute, Sir Paul McCartney refers to Janice Long as his ‘old Liverpool mate’ who was always ‘a pleasure to meet’ while reflecting on his sadness ‘at the loss of a great Scouse girl’.
Joining the long list of contributors to the programme include Peter Hook of New Order, Musician Gary Numan, Jim Kerr of Simple Mind and broadcasters Jo Whiley and Greg James.
The programme will be made available to listeners on BBC Radio 2 on Sunday 23rd January between 7-9pm.
