Steve Wright’s sign-off on Valentine’s Day Special for his final present
This is the heartbreaking second BBC DJ Steve Wright signed off on what could be his final ever Sunday Love Songs present earlier than he died two days later.
The legendary broadcaster had simply offered a Valentine’s Day Special of his well-liked weekend mid-morning present on Radio 2, telling listeners he was ‘again for extra love songs subsequent Sunday’.
The 69-year-old completed the present by saying ‘ta-ra then’ earlier than enjoying out the pre-recorded present with the tune Delicate by Terence Trent D’Arby and Des’ree.
It was the final radio programme the DJ recorded for the BBC earlier than he handed away as we speak.
As at all times, Wright had performed an array of basic love songs all through the present – together with Three Little Birds by Bob Marley & The Wailers, Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers and Islands In The Stream by Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton.
The legendary broadcaster additionally offered Steve Wright within the Afternoon for 12 years on Radio 1 and an extra 23 years on Radio 2, and as we speak’s shock announcement has left his colleagues ‘heartbroken’.
Steve Wright, who has died on the age of 69, pictured in his recording studio in 1994
Wright seen in a current picture from when he was out strolling in central London
The DJ was married to Cyndi Robinson till they divorced in 1999. They are seen on their wedding ceremony day
Wright’s household stated in an announcement as we speak: ‘It is with deep sorrow and profound remorse that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.
‘In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard. Also, much-loved shut pals and colleagues, and tens of millions of devoted radio listeners who had the nice fortune and nice pleasure of permitting Steve into their each day lives as one of many UK’s most enduring and well-liked radio personalities.
‘As all of us grieve, the household requests privateness at this immensely tough time.’
BBC Director General Tim Davie stated: ‘All of us on the BBC are heartbroken to listen to this terribly unhappy information. Steve was a very great broadcaster who has been an enormous a part of so lots of our lives over many a long time.
‘He was the last word skilled – passionate in regards to the craft of radio and deeply in contact together with his listeners. This was deservedly recognised within the New Year Honours listing together with his MBE for providers to radio.
‘No-one had extra power to ship exhibits that put a smile on audiences’ faces. They cherished him deeply. We are pondering of Steve and his household and can miss him terribly.’
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, stated: ‘Steve understood the connection and companionship that radio engenders higher than anybody, and all of us cherished him for it.
‘He was a consummate skilled whose consideration to element was at all times second to none, and he made his friends snigger, he was honest, and he wished to showcase them and their work in the absolute best gentle, bringing good tales to our listeners.
‘Steve’s afternoon present was an establishment that started on Radio 1 and later moved over to Radio 2 the place it was broadcast for 23 years. He believed within the BBC passionately throughout his profession that spanned for greater than 4 a long time, and he was at all times up for pursuing new concepts.
The legendary broadcaster offered Steve Wright within the Afternoon for 12 years on Radio 1 and an extra 23 years on Radio 2. He is pictured in 1980
The broadcaster, seen in 2003, was made an MBE for providers to radio
‘He introduced pleasure to tens of millions of listeners together with his Sunday Love Songs in addition to the legendary Pick of the Pops, which he took on final 12 months and was having enjoyable experimenting with, alongside a bunch of specials and new BBC Sounds codecs which he cherished doing.
‘Steve was the primary presenter I ever produced greater than twenty years in the past, and I keep in mind the pure amazement I felt, sitting reverse this legendary broadcaster whose exhibits I had listened to and marvelled at while rising up in Hull.
‘For all of us at Radio 2, he was a beautiful colleague and a pal together with his glorious sense of humour, generosity together with his time, and countless smart phrases. We had been fortunate to have him with us for all these a long time, and we are going to miss his expertise and his friendship terribly.’
Lorna Clarke, Director of BBC Music, stated: ‘Steve was a unprecedented broadcaster – somebody audiences cherished, and many people seemed as much as. He cherished radio, and he cherished the BBC, however most of all… he cherished his viewers.
‘From Radio 1 to Radio 2, he was with us for greater than 4 a long time, and introduced a lot pleasure to our airwaves, no matter he was as much as.
‘We had been privileged to have him with us for all these years.’
