Janice Long, pioneering DJ and music champion dies

We’re sad to report that Janice Long, the first woman to have her own show on BBC Radio One and one of the most influential music tastemakers of the last half-century, has passed away following a short illness. Her career has spanned many of the UKs biggest stations and she was most recently host of her own show on BBC Radio Wales, a position she had held since 2017.

During her career she has been a champion of both established, and more importantly, up and coming artists and her support has been instrumental in the launches of many artists careers.

Since the news of her passing was announced there has been a huge number of posts on social media in tribute to the broadcaster.

Posting on Twitter, Tim Burgess said “Janice Long was a supporter and mentor for so many bands. To hear our records on her show was always the biggest thrill – her enthusiasm and love shone through.”

Natalie McCool posted “Janice you helped me and supported me at every opportunity – thank you. You also had the most impeccable music taste.”

Fellow broadcaster and DJ Steve Lamacq posted “Awful news. Janice’s amazing Radio 1 show was part of the blueprint for the Evening Session when @jowhiley and I presented it. We fleetingly had back to back shows at XFM and she was a regular @bbc6music Roundtable. Always warm, generous and a real fan.”