Ever since the news came out on December 25th, tributes, messages, and so many other kind words have been dedicated to Janice Long. Being the first woman ever on the BBC to host her own daily radio show, Long made massive waves in the industry with her infectiously cheerful, and fabulously knowledgeable airtime over 5 decades.
Fellow BBC Radio DJ Greg James showed his respect for Long on Twitter. Saying, “She picked the greats and got them in session before other DJs had even heard of them. She was such a laugh as well”.
This is so sad. A truly brilliant radio person. She was so kind and sweet to me when I was on earlies on R1 and she was on R2 nights at the same time. She picked the greats and got them in session before other DJs had even heard of them. She was such a laugh as well https://t.co/f6gJl3xyAS
— Greg James (@gregjames) December 26, 2021
Richard Coles, of The Communards fame, shared his appreciation for Long’s Work after revealing that she was “the first Radio 1 DJ to give [the group] a session”. You can listen here to America, live on Long’s show in 1985. Long’s husband, Paul Berry, added to the host’s tributes saying, “I’ve lost the love of my life and I’m going to spend the rest of it half a person. She had my back from the day we met, you couldn’t possibly ask for more love and loyalty from a wife.”. After being together for many years, Janice and Paul only got married in 2017, their 2 children added to the tributes; Blue, 25, says, “Mum I love you. You paved the way for me to have an incredible life. You were a trailblazer for so many women to go conquer and succeed. The first woman to host Top of the Pops and the first woman to have her own daily show on Radio 1.” And Fred, 33, as well as labelling his mum an “absolute G” also says, “She wasn’t only a mum to me but a whole bunch of my friends that she took in and cared for and I’ll never forget everything she has done for me.”
The first we heard of the news was through her agent, Nigel Forsyth. He lovingly described Long as, “a wonderful, warm human being and exceptional broadcaster.” Adding, “She told a brilliant story and always made you roar with laughter with her sharp wit.” He also went on to describe her success; moving through Radio Merseyside after joining as an assistant in 1979, eventually joining Radio 1 in 1983, she then hosted her own daily show and also presented Top of the Pops. Leading to this FANTASTIC interaction.
Farewell Janice Long. Radio icon and one of the best presenters Top of the Pops ever had (I wasn’t around I just watch the reruns). Here’s a little she told about her time presenting with John Peel and the video to Addicted to Love. pic.twitter.com/7KescbiL6L — Rob Osborne (@robosbornewales) December 26, 2021
Tonight, (Monday 27th December) BBC Radio Wales host Adam Walton will be hosting a special programme featuring Long’s colleagues, friends, and other special guests. See here to listen to the show from 7 PM.
