Date of Birth: August 30, 1939
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: October 25, 2004
Biography
John Peel, born John Robert Parker Ravenscroft, was an influential English disc jockey, radio presenter, and journalist. He was born on August 30, 1939, in Heswall, Cheshire, England. Peel is best known for his work with BBC Radio 1, where he hosted the longest-running show from 1967 until his death in 2004. Renowned for his eclectic taste in music, he was instrumental in promoting new and underground music, giving early exposure to numerous bands and artists who would later achieve great fame. Peel’s career began in the United States, where he worked as a DJ for various radio stations in Dallas. After returning to the UK, he joined the pirate radio station Radio London before moving to BBC Radio 1. In addition to his radio work, Peel was a journalist and wrote columns for several music publications. His legacy continues to influence the music industry, and he remains a beloved figure among music enthusiasts.
5 Interesting Facts about John Peel
1. John Peel was a pioneer in promoting punk rock, reggae, and hip-hop music on mainstream radio.
2. He had over 28,000 vinyl records and 40,000 CDs in his personal music collection.
3. Peel was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1998 for his services to British music.
4. He is the only DJ to have broadcast on BBC Radio 1 continuously from its inception in 1967 until his death.
5. Peel’s radio show “Peel Sessions” featured live performances from countless iconic bands, including The Smiths, Nirvana, and Joy Division.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Peel
1. “I just want to hear something I haven’t heard before.”
2. “I never make stupid mistakes. Only very, very clever ones.”
3. “Good music is good music, and everything else can go to hell.”
4. “In the end, I’m just a fan who gets to play records on the radio.”
5. “The best thing about radio is that people hear it. The worst thing about radio is that people hear it.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
John Peel’s highest net worth was estimated to be around £4 million at the time of his death.
Children
John Peel and his wife Sheila Ravenscroft had four children: William, Alexandra, Thomas, and Florence.
Relevant Links
1. [John Peel on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Peel
2. [BBC Tribute to John Peel](http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/johnpeel/
3. [The John Peel Archive](http://www.johnpeelarchive.com/
4. [Guardian Obituary](https://www.theguardian.com/news/2004/oct/26/guardianobituaries.radio
5. [John Peel Sessions](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00jl3nt
