Top 10 Legendary Soul Music Radio DJs from the U.K.

Exploring the Legends of Soul Music Radio DJs in the U.K.

When it comes to soul music, the U.K. has been home to some legendary radio DJs. These individuals have played a crucial role in bringing soul music to the masses. Their passion and dedication have helped shape the soul music scene.

1. Tony Blackburn

Tony Blackburn is a name synonymous with soul music in the U.K. He started his career in the 1960s and quickly became a household name. Tony's love for soul music was evident in his shows, where he introduced many listeners to new and classic tracks.

 
Tony Blackburn: The Soul DJ Legend

Tony Blackburn, born Antony Kenneth Blackburn on January 29, 1943, in Guildford, Surrey, is a legendary English disc jockey, singer, and TV presenter. His career spans over six decades, making him one of the most recognizable voices on British radio1.

Blackburn first gained fame in the 1960s as a DJ on pirate radio stations Radio Caroline and Radio London. He made history as the first DJ to broadcast on BBC Radio 1 when it launched on September 30, 19671. Known for his championing of Motown and soul music, Blackburn played a pivotal role in popularizing soul music in the UK.

Throughout his career, Blackburn has hosted numerous radio shows on various stations, including BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, and Capital Radio. He is also known for his TV work, including presenting "Top of the Pops" and winning the first series of "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" in 20021.

In recognition of his contributions to broadcasting, Tony Blackburn was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2023. His passion for soul music and his engaging presenting style have made him a beloved figure in the world of radio and music.

2. Robbie Vincent

Robbie Vincent is another iconic figure in the world of soul music. Known for his smooth voice and deep knowledge of the genre, Robbie's shows were a staple for soul music lovers. He played a significant role in promoting new artists and tracks.

Robbie Vincent: The Jazz Funk Soul DJ

Robbie Vincent, born on June 9, 1947, in Felixstowe, Suffolk, England, is a renowned English radio broadcaster and DJ. He is celebrated for his significant contributions to jazz, funk, and soul music in the UK, particularly during the late 1970s1.

Vincent's broadcasting career began in 1970 at BBC Radio London, where he helped shape the sound of local FM radio. He was known for his catchphrase, "If it moves, funk it!" and his shows became essential listening for soul music fans in London2.

Throughout his career, Vincent hosted shows on various stations, including BBC Radio 1, Kiss FM, and Jazz FM. He was voted Independent Radio Personality of the Year in 1995 by the Variety Club of Great Britain1.

Robbie Vincent's passion for music and his engaging presenting style have made him a beloved figure in the world of radio and music.

3. Greg Edwards

Greg Edwards brought a unique style to his soul music shows. His ability to connect with listeners and his extensive knowledge of soul music made him a beloved DJ. Greg's shows were known for their excellent music selection and engaging commentary.

Greg Edwards: The Soul Funk DJ

Greg Edwards, born on December 24, 1947, in Grenada, British Windward Islands, is a British radio broadcaster and DJ renowned for his significant contributions to soul and funk music in the UK. He is best known for founding Capital Radio's "Soul Spectrum" program in 1975, which became a staple for soul music enthusiasts1.

Edwards began his career in the music industry as an executive at CBS Records, where he was responsible for marketing and promoting soul music acts like Earth, Wind & Fire, Lou Rawls, and Johnny Nash. He later transitioned to radio, working for BBC Radio 1 and Capital Radio, where he championed soul and jazz music1.

Throughout his career, Edwards has been a prominent figure in the UK's club music scene, known for his engaging radio presence and his support for emerging artists. His influence on the promotion of soul and disco music in the UK during the 1970s and 1980s has left a lasting legacy1.

4. Chris Hill

Chris Hill is a name that stands out in the soul music scene. He started his career in the 1970s and quickly gained a loyal following. Chris's shows were known for their high energy and fantastic music selection, making him a favorite among soul music fans.

Chris Hill: The Soul DJ Icon

Chris Hill, born on January 8, 1945, in Essex, England, is a legendary British DJ known for his pivotal role in the UK's soul, funk, and jazz scenes. He began his career in the late 1960s, playing at small clubs before gaining prominence at the Goldmine club on Canvey Island. Hill was a key figure in the "Soul Mafia," a group of influential DJs that included Greg Edwards, Robbie Vincent, and DJ Froggy2.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Hill was instrumental in the creation of the "Brit Funk" music scene, promoting British soul and funk acts. He also founded Ensign Records, which launched successful bands like Light of the World and Incognito1.

Chris Hill is also known for his "Caister Soul Weekender," an annual event that has become a cornerstone of the UK soul music scene. His contributions to music and broadcasting have made him a beloved and respected figure in the industry.

5. Jeff Young

Jeff Young is another legendary soul music DJ. His deep knowledge of the genre and his ability to discover new talent made his shows a must-listen. Jeff's passion for soul music shone through in every broadcast.

 
Jeff Young: The Soul DJ

Jeff Young had been a club DJ for many years before developing his career as a radio DJ presenter.

His radio career began at BBC Radio London in the late 70’s (before it became known as GLR).

From there, he pioneered the very first dance music programme on BBC Radio One in 1987 with his “Big Beat” show on a Friday evenings.

Having had a break from DJing to pursue a record company committment in A&R, Jeff resumed his DJ career with a brief spell at Jazz FM doing a mixture of day time and specialist programmes.

From 1995 until June 1997, the chance to go back into frontline radio provided Jeff with the opportunity to present lunchtime programmes on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as various daytime slots for Kiss 100 FM, London.

Jeff then moved over to Capital 95.8FM to present “Club Culture” which was broadcast between 7.00pm-10.00pm on Saturday evenings. The show featured an across-the-board look at all areas of dance music. It was the only programme on Capital’s network where the choice of music ultimately lay with the presenter.

“Club Culture” quickly became the biggest club/dance music radio show in the London area, far exceeding figures for Radio 1 and Kiss FM listeners added together!!

6. Mike Shaft

Mike Shaft has been a prominent figure in the soul music scene for many years. His shows were known for their excellent music selection and engaging discussions. Mike's dedication to promoting soul music has made him a beloved DJ.

Mike Shaft: The Soul DJ Icon

Mike Shaft, born in Grenada, moved to the UK in 1968 and has been a prominent figure in British broadcasting for over four decades. He began his career in 1978 at Piccadilly Radio, where he hosted the influential "Soul Show" and later "Takin' Care of Business" (TCOB), which ran from 1978 to 19862. His shows played a vital role in popularizing soul, funk, disco, and jazz-funk music in the UK.

Shaft has also worked with BBC Radio Manchester, Jazz FM, and various other stations. He was awarded the Jerusalem Award in 2017 for his delightful presentational style1. Mike Shaft's contributions to soul music and broadcasting have made him a beloved and respected figure in the industry.

7. John Leech

John Leech is a name that resonates with soul music fans. He started his career in the 1980s and quickly became known for his fantastic music selection. John's shows were a mix of classic and new soul tracks, making them a favorite among listeners.

John Leech: The Soul DJ Legend

John Leech, known as "The Soul Man," is a celebrated British radio presenter and DJ. He began his career in the 1980s at Capital Radio in London, where he quickly made a name for himself with his soulful music selections. Leech joined Essex Radio in 1986, where his evening soul shows set record audience figures for the station1.

Leech has won numerous awards for his radio programs, including 12 World Radio Awards and four Gold Medals at the New York Festivals for excellence in broadcasting. He is best known for creating "The Essex Soul Night Specials," which attracted over 250,000 people in the late 1980s1.

Currently, John Leech hosts two popular soul programs on the BBC in Essex and the Eastern Counties. His Friday night show, "The Big Leechy Soul Night," has become a fixture and continues to win accolades from listeners1.

8. Richard Searling

Richard Searling is another iconic soul music DJ. His deep knowledge of the genre and his ability to connect with listeners made his shows a hit. Richard's passion for soul music was evident in every broadcast.

 
Richard Searling: The Northern Soul DJ Legend

Richard Searling, born in Bolton, England, in 1953, is a legendary DJ, record producer, and radio presenter who has made an immense contribution to the Northern Soul music scene. He began his career in the mid-1970s, playing at local clubs in Bolton and Manchester1. His talent quickly gained him a reputation, and in 1977, he was invited to play at the iconic Wigan Casino, the home of Northern Soul music.

Searling's sets at Wigan Casino were a huge success, and he soon became a regular DJ at the club. He was known for his ability to read the crowd and play the right records to keep the dancers on the floor1. In addition to his DJing, Searling also produced records, including the Northern Soul classic "I'll Never Forget You" by The Metros.

Richard Searling's contributions to the Northern Soul scene have been immense, helping to popularize the genre and preserve its legacy. He has been inducted into the Northern Soul Hall of Fame and has received numerous accolades for his work1.

9. Andy Peebles

Andy Peebles is a name that stands out in the soul music scene. His shows were known for their excellent music selection and engaging commentary. Andy's dedication to promoting soul music has made him a beloved DJ.

 
Andy Peebles: The Soul DJ Pioneer

Andy Peebles, born Robert Andrew Peebles on January 8, 1948, in London, England, is a renowned British radio DJ, television presenter, and cricket commentator. He began his career as a nightclub DJ in the late 1960s and became a resident DJ at the Chelsea Village disco in Bournemouth in the early 1970s1.

Peebles transitioned to radio in 1973 with BBC Radio Manchester and later joined Piccadilly Radio in Manchester in 1974. In 1978, he joined BBC Radio 1, where he presented a variety of shows, including his own soul show and the popular "My Top Twelve" (later renamed "My Top 10")2. He also hosted 15 editions of "Top of the Pops" from 1979 to 1984.

One of his most notable interviews was with John Lennon just two days before Lennon's tragic death in 1980. Peebles has also worked for British Forces Broadcasting Service and the BBC World Service, combining his love for music and sport2.

Currently, Andy Peebles hosts shows on Smooth FM and Jazz 102.4, continuing to share his passion for soul music with listeners.

10. Trevor Nelson

Trevor Nelson MBE, born on January 7, 1964, in Hackney, London, is a household name in the world of music and broadcasting. Known for his smooth voice and deep passion for soul, R&B, and hip-hop, Nelson has carved out a remarkable career that spans radio, television, and live DJ performances1.

Nelson's journey began in the vibrant underground music scene of London, where he started DJing at warehouse parties and pirate radio stations. His big break came with the launch of his own sound system, "Madhatter," which quickly gained popularity2. In 1996, he made the leap to BBC Radio 1, becoming the first presenter of a national R&B show, "The Rhythm Nation," which earned him a MOBO Award for Best DJ in 1997.

Over the years, Nelson has continued to influence the music industry, working with artists like D'Angelo, Mica Paris, and Lynden David Hall. He has also hosted several TV shows, including MTV's "The Lick" and BBC's "Trevor Nelson's Urban Choice."1

Currently, Nelson hosts "Trevor Nelson's Rhythm Nation" on BBC Radio 2 and "Trevor Goes Old Skool" on BBC Radio 1Xtra. His shows are beloved by listeners for their eclectic mix of classic and contemporary tracks, showcasing his deep knowledge of music history.

Beyond radio, Nelson is a regular fixture on the live music scene, headlining events across the UK and Europe. He has released numerous compilation albums, including "The Soul Nation" series, which have become staples for soul music lovers1.

Nelson's contributions to music and broadcasting have been recognized with several awards, including an MBE for his services to broadcasting and a lifetime achievement award at the Sony Radio Academy Awards. His dedication to promoting soul music and supporting emerging artists continues to inspire a new generation of music lovers.

Here are 20 modern-day soul music radio DJs who have significantly influenced the soul music scene in the UK:

DJ Bigger -  The Soul Music Icon

DJ Bigger, born in London, is one of the UK and Europe's most prominent soul and R&B DJs. He began his career at the young age of 16 and has since become a headline or resident DJ at some of the biggest soul and R&B events across the UK and Europe, including Suncebeat, GO Ibiza, Southport Festival, and many more.

As a radio presenter, DJ Bigger works for Mi-Soul, a London-wide DAB station that also broadcasts to Manchester, Glasgow, and Brighton. He has broken numerous new artists and has been given exclusive tracks for his radio show from artists and record labels worldwide.

In addition to his radio work, DJ Bigger is a journalist who writes a column for the UK's biggest specialist black music magazine, Blues & Soul, and contributes to Contact Music. He has also interviewed some of the biggest names in R&B, soul, and hip-hop, including Mariah Carey, Usher, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z

DJ Bigger's career highlights include playing at private parties for celebrities like Beyoncé and Usher, and supporting major artists such as Ne-Yo, Chaka Khan, and Soul II Soul during their live performances.

 
Chris Brown: The Soul DJ

Chris Brown, a long-time resident of Cambridgeshire, has been a prominent figure in the soul music scene for over 30 years. He began his career as a DJ in the mid-1970s and has since been a regular on BBC Radio London's "Robbie Vincent's Saturday Soul Show." Chris is known for his extensive vinyl collection and his passion for soul, jazz, funk, and dance music.

Currently, Chris hosts "Chris Brown's Soul & Dance Show" on  Cambridge 105 Radio, where he brings two hours of soulful house, boogie, classic jazz/funk, and northern soul memories to listeners every Saturday night. His show is beloved for its eclectic mix of new releases and timeless classics.

Chris has also been involved in various music publications and has compiled, mixed, and produced recordings for numerous labels. His contributions to the soul music scene have made him a respected and influential figure in the industry.

Norman Jay MBE: The Soul DJ Pioneer

Norman Jay MBE, born Norman Bernard Joseph on November 6, 1957, in Notting Hill, London, is a British club, radio, and sound system DJ. He first gained prominence playing at unlicensed "warehouse" parties in the early 1980s and through his involvement with the then-pirate radio station Kiss FM. Jay is credited with coining the term "rare groove" and has been a significant figure in the UK's soul, disco, and house music scenes1.

Jay's career includes founding the legendary Good Times Sound System with his brother Joey, which became a staple at the Notting Hill Carnival. He has also hosted radio shows on Kiss FM, BBC London, and Soho Radio, showcasing his deep musical knowledge and eclectic taste1.

Throughout his career, Norman Jay has been recognized for his contributions to music and was awarded an MBE in 2012 for his services to music. His influence on the UK music scene continues to be felt through his ongoing radio shows and DJ sets.

A few others 

Tony Mac - A respected DJ with a deep passion for soul and funk music.
Andy Edwards - A veteran DJ with a love for soul, jazz, and funk.
Nigel Fox - A key player in promoting soul and funk music through his radio shows and live DJ sets.
Robbie J - A talented DJ who has made a name for himself in the soul and funk scene.
Ian Dee - Known for his soulful sets and deep crates.
Nick Gunn - A DJ with a passion for soul, jazz, and funk.
AL Bendal - Known for his eclectic music selection and engaging radio presence.
TJ Dravids - A DJ with a deep love for soul, jazz, and funk.
Dennis O'Brien - A prominent figure in the soul music scene.
DJ Fish - Known for his extensive knowledge of jazz, funk, soul, and disco.
Mick T - A DJ with a passion for soul, jazz, and funk.
Colin Curtis - A Northern Soul DJ with a significant impact on the scene.
Russ Winstanley - A key figure in the Northern Soul movement.
Ian Levine - Known for his contributions to Northern Soul and disco music.
DJ Froggy - A respected DJ in the soul and funk scene.
DJ Sam - A popular DJ with a love for soul and funk music.
DJ Dave Godin - A key figure in the Northern Soul movement.
DJ Colin Love - A well-known DJ in the soul and funk scene.

These DJs have played a crucial role in keeping soul music alive and thriving in the UK. Do you have a favorite among them?