 John Peel's influence helped bring in new musical genres |
A student radio station will play broadcaster John Peel's 100 favourite songs to pay tribute to him one year on from his death. Bradford University's Ramair will dedicate afternoon and evening shows to the broadcaster on 13 October.
Peel gave an interview to Ramair when he was awarded an honorary degree from the university in 2001.
Concerts will take place around Britain for "Peel Day", which the organisers hope will become an annual event.
Legacy
John Peel died from a heart attack aged 65 while on holiday in Peru with his wife, Sheila Ravenscroft.
His widow said he would have been "honoured and amazed" to be remembered in such a way.
He was a Radio 1 DJ for almost 40 years, joining the station in 1967 after beginning his radio career in the US.
 | John Peel's top 10 favourite songs Undertones - Teenage Kicks Jimi Hendrix - Spanish Castle Magic Joy Department - Love Will Tear Us Apart The Smiths - How soon is now Blur - Song 2 The Ramones - I don't want to walk around with you Pulp - Common People Belle and Sebastian - Lazy Line Painter Jane David Bowie - Life on Mars Cornershop - Brimful of Asha Source: Ramair |
He brought new types of music, including punk rock and reggae, to the fore, and championed new bands from Joy Division to the White Stripes.
Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt said: "Peel Day is about celebrating John's legacy and his unrivalled passion for music.
"It'll be a day of gigs taking place up and down the country, something we feel will be a fitting tribute to John."
His favourite song was "Teenage Kicks" by the Undertones, which was played at his funeral.
Tributes
John Peel was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of Bradford in 2001 for his contributions to the field of popular music over the past 35 years and his achievements as a broadcaster.
During his visit to the university he gave an interview to Ramair which will be replayed on Peel Day.
Ben Nunney, manager of Ramair, said many tributes had already come in to John Peel.
"We're expecting a lot of listeners for the shows we've dedicated to John Peel," he said.
"Many people have been writing in to say they loved his shows."
Bradford University's vice-chancellor Chris Taylor said he was very popular with Bradford's students: "He was an engaging and accessible broadcaster with a real human touch, appealing to young and old alike," he said.
"Not only did he reflect popular music, he also shaped it and changed it.
"It is a real testament to John when you see that, a year on from his death, people are putting so much effort into remembering his life and work."
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