40 years a deejay: Robbie Vincent, father and son
❚ SHOCK NEWS TODAY: Robbie Vincent, the pioneering jazz-funk radio deejay of the 70s and 80s, is to leave Jazz FM after five years. His prerecorded weekly show this Sunday lunchtime will be his last and his flagship three-hour slot will be taken over by Jeff Young. Vincent broke the news this morning with a brief post at Facebook which said: “Sad news, this Sunday will be my last show on Jazz FM. I had hoped to do a final special show to thank you all for your loyal support but the station has decided that is not possible.”
Three hours ago Vincent posted a link to a news story at the industry website Radio Today which reports:
“ Robbie Vincent has been told he can’t record a final show on Jazz FM after he told station bosses he has decided to leave the station. Robbie has told Radio Today he’s leaving because he fears a ‘radio armageddon’ is on its way. “There will be news next week of further downgrading at the station,” he said. “Jazz FM has been such a difficult place to work at recently with it being so cash strapped. I offered to record a final show but management have declined my offer.” A spokesperson for Jazz FM confirmed Robbie wasn’t given a ‘final’ show saying “this is generally accepted practice” … ” / Continued at Radio Today
Since then Vincent has added a further comment at Facebook: “Perhaps when you read that it is ‘normal practice’ not to allow final programmes you will understand what high standards of staff care operate at Jazz FM. Ralph Tee and Steve Quirk were not ejected into space. These excellent broadcasters left with grace and good natured final programmes. The way it should be. Just a thought.”
The veteran presenter with Radio 1, Radio London, Kiss and LBC has hosted more than 200 of his Essential Rhythms shows since the re-launch of Jazz FM in October 2008. Station Manager, Nick Pitts, said today: “When I first started working at Jazz FM Robbie was one of the people I was looking forward to working with most. We are sorry that he has decided to leave and wish him luck and success in his future projects.”
UPDATE SUNDAY DEC 1 AS HIS SHOW ENDS…
“ I did invite ideas for the last programme but as JazzFM chose not to allow me to say farewell to my dear loyal listeners you will have noticed all reference to next week had been taken out. Not to worry, it’s James Torment time on Jazz FM now. Lots of news in the next couple of days to share with you. Hope you enjoyed the show. ”
➢ 35 years as master of hot cuts – Shapersofthe80s tells how Robbie Vincent influenced the shape of British musical taste
At Jazz FM earlier this year: Robbie Vincent with his guest, legendary jazz composer and vibes player Roy Ayers
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➢➢ Shapers of the 80s ➣➣ 