Congratulations to Tony Blackburn for 60 years in radio

Yesterday marked an incredible milestone for Tony Blackburn as he celebrated 60 years working in radio.

Tony first broadcast on Radio Caroline on 25 July in 1964, and has since been a huge influence on many DJs and throughout the broadcasting industry.

This landmark occasion was celebrated on BBC Radio 2 shows across yesterday.

Gary Davies, who was sitting in for Vernon Kay, did a special edition of his De Ja Woo feature, where he invited listeners to share their memories of Tony, who joined Gary in the studio.

Tony also discussed his amazing broadcasting career on The Jeremy Vine Show and was presented with a special cake for the occasion.

Tony, you living legend, presenters’ captain, and the most kind & friendly colleague @bbcradio2 … happy 60 xxx@tonyblackburn pic.twitter.com/13N5bSw74p

— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) July 25, 2024

The celebration will continue this weekend as Tony will also mark the moment on Radio 2’s Sounds of the 60s with a Summer of ’64 special on Saturday, 6-8am and in The Golden Hour – having introduced Motown to British radio in 1964 and being such a huge champion of it – he’ll be playing all his favourite Motown hits this Sunday, 7-8pm.

Speaking on ITV This Morning yesterday, Tony explained why he still loves being on air: “It’s just been a natural thing really. I enjoy what I’m doing,” he said. “I’m literally enjoying the programmes because all the music I play I’m choosing myself. So I’m not playing anything that I don’t like, and that’s the great thing about it really.”

He added: “I only want to go on when I think I’m doing it alright. I’m not going to embarrass anybody by going on.”

There’s plenty left in the ‘old’ DJ yet!! From OnTheRadio, congratulations on your 60 years in radio Tony, and here’s to many more!

Just want to say thanks for all the lovely messages you sent me yesterday when I had my 60th anniversary of being on the radio, and everyone @BBCRadio2 who made it a special day for me. I’m looking forward to being with you tomorrow for Sounds of the sixties when I celebrate 60… pic.twitter.com/Ts0B7cZ3YW

— Tony Blackburn OBE. (@tonyblackburn) July 26, 2024

So glad everyone at ⁦@BBCRadio2⁩ enjoyed my 60th cake. xx pic.twitter.com/T28ROqjs9w

— Tony Blackburn OBE. (@tonyblackburn) July 26, 2024