In a newly added chapter to the biography of the late Paul O'Grady, his BBC Radio 2 producer Malcolm Prince has revealed the beloved presenter's all-time favourite songs. The chapter, titled 'Take the Fluff Off the Needle,' appears in the paperback edition of Paul O'Grady: Not The Same Without You, released this week.
Forgotten Voicemails Resurface
Malcolm Prince discovered forgotten voicemails from O'Grady while switching phones. The messages, often containing music requests or rants, were saved as precious memories. O'Grady, who died suddenly in March 2023 at age 67 from cardiac arrhythmia, frequently called Prince for chats.
Favourite Songs Revealed
O'Grady's top track was Elvis Presley's 'Trouble' from the 1958 film King Creole, which he used as his mobile ringtone and played at his funeral. Another favourite was Cilla Black's 'Alfie,' which moved him to tears on air after her death. He also adored Steps songs, often receiving knitted gifts from the band, and enjoyed Disney classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Behind the Scenes
Prince recalls O'Grady's disdain for Christmas, joking about his 'Grinch' persona, and his love for cult TV show The Avengers, whose theme inspired his radio jingles. Despite his tech struggles, O'Grady's warmth and humour shone through in every voicemail and broadcast.
The paperback is available now for £10.99.
