Simon Clarkson, the BBC radio presenter who championed new music across a career spanning more than four decades, has died aged 65. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully at home in London on 28 August after a short illness.
Career highlights
Clarkson began his broadcasting career in the late 1970s on hospital radio in his native Leeds, before moving to local stations and then to BBC Radio 1 in 1984. He presented the station's weekend breakfast show and later the weekday afternoon slot, where he became known for giving early airtime to acts including Nirvana, the Stone Roses and Happy Mondays.
In 2002 he joined the launch team of BBC 6 Music, presenting the weekday morning show and later the weekend afternoon programme. He remained with the digital station until 2010, when he left to focus on his production company, which made documentaries for BBC Radio 2 and commercial stations.
Personal life
Born in Leeds on 14 March 1961, Clarkson was the son of a factory worker and a school dinner lady. He is survived by his wife, Jane, and their two children, Tom and Ella.
Tributes have been paid by former colleagues, including the DJ Steve Lamacq, who described Clarkson as "a true radio original and a lovely man". The BBC said in a statement that Clarkson was "a hugely respected broadcaster whose passion for music inspired countless listeners and fellow presenters".
