Broadcaster Sir Jimmy Young dies aged 95

Broadcaster Sir Jimmy Young dies aged 95

Veteran broadcaster Sir Jimmy Young has died aged 95.

The long-serving DJ, who spent almost three decades at BBC Radio 2, died "peacefully at home" on Monday afternoon with his wife Alicia by his side, a family spokesman said.

Sir Jimmy was one of the original Radio 1 DJs when the station launched in 1967.

He moved to Radio 2 in 1973 and filled the early afternoon slot until he retired in December 2002.

Before becoming a presenter on the airwaves, Sir Jimmy had a number of hit singles during the 1950s, including a cover of the Nat King Cole song, Too Young.

Obituary: Sir Jimmy Young

Tributes have already begun pouring in for the presenter, who was born Leslie Ronald Young in 1921.

DJ Mick Brown tweeted: "Legendary DJ Jimmy Young has sadly died… what a poxy year! Radio heaven gets another top jock!"

Children's entertainer Timmy Mallett also tweeted: "RIP Sir Jimmy Young. His 'unchained melody' was number one on the day I was born."

And LBC radio presenter Iain Dale tweeted: "Much respect to Sir Jimmy Young who died today, aged 95. The word 'legend' is overused, but not in his case. A true icon of radio."

Sir Jimmy Young died 'peacefully at home' on Monday afternoon

The Queen was said to be amongst the millions who tuned in to his show on the BBC.

Sir Jimmy interviewed every prime minister since Harold Macmillan, with Baroness Thatcher a guest 14 times.

But his working life began as a clerk for a minister of education and a manager of a hair salon before he achieved his dream of getting a career in entertainment.

BBC