The radio legend that is Tony Blackburn will be honoured with The Radio Academy’s lifetime achievement award for an unprecedented second time, to mark his 50 years in broadcasting.

Tony Blackburn was originally given the Radio Academy Gold Award in 1989 to mark his 25th radio anniversary in radio, but the Radio Academy feel that the longevity of Tony Blackburn’s career in his 50th Anniversary year should be recognised.

Tony Blackburn’s career has spanned six decades, having begun on pirate radio station Radio Caroline in August 1964, before moving to Radio 1, famously presiding over the station’s launch in September 1967, spinning the first record “Flowers in the Rain” by the Move. After 17 years on Radio 1, Tony Blackburn moved on, presenting BBC London’s weekday mid-morning show before becoming one of the presenters on the newly launched Capital Gold.

Today Tony Blackburn is busier than ever, presenting Radio 2’s Pick of the Pops every Saturday afternoon, and shows on BBC London 94.9, BBC Radio Berkshire, the Magic network, BBC3CR and KMFM.

On receiving news of the Radio Academy’s lifetime achievement award, Tony Blackburn commented: “I have made a living out of my passion. Being a radio presenter, in my opinion, remains the greatest job in the world. I want to thank everyone who has given me a job, the amazing artists whose music I have played and, most importantly, the listeners who have listened to me for the past 50 years. Without you on the other end of the microphone, I’m just a man, in a room talking to myself for hours on end.”

He will be handed the award at the 32nd Radio Academy Awards at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on 12 May. The Record Press author’s introduction to Tony Blackburn was in 1974, when he presented the mid-morning show on Radio 1, having been replaced on the Breakfast Show by Noel Edmonds the previous year. I quickly took to him, with his bonhomie, cheesy jokes and canine companion, Arnold. Today I listen to him regularly on Radio 2’s Pick of the Pops. Arnold may have long gone, but the trademark cheesy daft jokes and puns are still there and we love him for it. His humour is always self-deprecating and at his own expense which demonstrates the modesty of the man!!

The key to Tony Blackburn’s longevity and timeless success is that he is a passionate broadcaster and lover of music, especially soul, and this comes across every time he sits in front of a microphone. Tony Blackburn is universally loved because fundamentally he is a decent man of great integrity and sincerity, and that’s why he has survived for 50 years in the fickle world of radio and show business. God Bless you Tony Blackburn.

Framed vinyl records, framed CDs and framed DVDs with a personalised plaque, make unique presents or original gifts for a special celebration  / special occasion ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th Birthday ( How about the No1 song on the day of birth? ), a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!