Trevor Nelson joins Chris Hawkins on the How to DJ podcast to talk about his life in radio and music.
From a record-obsessed teenager in Hackney to becoming an influential voice in music broadcasting, Trevor opens up on starting the job that he sees as “the pinnacle” of his career as the new presenter on BBC Radio 2’s afternoon show.
Talking about his role on BBC Radio 2 and why the station feels like home, he says: “When did I join Radio 2? Have a guess… 2008.
“Everybody thinks I’ve been on Radio 2 for five or six years. I was on Radio 1, 1Xtra and Radio 2 simultaneously in 2008. I was the only DJ in the history of the BBC, I think, to be on three music stations at the same time.”
He recalls the pivotal summer at the age 13 when he was introduced to a treasure trove of records, including classics from Roy Ayers and Bob Marley, and talks about how his first gig at a school disco set the stage for his career and how his talent was spotted during a flat party, leading to his role at Kiss FM during its pirate radio days.
“Kiss FM was buzzing. Unbelievably buzzing. What a set of DJs we had. It wasn’t just a station; it was a movement,” he says.
Trevor also shares an unforgettable moment with Stevie Wonder, including an impromptu performance of “As” that left him speechless: “Stevie started playing ‘As’ right in front of me. I had to fight the tears back. He was as close to me as you are and playing this thing for me,” he remembers.
The new show on BBC Radio 2 Trevor is to present highlights his commitment to championing diverse music and connecting with listeners on a deeper level, talking about this, he says: “I really wanted to change the game. I wanted to cement black music and the music I like and make it, you know, the show I did on Radio 2 for the last six years, and I want that show to remain forever.”
The Trevor Nelson special episode of How to DJ will be available to on all major platforms from Friday 24 January.
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