Peter James Barnard-Powell was born on 24 March 1951 in Stourbridge. His first broadcasting job was with BBC Radio Birmingham in 1970, and he was the first voice heard on the station on its launch day.
Powell had a brief stint on Radio 1 in 1972, before joining Radio Luxembourg for several years.
He returned to Radio 1 in 1977. In the same year, he made his first appearance as a presenter on Top Of The Pops. He also hosted youth-focused shows such as The Oxford Road Show.
Famous for his high-octane energy and his signature on-air catchphrase “Hello, mate!”, he presented a Sunday mid-morning show and the weekend breakfast show, and developed a reputation as a talent spotter, giving airtime to Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet before they had hits.
After 11 years at the station, Powell left Radio 1 on 25 September 1988. Alongside business partner Russell Lindsay, he co-founded James Grant Media Group, which grew into the most successful talent management agency in the UK entertainment industry.
As a super-agent, Powell discovered, shaped, and managed the careers of some of Britain’s biggest stars, including Ant & Dec, Simon Cowell, Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, Davina McCall, and Gordon Ramsay.
He sold the company in 2008 in a massive deal worth nearly £30 million.
Powell married fellow TV presenter Anthea Turner in 1990. The high-profile media couple were together for eight years before divorcing in 1998.
You May Also Like
Spangles Muldoon Born Harry Christopher Cary on 5 October 1946, "Spangles Muldoon" was a flamboyant, highly influential British…
Janice Long After a stint at BBC Radio Merseyside, Janice Long – elder sister of Swap Shop's Keith Chegwin…
Errol Bruce Born in October 1942, Errol Bruce Knapp spent his youth around military bases (his father was…
Simon Dee Born in Ottawa, Canada, on 28 July 1935, Simon Dee - his real name was Cyril…
Steve Wright Born in Greenwich, South London, Wright was raised in New Cross. He started broadcasting in 1976…
Mark Wesley Born Martin Wesley Goble, Mark began his radio career at just 17 years old on the…
Jimmy Young The son of a miner, Jimmy Young was born in Cinderford and was originally a singer…
Mike Allen Born Alan Zeffertt in 1931 and educated in Portsmouth, Mike Allen devoted much of his time…
