Trevor Nelson Declares Radio 2 a Religion: The DJ's Journey to Daytime Stardom!

When he was 15, Trevor Nelson had a part-time job in a Hackney greengrocers.

In the mornings, I’d often be found skating up there and arranging fruits and vegetables. Later, I’d find myself waiting in line at a bakery in Stamford Hill, surrounded by many Hasidic Jewish people, to pick up my boss, Mr. Morris’ bagels.

In simpler terms, “I would return and attend to customers ranging from an Irish grandmother to a West Indian woman with children. It was during these interactions that I learned the art of communicating with individuals different from myself. This marked my initial foray into catering to diverse audiences.

45 years later, Nelson finds himself on Radio 2 during their 2 pm to 4 pm time slot, reaching an extensive audience that he never imagined he would address. This role wasn’t something he had originally aimed for.

Historically, daytime was perceived as a concession. At Radio 1, I shied away from any chance to work during the day. As a music disc jockey, I’m deeply passionate about the tunes, and some might fear that this passion would wane in daytime. However, I don’t share this concern. I aim to maintain my love for music while enhancing it with the light-hearted games I play, engaging with the audience. Interacting with listeners is something I truly enjoy.

Through this transition, Nelson, once associated with pirate broadcasting, has undeniably ventured into the heart of the mainstream. However, it’s not a matter of either him or the mainstream moving; rather, it’s about how we are witnessing an evolution where diversity is increasingly embraced, and there’s more acceptance for broader perspectives compared to previous times.

During his daytime hours, he immerses himself in a podcast titled “Eras” on BBC Sounds, which delves into the life and music of Bob Marley. He passionately expresses his admiration for him by stating, “He was an extraordinary genius, truly embodying how one can achieve fame while maintaining integrity. He’s among the most successful musicians in history. People often say, ‘I’m not particularly fond of reggae music, but I adore Bob Marley.’

However, Nelson emphasizes that he’s had broad musical tastes all along, although his listeners might not have realized it. He explains, “Listeners of my shows on Radio 1 wouldn’t suspect that I knew Steely Dan or Talking Heads songs, but growing up in a small grammar school near Old Street, there were only three Black kids in a class of thirty. It was there that I discovered The Boomtown Rats, The Undertones, and The Stranglers. I prefer not to limit myself to one sphere.

Even with all the excitement surrounding Radio 2’s updated programming, Nelson has been a part of the station in one capacity or another since 2008. Reflecting on his initial experience, he said, “When I first started here, I knew no one. Wogan was hosting the morning show and everything felt so different. I was essentially a newcomer.

Initially appearing as a guest host, his specialized radio program aired on Wednesdays. However, due to its strong appeal among listeners, he was moved to Saturday evenings, initially from 8 pm to 10 pm and subsequently from 10 pm to midnight – the prime-time slot.

I found myself viewing my night-time radio show as more than just a bedtime lullaby; instead, I envisioned it as a defining moment in my career. Pondering how to captivate listeners with music that resonates with me, I recognized a gap on Radio 2 – a lack of soulful tunes. As a station catering to melodious tracks, I believed soulful music was a crucial missing piece. My goal was to fill that void and make Radio 2 the home of a more diverse and soulful playlist.

Over time, Nelson significantly influenced Radio 2’s transformation. Gradually, changes occurred around him, with Chris Evans taking over from Wogan in the morning slot, while personalities like Michael Parkinson, Sarah Kennedy, Dale Winton, and Malcolm Laycock left. In contrast, Paul O’Grady, Graham Norton, Claudia Winkelman, and Zoe Ball joined the roster. Throughout this period, Nelson steadily worked on…

I truly believe we’ve made something truly unique. Many listeners mentioned hearing tunes they hadn’t heard in years, while some were surprised to find themselves enjoying the music more than they thought. This is exactly what I’ve always aspired to achieve as a DJ.

As a movie reviewer, I found Nelson’s heartfelt words resonating deeply. He refers to himself as a “messenger of music,” and it’s far from sounding pretentious or pompous. His humility seems to keep his ego in check, making his sentiment truly authentic. Most musicians like him don’t perform on a national stage but cater to a niche, specialist audience. Every day, I am grateful that he graces us with his music through Radio 2.

In fact, the listeners of Radio 2 found Nelson quite appealing, so they weren’t overly resistant when he stood in for Ken Bruce.

Initially, I wasn’t fully aware of the magnitude of Ken’s show, and I believe that was advantageous. However, I’ve never experienced a radio station quite like this one where the listeners are so deeply connected to the hosts. To clarify, I’m not suggesting it’s a cult…

Because that would be a little strong?

“Because it’d be a cult if there were 500,000 listeners. There are 13.5 million. It’s a religion!”

Although Radio 2 had fewer female presenters before 4pm on weekdays when Nelson started, there’s no denying that Radio 2 is more diverse now than it was back then. Now you’ve got Scott, Vernon, Sara, and of course, it’s still Jeremy. His energy levels are sky-high, he adds affectionately.

Nelson expresses that he feels “equipped” or “ready” for the move to daytime, particularly due to the positive reaction from his audience regarding his farewell to Rhythm Nation.

Reflecting back, after five or six years of what proved to be the most difficult performance of my career – constantly agonizing over playlists with 100 songs for each show – I found myself struggling to create a farewell piece, and ended up emotionally overwhelmed, shedding tears,” he recounts.

It wasn’t until later, prompted by his wife’s suggestion, that Nelson took a look at the comments left by listeners following his sign-off. Only then did he truly understand the depth of affection and esteem his audience held towards him.

She made it clear that everything I’d worked on was worth it, as people had been incredibly kind to me. Now, as I step into the biggest event of my career, I feel incredibly empowered and believe this is the right move because I sense the Radio 2 audience welcomes me.

It seems like this place and task are really where you belong, Nelson nodded. “I feel as if I’m exactly where I’m meant to be, and I’m no longer a stranger.

2025-01-27 11:38

Trevor Nelson Declares Radio 2 a Religion: The DJ’s Journey to Daytime Stardom!

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