Died On This Date (October 25, 2004) John Peel / Influential English Disc Jockey
themusicsover John Peel (born John Ravenscroft)
August 30, 1939 – October 25, 2004
John Peel was an extremely influential British disc jockey and journalist. For nearly 40 years, he hosted a program on BBC Radio that featured an eclectic mix of psychedelic rock, punk, reggae, pop, alternative rock, hip-hop and death metal. It was the first place many listeners heard future superstars. He was also a frequent host of BBC Television’s popular Top of the Pops program during the ’80s. A popular segment in Peel’s radio show was the John Peel Sessions during which artists would perform a handful of songs live in the studio. Over the course of his career, over 2000 acts recorded over 4000 sessions. Many have been made available on album or CD. A thorough list of artists who have been featured on the John Peel Sessions can be found here. John Peel, 65, died of a heart attack on October 25, 2004.