BBC Radio producer Malcolm Brown, renowned for his work with DJ Steve Wright, has passed away. During the 80s, Brown was instrumental in shaping programmes such as Young Steve and The Afternoon Boys, as well as The Legendary Pub Singer.
His journey with the BBC started in 1963 as a trainee studio manager, before moving on to roles at Atlantic 252. In 1999, upon David Atkey’s request, a former BBC Radio 1 executive producer, Brown returned to craft four special outside broadcasts.
Apart from his broadcasting career, Brown was passionate about music and served as a dedicated organist, often playing for church services on Sundays and at funerals.
The industry is mourning the loss of Brown, with tributes highlighting his respected status and influential legacy, reports the Mirror. Radio presenter Shaun Tilley tweeted his condolences, “Such sad news about legendary BBC producer Malcolm Brown passing away. He was hugely respected and liked in equal measure as well as being very helpful to me during the making of the My Radio 1 series.”
However, Tilley regretted never convincing Brown to record his vast memories, adding, “Although I could never persuade him to sit down with me and record his wonderful memories. Here he is to the far left of this pic during a R1 week out in South Wales. God bless you Malc!!”
Songwriter David Mindel has come forward to honour the memory of the late Malcolm Brown, saying: “Sad that we lost Malcolm Brown yesterday, the only Radio One producer to buy a round in my presence and after being injured in a football match against us pluggers, insisted on having a few pints and lunch before going to hospital…with a broken leg! ” Online tributes have begun to flow in with one recalling: “Worked with Malc when I was on the road with Atlantic 252. Many a crazy night! Rest in Peace.”
Richard Pearson also recounted his experiences with Brown’s support, sharing: “Awww no. Malcolm was a great bloke and the only R1 producer to support me, in my maverick attempts to convince the R1 hierarchy, that the world in 1977 was a different place to that of 1967 and that the station needed to reflect this.”
He went on to describe how Brown supported him, “Malcolm opened manoeuvres, by sidling up to me, in the queue at the BBC cash office and saying ‘Richard, there’s too much dead wood in Radio One’, then effectively went to war with the station controller, on my behalf, with scant regard for the effect it might have on his own position.”
In conclusion, Pearson reflects warmly and adds a personal touch: “I loved the fact that he played the organ at his church on Sundays and I loved the fact that he produced Vivian Stanshall’s ‘Teddy Boys Don’t Knit’, one of my favourite albums, ever. I shall raise a pint of Guinness to Malcolm, at the earliest opportunity. R.I.P. my friend.”
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