When it comes to having an ecclectic taste in music, no-one can
have a wider musical appreciation than Andy Kershaw.
The veteran DJ and TV presenter will be making his Coventry
Conversations debut on Thursday 27 January.
Born in Rochdale, Kershaw started his broadcasting career with
Leeds station, Radio Aire before moving to London where he worked
as a roadie for various acts, including Billy Bragg.
Kershaw presented the music programme 'Whistle Test' which
featured live sessions from new and established bands. He was also
one of the main anchormen for the BBC's coverage of Live Aid in
1985.
He joined Radio 1 where his interest in different styles of
music earned him the reputation as a champion for world music as he
featured artists from around the globe.
He left Radio 1 in 2000 and went on to present a world music
show for BBC Radio 3 until 2007 when a number of personal problems
materialised which forced him to have a period of absence from the
show.
John Mair, the creator and organiser of Coventry Conversations
said about Andy Kershaw:
"Andy is a great coup for the Coventry Conversations. His
journey is a fascinating one and because of his high profile, he
has battled many of his demons in public. Professionally, his
knowledge of world music and passion for promoting new music does
him credit.
"I am sure his talk will be fascinating and I urge anyone with
an interest in broadcasting to come along, you won't be
disappointed."
Andy Kershaw's talk 'No Off Switch' takes place on Thursday 27
January at 1pm in room ETG 34 of the Ellen Terry Building at
Coventry University. The talk is open to members of the public and
is free of charge.
For more information about Coventry University, please visit
their website here: www.coventry.ac.uk