A tribute to Music Producer Dave Shannon appears in "Ariel".- by Sue Welch, Former Radio 2 Broadcast Assistant.


"Initially juggling his performing career with BBC freelance shifts, he started working in Manchester's popular music department in the early 80s, producing orchestral sessions and documentary series.

Early in 1986 he introduced a new sound to Radio 2 with a series on blues music, fronted by Paul Jones. It continues today.

After a short attachment with sport programme On the Line, Dave transferred to the BBC's new centre of excellence for popular music in Birmingham.

He brought the Paul Jones blues programme with him and took on producing Country Club, hosted by Wally Whyton and later David Allan. It became Bob Harris Country, which is still on air.

He was full of ideas and devised a monthly programme to be hosted by Miles Kington called Reading Music. The programme introduced a number of new voices to Radio 2, including Mark Lamarr and Stuart Maconie....


.....Dave was a kind and generous man. He always had time to explain things patiently and he never felt threatened by youngsters snapping at his heels; he took the time to encourage them.

He made the working day fun, and everyone had huge respect for this quiet, humble man.

We were all so saddened to hear of his untimely death from cancer at the age of 66. He was one very special guy and our hearts go out to his wife Linda and son Davy.