At age 85, there’s no stopping DJ ‘Diddy’ David Hamilton. Celebrating over six decades on the air waves, from the hey days of BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2 and Top Of The Pops, to his current lunchtime and evening shows on Boom Radio, David has hosted more than 12,000 radio shows and more than 1,000 television shows.
We caught up with David, ahead of his collaboration with Wallacea Living for A Best of British Celebration event, to chat about the impact music has had on his life and, how he believes, music has the power to positively impact all our lives; whatever our age.
David, you’ve been broadcasting for over 60 years, how did your journey into the music industry begin?
It was 65 years ago that I first entered the broadcasting industry. It started whilst I was doing National Service in the RAF and, in April 1959, I did my first broadcast for the British Forces Network in Germany. This involved reading the football results – a job I’d been given after mentioning that, prior to my National Service, I’d been working as a scriptwriter. I later suggested that the troops wanted a rock ‘n’ roll show and, to my pleasure, my boss agreed.
I returned to Manchester to work as a television announcer and did TV and radio shows, as well as introducing acts such as The Rolling Stones and The Beatles on stage. I’ll never forget the audiences of screaming girls chasing after The Beatles!
Then, it was in 1967 that I began presenting shows on Radio 1. Those early years at Radio 1 were a golden age for radio and we’ll never see another time like it. Eighteen million listeners, everyone knew your show and the DJs became household names.
You’re now 85 and still presenting daily shows on Boom Radio, is there any part of you that wants to retire?
I often get asked this, but why would I want to retire when I’m doing a job that I love? I don’t see my age as a barrier; in fact, it’s a bonus really as I can provide first-hand stories and experiences of the musicians and bands that I’ve been privileged to meet.
My advice for anyone entering their later years is to keep doing the things they love best. Don’t let your age stop you from doing anything.
We couldn’t agree more! During your years presenting, you’ll have seen many technological advancements in the music industry, what are your thoughts on this?
There have certainly been some changes during my time in the music industry! My first record was on a 78 so we’ve come a long way since then. When I started at Radio 1 we played vinyl but later, in the early 80s, we moved on to CDs – in fact, I was nicknamed the first compact disc-jockey.
Nowadays, most music is digital which brings with it a lot of benefits. The main one is how easy it is to create your own playlist, which is particularly handy for my Million Sellers show on Boom Radio where, for one hour each week, I play hits that all sold a million copies. The move to digital has also opened the industry for more new music as musicians are able to showcase their songs via YouTube and TikTok and gain easy access to new audiences.
From a nostalgic point of view, I have enjoyed seeing vinyl make a comeback in recent years too.
Music can be incredibly nostalgic, can’t it? Why do you think music has the power to connect different generations?
Each generation invents its own music. I grew up listening to my parents' music, then graduated to rock 'n' roll, which my generation discovered. By the same token, grandchildren today will be growing up listening to their grandparents’ rock ‘n’ roll, alongside their parents’ Brit Pop and the hits from today. These soundtracks help to evoke shared memories across generations.
Music has the ability to transport us to another place and time, reminding us of moments and people that we love. Since 2021, I’ve had the pleasure of helping transport people back to times they love on Boom Radio.
What advice would you give to someone looking to curate their own personal music collection?
Music is truly personal to you as an individual so, my advice to anyone looking to curate their own collection is to begin by focusing on the music that reminds them of a special occasion, a certain person, or a moment in time. Whether it's the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Motown, or Soul, choose what resonates with you personally.
I’m sure homeowners at Wallacea Living would love to know what’s in your own music collection, David. What was the first record that you bought and do you have an all-time favourite artist?
The first record I bought was "Love Letters In The Sand" by Pat Boone. It was for my first girlfriend when we were both 17. As for my all-time favourite artist, it's hard to pick just one, but I have an appreciation for various musicians across different genres. I was one of the first DJs to play rock 'n' roll on the airwaves so that genre will always hold a special place for me.
Like many of those reading this, you must have amassed a huge collection of CDs and records over the years. These can take up precious storage space when downsizing, do you have any advice for anyone looking to streamline their music collection?
Thanks to the rise of digital libraries and streaming services, you don’t really need to streamline your collection, you can simply move it online which, when downsizing, can be extremely beneficial.
Don’t be put off if you’ve never used a digital library before. Have a look at a few of the options and choose a platform that suits you, whether that’s Spotify, Apple Music or one of the many others out there. You could even make an occasion of it and create playlists with your partner, friends or family, bringing together all your favourite songs in one place.
Of course, you can also enjoy hits on Boom Radio where I present my show on weekday lunchtimes and Monday and Tuesday evenings. The station is aimed at Baby Boomers, aged 60 to 75 years old, and you can catch my Hamilton’s Hotshots, The Story Behind The Song and The Best of British each week.
How do you believe that music can strengthen social connections and reduce loneliness?
Music has this great ability to bring people together. Like I mentioned above, collating playlists or inviting your friends and family around to listen to your favourite songs can be a really sociable activity. Music can provide a great bond between people and creates fantastic, shared memories.
Many homeowners at Wallacea Living will remember the big band music era, the rise of rock 'n' roll, the emergence of beat groups, glam rock, punk, and disco. Coming together and sharing memories about these times can be a great way to reduce loneliness.
Music also makes you want to dance, at any age, and dancing is one of the most sociable things we do.
What do you consider to be music's biggest contribution to society?
Music's biggest contribution is its ability to touch our emotions. Great music can make us cry or it can make us smile.
Finally David, if you hadn't pursued a career in music, what alternative path might you have chosen?
If I hadn't pursued a career in music, I likely would have continued my passion for writing. I still love writing and have published several books, including The Golden Days of Radio One, with another one in the pipeline. Watch this space!
It’s been great to chat to you David and we’re looking forward to hearing from you in person at our upcoming Best of British Celebration.
Catch David on Boom Radio, weekday lunchtimes 12.00pm – 2pm and on Monday and Tuesday evenings at 9.00pm. Listen here.
