Dave Lee Travis

Dave Lee Travis, better known around the world as D.L.T., was born in Buxton, Derbyshire on 25th May 1945. Travis began his career spinning discs at the Oasis Club in Manchester on a part time basis. He went on an extensive tour of clubs, ballrooms and theatres presenting and promoting his own shows. He was asked by Herman to accompany The Hermits on their American tour. This led to radio and TV broadcasts in many states and on his return to Britain he continued to promote his own shows in Blackpool, Bury and surrounding areas. In England, radio listeners had to purchase radio licenses to be able to operate their radios. The money was collected and given to the BBC to help pay for its operation. During the heyday of Rock And Roll, the BBC was not keen on playing rock on its stations opting for classical, earlier music and cultural programming. This lead to the creation of the legendary "Pirate Ships" such as Radio Caroline. These ships were self-contained, floating broadcasting stations complete with transmitter towers. The pirate ships would sit of the English coast in International waters broadcasting Rock And Roll back to England. This drove the BBC and the British Government nuts! Travis signed on to Radio Caroline South in September 1965. He transferred up to Caroline Northin 1967 during its last few months on the air. He returned to Manchester and signed on with the BBC where he was given the job of presenting the BBC lunchtime radio show 'Pop North'. After a few years of pirate radio bombardment and the trends showing a listenership interest in rock, the BBC launched Radio 1 in 1967 and ushered in the new era of rock presenters. The inaugural class included Dave Lee Travis, and Radio Caroline / Radio London refugees Pete Drummond, Mike Raven, Tony Blackburn, Duncan Johnson, Dave Cash, Chris Denning, Ed Stewart, John Peel, Mike Ahearn, Emperor Rosko, Mike Lennox and Kenny Everett. Travis, despite abruptly resigning on air from the Breakfast Show in 1993 would work on and off on various projects for the BBC including the programs "Top Gear", afternoon drive and the BBC World Service. He also continued to work for charity functions and presented television programs such as Top Of The Pops. His last job for the BBC was at the World Service as the presenter of the request and dedication program, A Jolly Good Show. It was further enhanced by the Internet, allowing more listeners to hear DLT as well as send requests and dedications via E-mail: a first for a BBC program. It ended its 24 year run in January, 1999. Dave Lee Travis continued presenting various television shows, filling in for hosts and hosting the syndicated Breakfast Show for Classic Gold in Bournemouth. In 2012, Travis was arrested on suspicion of sexual offences by police as part of Operation Yewtree, which was set up following revelations of sexual abuse by Travis' late BBC colleague Sir Jimmy Savile. His broadcasting career effectively ended with his high profile conviction for indecent assault in 2014.