Info: December 21, 2006 Posted by: Leon 17 comments

Neville Willoughby, veteran broadcaster, died Tuesday evening at the age of 69 (I’d laugh if it weren’t under such grave circumstances) after suffering serious injuries in an automobile accident. I heard about his death yesterday afternoon, and I intended to post about it the same evening, but the rain broke the vibe. I’m kinda glad it did, as it wouldn’t have done him justice since I wasn’t fully aware of his accomplishments. But the media soon enlightened my darkness, as they bemoaned the loss and lauded the accomplishments of the media icon. Accolades flowed from those in the media, attesting to the character of the man. As they rolled in, they triggered memories of my childhood buried under years of too much cable TV. I remember listening to the Colgate Cavity Fighters Programme, and the familiar tune of the Evening People Show, a tune that told me it was time to stop playing and finish my chores in anticipation of Mom’s return from work.

They also made me realize just how much of an impact he had on my life. Generations of Jamaicans, myself included, grew up hearing him on the radio. He was passionate about his work, though it wasn’t the career he had originally chosen. He started the careers of many other beloved broadcasters, like Dorraine Samuels. He interviewed many people, most notably Bob Marley. For you American readers, I’d say his equivalent would be Al Roker. You never expect a radio personality to die. You expect to turn the knob every morning and hear their voice. We kinda take them for granted. But his death should help us to appreciate the people that entertain us across the airwaves, and each other as well. R.I.P Neville. You were a great broadcaster and human being.

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