Paul Gambaccini

Born in the USA, Paul Gambaccini moved to the United Kingdom in the 70s and has been a fan favourite on British radio for over 40 years. Regularly contributing to BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 4's arts programme Kaleidoscope and Classic FM, amongst others, Gambaccini was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2005. He has also been a successful television presenter and authored a number of books during his career.

1. What was your biggest career break?

I sent unsolicited record reviews to ROLLING STONE while a student at Dartmouth College in 1970.  They were accepted, and I was off to the races.

2. Have you had a notable mentor – and if so what was it about them that was so inspiring?

John Walters, producer of John Peel, invited me to give a weekly talk on Radio 1 beginning in the autumn of 1973.  Opportunities grew from there.  Walters and my Executive Producer Teddy Warrick let me write my own scripts and interview my own choice of artists.  The greatest gift management can give talent is trust.

3. What one piece of advice would you give to the 20-year-old you?

Don't worry.  No matter what Nixon throws at your generation, no matter how homophobic and racist society is today, no matter how sadistic and stupid the Metropolitan Police are tomorrow, love will prevail.

4. What qualities to do you look for in new recruits?

"It".  

5. Who do you admire and why?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is the greatest American of my lifetime.  He had love and courage in the face of hatred and fear.

6. What does the future of your industry look like?

Content will always be king, regardless of delivery form.  

7. If you weren't in the role you are in today, what would you have been?

I would have gone to law school and tried to become a show business lawyer.  Let's all laugh together at that prospect.

8. What is your biggest extravagance?

I buy hardcover reprints of the greatest comic strips and books of 1930-1970.  They're cheaper and healthier than drugs.

9. Who would you invite to your dream dinner party and why? (you can invite three people – they must be alive)

Elton John (great music buff, wit and philanthropist)

Willie Mays (my favourite baseball player of all time)

Chris Sherwood (my husband)

10. What do you do to relax away from work?

I play classical piano and solve the acrostic puzzles of Thomas Middleton.

11. If you could change one thing about Britain today, what would it be?

Root-and-branch reform of the Metropolitan Police

12. What would your last meal be? (please choose a starter, a main course and a pudding)

Tomato and mozzarella salad

Chicken Schnitzel with pickled cucumber salad from The Delaunay restaurant

A sea salt caramel from Paul A. Young