Died On This Date (October 25, 2004) John Peel / Famed English Disc Jockey

John Peel (born John Ravenscroft)
August 30, 1939 – October 25, 2004

John Peel was an extremely influential British disc jockey and journalist.  For nearly 40 years, he hosted a program on BBC Radio that featured an eclectic mix of psychedelic rock, punk, reggae, pop, alternative rock, hip-hop and death metal.  It was the first place many listeners heard future superstars.  He was also a frequent host of BBC Television’s popular Top of the Pops program during the ’80s.  A popular segment in Peel’s radio show was the John Peel Sessions during which artists would perform a handful of songs live in the studio.  Over the course of his career, over 2000 acts recorded over 4000 sessions.  Many have been made available on album or CD.  A thorough list of artists who have been featured on the John Peel Sessions can be found here.  John Peel, 65, died of a heart attack on October 25, 2004.