Roger Scott - The story

Traces of the Roger Scott vocal influence are to be found in so many of the presenters on the most successful of the first generation of UK commercial radio stations. Slightly American, almost self-compressed, a marginally extended s, and utterly slick. To this day, a generation reflects on his seemingly effortless command of music radio. In the words of Richard Allinson "making me feel, as a listener, that there is nothing better I can do with my time than listen to the next song".

Roger, influenced by DJs in American markets, where commercial radio was so much more mature, lent his own vocal style and slickness to those who followed in Britain's nascent pop radio industry. He began in New York in 1966 where, like John Peel, his accent alone elevated him to 'friend of the Beatles'. During a spell in Montreal at 1470 CFOX, he witnessed the Lennon/ Ono 'bed-in' for peace. 

On returning to the UK, Roger aimed for the new Capital Radio, with time at the influential United Biscuits Network (UBN) proving an excellent grounding, alongside a brief detour at a young BBC Radio 1 as 'Bob Baker'. On the new Capital Radio in London, his drive-time shows became hugely popular. Roger left Capital in June 1988, returning to Radio 1. He died in 1989 at just 46, just three weeks after his final programme.