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A "lovable" character who showed much promise, but never really broke out of the stable. Or did he ?

Born in London in 1924, Mike Raven was one of the original Radio 1 presenters. His shows established a major influence in bringing Blues and Soul music to a British audience.

After serving as a Lieutenant in WWII, Mike had a variety of jobs including ballet dancer, conjuror and TV executive!

Father of 6 Mike's first broadcasting job was with the BBC, a series of talks, and 'Womans Hour'.

He later joined Radio Atlanta with his show 'All Systems Go' and then Radio KING (which became Radio 390). Here he was programme controller and presented a daily R&B show, one of the highest rated shows on radio, until 1966. His real name is Austin Churton Fairman. He said he adopted the name 'Mike Raven' instead, because he felt his real name was not suitable for a D.J.

Radio Luxembourg was Mike's next career move, presenting a soul show, before joining Radio One at it's launch, where he presented a successful weekly R&B show which was extended from its original half-hour to two hours. He remained there for four years.

Mike's hobby besides his huge record collection at the time included an interest in the subject of witchcraft, the occult and astrology. He went on to star in horror films Lust for a Vampire (1970) Crucible of Terror (1972) and I, Monster (1974).

2 years after leaving Radio 1, Mike and his family moved to Cornwall and in 1980 to Bodmin Moor, establishing a successful farm. Mike was a keen sculptor. Sadly, Mike Raven passed away in 1997.

Info courtesy of RADIOREWIND.COM