Andy Kershaw

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Andy Kershaw

Andy Kershaw (born November 9, 1959 in Rochdale, Greater Manchester) is a British broadcaster, known predominantly as a champion of world music. His shows feature a mix of country, blues, reggae, sounds from around Africa, folk music, Asian music and spoken word performance from the likes of Ivor Cutler and John Cooper Clarke. He has a home in the Isle of Man.

The brother of fellow presenter Liz Kershaw, he attended Hulme Grammar School, before studying at University of Leeds, where he also held the office of Entertainments Secretary for Leeds University Union. His career in broadcasting started with Leeds station Radio Aire. He then moved to London and worked as a roadie for various acts, including Billy Bragg.

He presented the music programme Whistle Test for BBC television in the mid-1980s which featured sessions from new and established acts, and during this period was one of the anchormen of the corporation's coverage of Live Aid.

He then joined the national pop network BBC Radio 1 to host a Sunday night show which, as his tastes broadened, eventually became a weekly outlet for world music, featuring acts and styles from all corners of the globe. He left the station after 15 years in 2000.

Kershaw now hosts a world music show on BBC Radio 3 and is a keen traveller. He has two children by his long-time partner, Juliette Banner.

In July 2003 he was awarded an honorary doctorate of music by the University of East Anglia, and in 2005 he was similarly honoured by his old university, University of Leeds (having failed to graduate originally).

Andy was critical of Radio 1's scheduling after his friend John Peel died in 2004.

In June 2005 Kershaw criticised Bob Geldof over the choice of artists due to play at Live 8, saying the bills for the various concerts included few black performers and even fewer Africans.

Andy has been involved with two compilations called "Great Moments in Vinyl History" which document his wide music taste.

[edit] Artists who have appeared in session on Kershaw's radio programmes

[edit] Desert Island Discs

In March 2007, Kershaw appeared on Desert Island Discs. His record selection was...

1. Hupenyu Hwangu Performer Bhundu Boys Composer R Kagona / B. Tembo Publisher DiscAfrique CD Title Shabini Track 2 Label DiscAfrique Rec No Afri CD02

2. Like a Rolling Stone Performer Bob Dylan Composer Bob Dylan Publisher Columbia CD Title Live 1966 Track 8, CD2 Label Legacy Rec No Col 491485 2

3. White Man in Hammersmith Palais Performer The Clash Composer Stummer/ Jones Publisher Nineden Ltd CD Title The story of the Clash Volume 1 Track 1, CD 2 Label Columbia Rec No 495351 2

4. Lawyers, Guns and Money Performer Warren Zevon Composer Zevon, Zevon Music, BMI Publisher Electra/Asylum Records CD Title The Best of Warren Zevon – A Quiet Normal Life Track 10 Label Asylum Rec No 960503 - 2

5. One Man Guy Performer Loudon Wainwright III Composer Loudon Wainwright III Publisher Rounder CD Title Loudon Wainwright III – I’m Alright Track 1 Label Rounder Rec No Rounder CD 3096

6. Carey Performer Joni Mitchell Composer Joni Mitchell Publisher Gema/Biem CD Title Blue Track 4 Label Reprise Records Rec No 244 128

7. Return of the Grievous Angel Performer Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris Composer Gram Parsons Publisher Gema/Biem CD Title GP/ Grievous Angel Track 12, CD 2 Label Reprise Records Rec No BBC06/445

8. Matadjem Yinmixan Performer Tinariwen Composer Tinariwen Publisher N/A CD Title Aman Iman: Water is Life Track 3 Label Independiente Rec No ISOM65CD