Christopher Stone (broadcaster) facts for kids
Christopher Reynolds Stone (born September 19, 1882 – died May 22, 1965) was a very important person in radio history. He was the very first disc jockey (DJ) in the United Kingdom. This means he was the first person to play recorded music on the radio for listeners.
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Early Life and Career
Christopher Stone was the youngest son of Edward Daniel Stone, who was a teacher at Eton College. Christopher also went to Eton College, which is a famous school. Later, he served in the Royal Fusiliers, a part of the British Army.
He was also a writer. In 1906, he published a book of sea songs. Later, in 1923, he wrote a history book about his old army regiment. He also worked as an editor for The Gramophone magazine, which was about recorded music. His brother-in-law, Compton Mackenzie, started this magazine.
Becoming the First DJ
Christopher Stone had a great idea: playing records on the radio. He went to the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) with his idea. At first, the BBC wasn't interested and said no. But Stone didn't give up! He managed to convince them that it was a good idea.
So, on July 7, 1927, Christopher Stone played records on the radio for the very first time. This was a big moment for radio! His style was special because he was relaxed and talked to listeners like a friend. This was very different from other BBC presenters at the time, who were usually very formal. People loved his shows because of his friendly style. He even wore a dinner jacket and tie when he was on air.
Working for Commercial Radio
In 1934, Christopher Stone decided to join a commercial radio station called Radio Luxembourg. He was paid a lot of money for this. Because he joined a commercial station, the BBC would not let him work for them anymore for a while.
During this time, he also wrote a newspaper column for the Sunday Referee. In this column, he reviewed new popular records. He even appeared in advertisements for radio sets. In 1937, he started a daily children's radio show called Kiddies Quarter Hour on Radio Lyons. On this show, he was known as "Uncle Chris."
Return to the BBC and a Big Event
Later, Christopher Stone returned to work for the BBC. In 1941, something happened that caused a big stir. On November 11, he wished King Victor Emmanuel of Italy a happy birthday on the radio. He also added, "I don't think any of us wish him anything but good, poor soul."
At that time, Britain was at war with Italy. Wishing the leader of an enemy country a happy birthday on air was a big deal. This event led to changes at the BBC. The Senior Controller of Programmes was let go, and the government started to control broadcasts more strictly.
A Pioneer in Radio
Christopher Stone loved collecting records. By the mid-1930s, he already owned more than 12,000 records! He was truly passionate about music.
When he turned 75 in 1957, a music magazine called Melody Maker praised him. They said that everyone who works on gramophone (record) programmes should thank him. He was a true pioneer who started the whole idea of playing records on the radio.
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