Russell Davies, Welsh journalist and radio host

Robert Russell Davies, born on 5 April 1946, is a distinguished British journalist and broadcaster, known for his sharp wit, eclectic interests, and a career that has spanned several decades across various media platforms, from print journalism to radio and television.

Early Life and Academic Pursuits

Davies’s journey began in the picturesque town of Barmouth in North Wales. His formative years included attending the prestigious Manchester Grammar School from 1957 to 1964. During this period, he wasn't just a diligent student; he actively participated in dramatic society productions, showcasing an early flair for performance, and even rose to the position of school vice-captain. A charming anecdote shared by Davies himself on a November 2010 episode of the BBC's "Brain of Britain" programme revealed his grandfather's profession as a mole-catcher, offering a glimpse into his family's roots.

His academic brilliance shone brightly when he secured a scholarship to St John's College, Cambridge. There, he pursued a rigorous course in Modern and Mediaeval Languages, graduating with a first-class degree in 1967. While initially embarking on post-graduate studies in German literature, the lure of the stage proved irresistible. He soon abandoned his academic research to join the renowned Cambridge Footlights revue on tour, a pivotal moment that hinted at his future in entertainment and media. During his vibrant time at Cambridge, he also contributed topical cartoons to "Varsity," the undergraduate newspaper, using the intriguing pseudonym "Dai," demonstrating an early talent for incisive commentary and illustration.

A Versatile Career in Journalism

Davies’s career as a journalist was remarkably diverse and impactful, establishing him as a prominent voice in British print media. He lent his critical eye as a film and television critic for esteemed publications like The Observer and The Sunday Times. His writing extended to being a features writer and sports columnist for The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph, showcasing his versatility across different genres. Beyond writing, he demonstrated his artistic talent as a caricaturist for The Times Literary Supplement and held a significant editorial role as deputy editor of Punch, the iconic British satirical magazine.

A notable and rather ironic chapter in his journalistic life involved editing the diaries and letters of the celebrated British actor and comedian, Kenneth Williams, for publication. This task presented a unique challenge, as Davies himself was occasionally the subject of Williams's famously sharp and acid-penned observations within those very same diaries, a testament to his professional integrity and commitment to the project. The 1980s also saw him make regular appearances on television, most notably presenting "Saturday Review" for BBC2, further broadening his public profile.

Broadcasting Prowess: From Radio Fun to Jazz Century

Robert Russell Davies cultivated an equally impressive career in broadcasting, particularly on radio, where his distinctive voice and erudition found a natural home. In 1988, he presented "Radio Fun," a compelling 12-part BBC radio series that meticulously chronicled the rich history of comedy on radio, from its nascent days in the 1930s right up to the contemporary era. The series proved so popular and enduring that it has been repeated most years since 2007 on BBC Radio 4 Extra, formerly known as Radio 7, allowing new generations to appreciate its historical depth.

Beyond comedy, Davies harbors a profound passion for jazz, not only as a knowledgeable presenter but also as an accomplished jazz trombonist himself. This deep connection to the genre led him to present numerous television and radio documentaries on jazz. A highlight was "Jazz Century" in 1999, a year-long, comprehensive history of jazz for BBC Radio 3, which cemented his reputation as a leading authority. His other significant radio contributions include BBC Radio 4's critically acclaimed series "Word of Mouth," which won the prestigious 1996 European Radio ONDAS prize, and a series for Radio 2 titled "Legends of Light Music," exploring the works of iconic songwriters like Rodgers and Hart. In 2003, his passion for jazz extended to film, as he wrote and presented "Quest for Perfection," a documentary about the legendary jazz clarinetist and bandleader Artie Shaw for BBC Four. Produced by John Warburton, this film was notably shortlisted for the 2004 Grierson Award and had been broadcast nine times by July 2005, reflecting its enduring appeal and critical recognition.

In 2006, the BBC aired his insightful documentary on the life and work of the influential cartoonist Ronald Searle, further demonstrating his breadth of interest and ability to bring diverse subjects to life.

Signature Roles: Brain of Britain and The Song Show

Among his most iconic broadcasting roles is his long-standing tenure as the presenter of "Brain of Britain" on BBC Radio 4. He initially stepped in to cover for the ailing Robert Robinson, and following Robinson's retirement in 2010, Davies took on the role permanently, becoming the familiar voice of one of Britain's most cherished and challenging radio quizzes. His calm demeanor and encyclopedic knowledge have made him a beloved figure for listeners.

From 1998, when he took over from Benny Green, until its final broadcast on 29 September 2013, Davies also hosted "The Russell Davies Song Show" on BBC Radio 2. This popular Sunday radio programme was a meticulous exploration into 'The Art, Craft & Inspiration of the Popular Song.' Produced by Roy Oakshott, the show predominantly featured timeless music from 'The Great American Songbook' and the elegant pre-rock 'n' roll jazz era, cementing Davies's reputation as a connoisseur of classic popular music. Additionally, he has presented the BBC Radio 4 music quiz "Counterpoint," further showcasing his deep musical knowledge and engaging presentation style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Robert Russell Davies

Who is Robert Russell Davies?

Robert Russell Davies is a distinguished British journalist and broadcaster, known for his extensive work across print, radio, and television, covering subjects from film and literature to jazz and popular music.

Where was Robert Russell Davies born and educated?

He was born in Barmouth, North Wales, and attended Manchester Grammar School. He later earned a first-class degree in Modern and Mediaeval Languages from St John's College, Cambridge.

What are some of his notable journalistic achievements?

Davies served as a film and television critic for The Observer and The Sunday Times, a features writer and sports columnist for The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph, a caricaturist for The Times Literary Supplement, and was deputy editor of Punch magazine.

Did Robert Russell Davies ever work with Kenneth Williams's writings?

Yes, he famously edited Kenneth Williams's diaries and letters for publication, despite being mentioned, sometimes critically, within those same writings.

What prominent radio programmes has he presented?

He is widely recognized for presenting "Brain of Britain" on BBC Radio 4, "Radio Fun" (a history of radio comedy), "The Russell Davies Song Show" on BBC Radio 2, "Word of Mouth" (BBC Radio 4), "Jazz Century" (BBC Radio 3), and "Counterpoint" (BBC Radio 4).

Is Robert Russell Davies also a musician?

Yes, he is an accomplished jazz trombonist and has presented numerous documentaries on jazz, including the year-long "Jazz Century" for BBC Radio 3.

What was "The Russell Davies Song Show" known for?

The show, broadcast on BBC Radio 2, explored 'The Art, Craft & Inspiration of the Popular Song,' primarily featuring music from 'The Great American Songbook' and the pre-rock 'n' roll jazz era.

When did he start presenting "Brain of Britain"?

He initially covered for Robert Robinson, taking over permanently as the presenter of "Brain of Britain" on BBC Radio 4 from 2010.