Kev Roberts

A Radio DJ/Promoter who knows a thing or two about a thing or two and...a tireless campaigner for the NSPCC
Here’s my pitch.. Born 1956 in Wirksworth, Derbyshire, England, before embarking on a joyous Roller Coaster ride!1956-1972; Grew up in North Notts, UK Family(Audrey, Eric, Julie, Mark) were a pretty tight unit. Mum’s record collection consisted of James Last, Klaus Wunderlich and Shirley Bassey. Yep..she was a wild rocker!Hello; Steve Naylor, Chris Marriott, Paul Harrison, Paul Lightly, Mick Tilly, Rob Smith.Significant Moment(s); Virginity loss and Headmaster Mr Gresswell asking me if I intended to leave school in the Summer of 72. When I replied ‘yes sir’, he remarked ‘there are opportunities to leave at Easter’. From that defining moment, I knew I had to get a proper job…..what better than ROCK N ROLL- BABY!Crucial Song(s);Keep On Running-Spencer Davies Group, Lovin’ Things-The Marmalade, In A Moment-The Intrigues, Too Late To Turn Back Now-Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose, This Thing Called Love-Johnny Wyatt.1973-1979; Where the hell’s Wigan? Following an unsuccessful stint sticking soles on shoes, I dumped the practical for the Major Lance song ‘Ain’t No Soul (left in these ole shoes). I became a DJ. Wow…. playing music for a living, getting paid and all those girls too!My profile piccy is from September 1973 at Wigan Casino, hence the grainy quality. Joined Wigan Casino on Saturday, September 30th, 1973 and became an integral part of the Northern Soul Golden Era, working with acts such as JACKIE WILSON, BETTY WRIGHT,TEMPTATIONS, FOUR TOPS, MAJOR LANCE etc. Ventured to the USA, cutting my teeth in LA then NYC.Hello; Richard Searling, Russ Winstanley, Dave Evison, Chris Burton, Neil Rushton, Ian Levine, Colin Curtis, Keith Minshull, Fred Kaplan, Bob Miller, George Cucazella, Val Shively, Lloyd Crooks, Tony Gioe, Ted Kolsky, Ann Bond, Pete Waterman.Significant Moments; Being part of one of the world’s greatest music undergrounds. Meeting some crazy characters in the US.Crucial Songs; I Never Knew-Eddie Foster, I Really Love You-Tomangoes, She’ll Come Running Back-Mel Britt…then….This Will Be-Natalie Cole, Helplessly-Moment of Truth.1980-1990; New Joisey Beckons. The demise of Northern Soul, brief interjection into Jazz-Funk and Disco and a departure from the UK. I settled in of all places, the Garden State before returning to Stafford! I produced more than 100 Dance tracks during this decade and owned my own labels ELECTRICITY and BLUE CHIP.Clients and/or production credits-MAI-TAI, LINDA LEWIS, ALTERN 8, BIZARRE INC, ROZALLA, EDWIN STARR,JUNIOR WALKERHello; Craig Strong, Les McCutcheon, Paul Quinton, Tim Brown, Samantha ?, Paul Fairburn, Ray Stroud, Peter Tait(RIP)Significant moments; Promoting a Tiswas day as part of a Jazz-Funk All Dayer. Hired Lenny Henry, Sally James, Bob Carolgees, John Gorman and Chris Tarrant for £300! Tarrant remarked ‘it will be cash..right? Losing my shirt in Skegness(30 grands worth), Sold my Recording Studio to Miles Copeland during a conversation about the CIA Joining Magic 828 and became a housewifes choice!Crucial song; I Wanna Give You Tomorrow-Benny Troy.1991-2007; Working in the Goldmine.One of the original MAGIC Presenters and former Sony Award nominee.Compiled more than 200 albums for Goldmine and other record labels during the Soul revival. Promoted some of the biggest Soul events in the UK including Kings Hall- Stoke, Cala Gran- Fleetwood, Blackpool Tower, Whitby Pavilion and the unbelievable SoultripUSA held at the Wilshire Grand Hotel, Los Angeles, March 2004 and the Hilton, New Brunswick, New Jersey, April 2006. .. ..
MC'd shows in the USA, Germany, Italy and Ireland. Fronted the wonderful VIP Radio and currently syndicates a weekly show as well as live at Smooth Radio(East Midlands).Signifcant moments; On the pitch at Villa Park with Graham Taylor talking..Worksop! Hosting SoultripUSA, taking a call from Berry Gordy. Interviewing more than 400 acts including Lamont Dozier, Nile Rogers, Frank Wilson, Ronnie Spector etc. Creating the choices for the first few KFC 'Chicken Got Soul' commercials. Writing my book Northern Soul Top 500. Bumping into Yoko Ono at the Beeb.Crucial Song; Good Times-Edie Brickell. Thanks FLZ-Tampa.And there haveth a brief journey into my life.Ps I’m far more interesting than the above.I'm hollering every WEEKEND at SMOOTH Radio,East Midlands 106.6FM and www.smoothradio.com(SATURDAY 5-8pm) and throughout the North East on 97.5/107.7 Smooth Radio
Sunday's 12 noon(US time) from South Carolina on www.beachshag.com 7pm at Mansfield 103.2FM, North Midlands
Available for your next event....Contact Moi [email protected]