Former Caroline South and Britain Radio DJ, Garry Kemp, has died

DATELINE  13th January 2025

Former Caroline South and Britain Radio DJ, Gary Kemp, has died.

Garry was born in Hampstead, London, in August 1934 and was educated at Finchley Grammar School.

He served as a pilot in the RAF during his National Service, worked for the Gas Board, taught English to foreign students and worked for the BBC (a Light Programme series called Let's Go) before joining Radio Caroline South in December 1964.

Garry was fluent in seven languages and presented a multi-lingual programme called Caroline Continental on Sunday mornings in addition to his normal weekday shows. This programme attracted a huge number of fans from all over Europe. He was one of the Caroline South “Good Guys” when the station tried to re-brand itself in early 1965 in the light of competition form the recently launched Radio London.

In September 1965 Garry left Caroline and did some freelance work for the BBC. In 1966, at the same time as appearing on the BBC Light Programme's Pop Inn, he also presented shows on offshore station, Britain Radio, where he broadcast under the name Gordon Bennett.

After leaving offshore radio Garry moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and was heard on KXXO, KVOO, KWGS and KCMA. He also broadcast on WNCN, New York.

He returned to the UK and was heard on the BBC World Service during 1995-96.

Later Garry moved to Camdenton, Missouri, working for a local AM/FM station, KRMS, in the Ozark hills of Missouri, but left in 2012 after a dispute over payment. He became an author and in 2012 his book - The Windfall Chameleon - was published .

Garry died on 12th January 2025, aged 90.

 (Additional information courtesy  The Pirate Radio Hall of Fame)

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