An alumnus of both Radio 1 and Atlantic 252, Gary has been entertaining the nation for nearly 20 years. Now he's with Jazz FM to drive you home from 4 to 7pm each weekday evening.
Gary was born under the sign of jazz - his father was a swing drummer. Instead of driving round the streets pumping out dance music as a teenager, it was the music of Jeff Lorber that soundtracked Gary and his mates' road trips and prefigured his preference for funky jazz, soul and disco music.
Interview With Gary King
1. What’s your favourite Jazz FM show?
Funky Sensation. I've always been into Jazz/Funk and Disco and Mike Vitti digs out the gems that still rock the dance floor. Come to the Funky Sensation nights at Ronnie’s to see what I mean.
2. What's the first record you bought and where did you buy it?
First single was ‘Montego Bay’ by Bobby Bloom . My first really considered purchase was 'Ma Quale Idea' by Pino D'Angio. It was an Italian rap record that I heard on holiday. It took me ages to track down a record shop that could import a copy.
3. What's the most embarrassing song on your iPod/in your collection?
Hmmm... It's all coming out now. Well, I always loved the voice of Judith Durham, so I guess the most embarrassing one on there is The Seekers – ‘Morningtown Ride’...
4. In your opinion, what's the greatest album of all time and why?
'Sgt Pepper’ - a cliche of an answer perhaps, but no album before or after achieved its impact. Beatles music has been adapted by artists from many genres over the years and that’s the quintessential album for me.
5. What's the best gig you've ever been to?
Tony Bennett this year. A great survivor who still does amazing, seemingly efffortless performances.
6. What's your favourite live music venue?
The Royal Albert Hall.
7. Jazz is...
Alive and very well!
8. In your opinion, who’s the most inspirational radio presenter of all time and why?
My most inspirational presenter ever would be the late Kenny Everett. I listened to his Saturday shows long before I knew I wanted to be a radio presenter, and although his comedic style with spoofs and sketches is definitely of a different era, he inspired me to express myself truthfully. I only ever met him once and he was quite rude to me... Never meet your hero!
9. What's been your most embarrassing moment in broadcasting?
My most embarrassing moment is a lesson to any aspiring presenter. I was working on a pre-recorded show and allowed a creatively assembled collection of expletives to follow a slight mistake... Did the section again, but forgot to tell the producer that an edit would be required. So, never swear in a studio and don't leave others to tidy up after yourself! I'm sure it's a choice item for those who like to collect that sort of thing...
10. What's your favourite film and why?
My favourite film ever is ‘Get Carter’. A terrific plot, gritty locations, great acting, and a cinematic time capsule of what the industrial North-East was like in living memory. Love Roy Budd’s theme as well.
11. Who would you invite round to your fantasy birthday party?
I'd invite all the actors who have played James Bond, ask the obvious question and retreat to the kitchen for an hour.
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I listen to your show everytime I’m heading home. It really helps me to wind down after a long working day. I heard a song this week and it made me feel really happy. It was Noel Mckoy? Come fly with me? or something. Please can you e-mail me the name of the artis, song, album so I can get my hands on it. Thank you.
gary today- 25 october you played a track by mario singing thisis what you are.\i did not quite catch the artists full name and cd title.would you please email them to me .
Mario Biondi “This is what you are”.
hello Gary ,
hope you are ok ?
well , i d like to know if it s possible to have a recording of the show I ve done with eidei
because I can t find it in the jazz fm website .
it was the 20th of january i think.
thank you
leslie
Garry you played a track, Illusion from your album of the week, was was the name of the album and the artist?
Hi Gary I’m loving the vibes that Jazz Fm is rolling, so fine so devine it makes me sing in time to the groove so smooth, jazzy treats blended and all unique. Keep up the good funk-sion. Your sincere funky drummer Kevin Morgan Milton Keynes.
Hi Gary your soulful t’ing has got the magical swing right on time jazz fm is glowing to the universal heavenly vibes. You have the pyramid grooves too rock the dancing shoes !. The Funky Drummer Kevin Milton Keynes.
Hi Gary I enjoyed your soul jazz grooves it was super dooper for the hooper. The video of Miles Davis performing with other musicians which jazz fm played I think it was in october, could you please arrange too have it played again, The Funky Drummer Kevin Milton Keynes.
HI Gary your jazzy tunege has got me and my harmonica smiling, you sure have the pyramid groove right on. Oooooooooo yeahhhhhhhh, The Funky Drummer Kevin Milton Keynes.
Hi Garry could you please play the track ‘Air On A G String’ from the album ‘Chilled 2 The Sax’ by the artist Joolz Gianni. The album is fantastic for all jazz heads. He was a finalist on the X Factor a few years ago. The Funky Drummer Kevin Milton Keynes.
Yesterday (16 Feb, 2012) I was listening at home and you played a cover of Earth Wind and Fire’s “Fantasy” with a salsa “feel”. Who is the artist? I loved that track! Thanks for any information!
Best regards.