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| richardparkbiography |
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Whether he's acknowledged as the infamous headmaster of BBC's prime time show ‘ Fame Academy', controlling radio stations nationwide or being the influence behind a spectacular array of musical artists, there is no denying that Richard Park has the midas touch in the world of music and media. Born in Kirkcaldy, Fife in Scotland Richard's love of music led to his dream of having his first show in 1966 on pirate station Radio Scotland. It was here that he broke records for the likes of Small Faces, Desmond Decker, The Four Tops and Tom Jones and even persuaded the late Mark Bolan to play in his basketball team! It didn't take long till Richards ear for ground breaking musicianship and his individual broadcasting style was noticed by the BBC where he became the host of The Radio 1 Club across the UK and also reviewed the new releases on the legendary Round Table show. He hosted shows of which artists of the calibre of David Bowie and Michael Jackson were amongst his guests. Richard returned to his native Scotland in the mid seventies to not only continue his reputation as an unstoppable music broadcaster, but also spreading his wings into sport at Radio Clyde. From the start Richard programmed the stations playlist which then led to his position of Head of Entertainment and Sport at Clyde. Throughout his 12 years at the station, in front and behind the scenes of broadcasting, not only did Richard bring the likes of everyone from Karen Carpenter to Hot Chocolate to Radio Clyde but commentated for no less than 10 Scottish Cup Finals, as well as reporting from all the worlds greatest stadiums for matches such as the World Cup in Mexico in 1986. It was during his time at Clyde that Richard began amassing a shelf full of accolades, winning the very first Oscar of the radio world becoming Sony Broadcaster of the Year as well as adding Best Sports Presenter (worldwide) at the New York Radio Festival and Scottish Radio & TV Programme of the Year all in the mid eighties. With
his drive to create great radio sounds Richard moved to London in
1987 to become Programme Controller of Capital Radio and innovating
hiring broadcasters such as Chris Tarrant, Neil Fox, Pete Tong and
Tim Westwood. Richard was the one responsible for turning the stations
output into Capital FM and Capital Gold and propelling its listenership
to 44% of Londoners (the highest the station has ever had) as well
as obtaining the highest city audience in the world. Amongst his
many achievements in the 14 years at Capital, Richard was responsible
for launching Help a London Child lunch (in the presence of Diana,
Princess of Wales), creating one of the greatest pop events ever,
Party in the Park in Hyde Park, and brokering the deal with Pepsi
to create Britains biggest Chart Show. From persuading artists such
as Phil Collins and Annie Lennox to perform live at these events
to making Capital the first commercial station to recognise the rise
of dance and rap, Richard Park has always had his finger on the pulse
of what is required in the world of music. Expanding to the role
of Group Programme Director of Capital PLC in the early nineties
it's no wonder Richard was made a Fellow of the Radio Academy and
awarded the IMF British Music Roll of Honour to recognise an outstanding
contribution to British Music.
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As if this wasn't enough other projects were calling for Richards experience and knowledge. He became a Director of Unique Broadcasting and even in the mid nineties predicted the slow development of digital radio, as pointed out in a Times Media Lecture. In 1996 Richard had the idea to form Wildstar Records, uniting Capital and Telstar Records, which as Director made him responsible for signing Craig David amongst others. It's no wonder that Mr Park deserved the title of Most Influential Person in the Music Industry by Record and Radio Executives. To the current day Richard Parks musical taste still remains broad – from the Darkness to Kylie, Norah Jones to Luther Vandross. Giving many bands their first breaks – Wet, Wet, Wet…Hue & Cry…..ACDC…..even Lionel Ritchie had his first UK interview with Richard when he was just a drummer in the Commodores and to this day they still have a great relationship. In fact, Richard claims that Lionel and George Michael are the most talented musical artists that he has ever come across, having met George in Glasgow and even now being one of the first to be invited to pass comment on his new material. For somebody that has been there and bought the whole stock of t-shirts in the music and media industry its no wonder with his knowledge and expertise he is still respected for his judgement and opinions. Not only does this justify his role of headmaster for choosing tomorrows talent on BBC's Fame Academy but he is currently also consultant to EMAP radio, advising on the output of stations such as Magic 105.4 alongside EMAP's Big City Network. To add to this he also has his own record label, Park Records, a joint venture with Universal Music alongside Park Publishing. Richard is also a member of the Brits Committee, planning Britains biggest music awards ceremony. He has also stepped back into his radio broadcasting shoes, presenting LBC's breakfast show and even commentating for Radio Clyde on the Celtic v Bayern Munich football match. With all of this rounded experience it was only natural that Richard should make use of his little black book of celebrities and have his own frequent series on Magic 105.4, Richard Park Presents….., bringing exclusive, hour long, one on one interviews with artists such as George Michael to name but a few. You would think that there would be hardly any time to sleep for Richard Park but rest assured he is a devout family man with four children, two of which are grown up, Jennifer and Paul. Richard is married to fashion retailer Anna Park and they have two lovely young sons who make sure he still has the energy to take part in his favourite sports of football, cricket, rugby, golf and tennis (in that order!). However, it does not stop there so please contact us to find out what the new chapter in the Richard Park journey will be……
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