Photojournal: John Peel

John Peel (real name John Robert Parker Ravenscroft) began his BBC career as a disc jockey at the launch of Radio 1 in 1967.

He soon became known for his show Top Gear and went on to become the station's longest-serving DJ.

But he first began working in radio when he moved to Dallas, Texas, in the early 60s.

On his return to the UK, he joined Radio London, where he scored an exclusive with the first airing of the Beatles' Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.