Presenter profile: Joe Fish

Having reached the pinnacle of his career in country music, after being presented with his most prestigious award in Nashville, Tennessee, "CMA International Broadcaster Of The Year 2008", you might think that Joe Fish would be considering slowing down.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Joe believes he still has much to learn and plenty to enjoy about the music that has been a driving force in his life. He relishes the opportunity to continue his special relationship with BBC Radio Lancashire listeners by introducing new artists to his programme as country music continues to move forward with a refreshing new sound.

Born in Great Lever, Bolton, Joe Fish spent his formative years moving around Lancashire and Yorkshire including Colne, Barnoldswick and Farnworth before moving back to Bolton to live a short distance from the Bolton Wanderer's Reebok Stadium. Joe has been an avid Bolton Wanderers supporter since 1958.

After leaving school, Joe tried several jobs including apprentice TV repairman, cloth cutter and printer before joining the Fire Service at 18 years of age, motivated by stories of being rescued by fireman as a baby from a house fire in Bolton.

He served a total of 31 years in the Fire Service including stints at Stretford, Manchester, Agecroft and Bolton. He was promoted to Sub-Officer and ended his service as a breathing apparatus instructor in Greater Manchester Fire Service.

During his 34 years involvement in radio, Joe has interviewed and met most of the great names in country music including Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Charley Pride, The Mavericks and Marty Robbins.

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Listen to Joe's latest programme on the BBC iPlayer