Introduction
Larry Gogan was a legendary DJ in Ireland and a beloved figure in the country’s music industry. He was known for his unique voice, friendly nature, and charming personality that captivated his audience in a way that made them feel like they were in his living room with him. His broadcasting career spanned over five decades, and he played a significant role in shaping the music culture in Ireland. Unfortunately, Larry passed away in January 2020 at the age of 81, leaving behind an incredible legacy that will never be forgotten.
Section 1: Early Life
Larry Gogan was born on June 3, 1938, in Dublin, Ireland. As a child, he was always interested in music, and his passion for the art led him to pursue a career in broadcasting. After completing his education, he got his first job at Radio Eireann, which is now known as RTE Radio 1. He initially worked in a variety of roles at RTE but eventually found his calling as a DJ.
Section 2: Career at RTE
Larry Gogan’s career at RTE spanned over 50 years, beginning in 1961 and continuing until his retirement in 2019. He is often regarded as one of the most valued presenters and broadcasters in Irish history. During his time at RTE, Larry hosted a variety of programs, including “The Golden Hour,” “Just a Minute Quiz,” and “Singalong,” among others. His work at RTE made him a household name in Ireland and brought joy and entertainment to millions of people.
Section 3: The Golden Hour
“The Golden Hour” was one of Larry’s most popular programs and the one he is most famous for. It was a show that aired every weekday, where he played a selection of popular songs that had charted in the UK and Ireland. Larry had a unique way of introducing the songs, which made listeners look forward to his show every day. He also had a habit of saying “they didn’t die, you know,” in reference to artists who had passed away, but whose music lived on.
Section 4: Fun-loving personality
One of the reasons why Larry was so popular was his fun-loving personality. He had the ability to make everyone he met feel special and important. Larry had a generous, affable nature that made him a beloved icon in the Irish music scene. His infectious laughter and warm personality will forever be remembered by those who knew him.
Section 5: Contributions to Irish music
Larry Gogan played a significant role in shaping the music culture in Ireland. He was the DJ who introduced U2 to the world and helped boost their career. He also played a major role in promoting Irish music and musicians, providing an avenue for new, upcoming artists to showcase their talent. Larry was a passionate advocate for all genres of music, but particularly for Irish music, and his contributions will never be forgotten.
Section 6: Awards and accolades
Larry Gogan was recognized for his exceptional work at RTE and received several awards and accolades throughout his career. He won nine Jacob’s awards, which are the highest honors for broadcasting in Ireland. He was also inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2004, and in 2010, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Irish Recorded Music Association.
Section 7: Into the Future
Larry Gogan passed away on January 7, 2020, at the age of 81. Though he may be gone, his influence on the Irish music scene and his impact on the lives of his fans will never be forgotten. He will always remain a beloved icon in Ireland, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
FAQs
Q1: What was Larry Gogan best known for in the Irish music scene?
Larry Gogan was best known for his show, “The Golden Hour,” where he played a selection of popular songs that had charted in the UK and Ireland.
Q2: What was Larry Gogan’s contribution to Irish music?
Larry Gogan played a major role in promoting Irish music and musicians, providing an avenue for new, upcoming artists to showcase their talent. He was also the DJ who introduced U2 to the world and helped boost their career.
Q3: What awards did Larry Gogan receive?
Larry Gogan won nine Jacob’s awards, which are the highest honors for broadcasting in Ireland. He was also inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2004 and received a lifetime achievement award from the Irish Recorded Music Association in 2010.
Q4: What was Larry Gogan’s personality like?
Larry Gogan had a fun-loving personality and an infectious laughter that made him a beloved icon in the Irish music scene. He had a generous, affable nature that made everyone he met feel special and important.
Q5: What is the legacy of Larry Gogan?
Larry Gogan left behind an incredible legacy that will never be forgotten. He played a significant role in shaping the music culture in Ireland and his contributions to the Irish music scene will continue to inspire generations to come.
Q6: Did Larry Gogan retire before his death?
Yes, Larry Gogan retired from RTE in 2019, before his death in January 2020.
Q7: What was Larry Gogan’s catchphrase?
Larry Gogan’s catchphrase was “they didn’t die, you know,” in reference to artists who had passed away, but whose music lived on.
Conclusion
Larry Gogan will always be remembered as a legendary DJ in Ireland and a beloved figure in the country’s music industry. His contributions to the Irish music scene were immense, and his iconic voice and fun-loving personality will continue to inspire generations to come. Though he may be gone, his legacy lives on, and we celebrate his life with gratitude and love. Rest in peace, Larry Gogan.