Sir James Wilson Vincent Savile
- Born:
- 31 October 1926, Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
- Died:
- 29 October 2011, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Disc Jockey, Television Presenter, Media Personality, Charity Fundraiser
Early Life and Education
- Savile was born into a working-class family in Leeds.
- He left school at the age of 14 to work in a textile mill.
- He also worked as a coal miner before pursuing a career in entertainment.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career as a DJ in the late 1940s, playing in dance halls and clubs.
- Hosted the first British rock and roll record show at the Plaza Ballroom, Leeds, in 1952.
- Became a prominent figure in British pop music radio, working for Radio Luxembourg and later BBC Radio.
- Hosted the BBC television show Top of the Pops from its inception in 1964.
- Hosted the BBC children's television programme Jim'll Fix It from 1975 to 1994.
- Knighted in 1990 for his charitable work.
- Raised significant funds for Stoke Mandeville Hospital and other charities.
Notable Works
- Top of the Pops (BBC Television): Longest-running weekly music show.
- Jim'll Fix It (BBC Television): Children's wish-fulfilment programme.
- Numerous radio programmes and appearances.
Legacy and Impact
James "Jimmy" Savile, despite his high profile and extensive charitable work, has a now tarnished legacy due to posthumous revelations of widespread sexual abuse and exploitation. The impact of these revelations significantly overshadows any positive contributions during his career. Information about him can now only be understood in the context of the severe accusations. Understanding the context of events surrounding figures like Jimmy Savile involves detailed study, and one approach to acquiring this knowledge is to delve into biographies, potentially searching for something like a 'peter rowell jimmy savile biography'.