Parkinson’s ambassador David Jensen joins Jazz FM

Our ambassador, David “Kid” Jensen, will be delving into his extensive jazz collection in a new series of programmes for Jazz FM, starting from Sunday 21 February.

For 6 weeks, David will share a hand-picked selection of his first love, jazz music, with listeners during David Jensen’s Jazz. 

David announced his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2018 and has lived with the condition for 8 years. He's subsequently become an amazing ambassador for Parkinson’s UK.

Over the course of the series, Jazz FM will also be partnering with Parkinson’s UK. The series will highlight our aim to develop better treatments and a cure for the condition. The programme will include trailers and features about Parkinson’s, and listeners will also hear from David himself. 

David says:

"I arrived in London in 1968 with a toothbrush and a pocket full of dreams, and I used to love strolling down Wardour Street, loving venues like Revolution, Ronnie Scott’s, The Cromwellian and the Speakeasy.  Jazz was everywhere and so was I, and I’ve loved it ever since. Finally getting a programme on Jazz FM means I’ve gone full circle now and couldn't be happier". 

David has been working in broadcasting for over 50 years on some of the UK’s biggest radio stations such as Radio Luxembourg, Radio’s 1 and 2 and Capital Radio, as well as fronting TV music shows like Top Of The Pops. 

Paul Jackson-Clark, Director of Engagement at Parkinson's UK says:

"David is a brilliant ambassador for Parkinson's UK and since his diagnosis, has not let Parkinson's stop him or get in the way of his love for music and radio. We are incredibly grateful for his support in helping us increase understanding of this often misunderstood condition.

"While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's and current treatments are simply not good enough, we do believe we're on the verge of major research breakthroughs. We're investing in promising studies to deliver a new treatment by the end of 2024. And with generous support from Jazz FM, Kid and the wider public, we can find a cure." 

Jazz FM’s Content Director Nick Pitts says:

"To be able to give David the chance to stretch his wings and play his go-to favourite music from his extensive jazz collection is a dream come true for both him and I, and having seen his initial choices, I know there will be some really surprising choices in there to blow the mind.  It will be a real eye-opening must listen from David.  

"To also be able to team up with a charity close to David’s heart - Parkinson’s UK - to give him and them an opportunity to educate our listeners on this neurological condition is a real opportunity that I’m pleased we can help and make happen."

• David Jensen’s Jazz starts on Sunday 21 February until Sunday 28 March (6 weeks) from 9pm to 10pm.