Veteran Downtown Radio Presenter Trevor Campbell, ‘Big T’, Dies at 78

Downtown Radio has announced the passing of Trevor Campbell, one of its most recognized presenters, at the age of 78. Campbell, known to listeners as ‘Big T,’ was an award-winning DJ whose career spanned 47 years. The radio station released a statement on Facebook, saying: “We’re incredibly saddened to announce that our friend and colleague Trevor Campbell has passed away at the age of 78.” During his career, ‘Big T’ interviewed numerous prominent country music artists, including Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash. U105 broadcaster Frank Mitchell shared with BBC News NI that ‘Big T’ was “without doubt one of the most welcoming people I ever met when I joined Downtown numerous years ago.” Mitchell further commented on Campbell’s professional generosity and skill, stating, “He went completely out of his way to help me learn the trick of the trade when it came to turntables and vinyl and [he was] one of the slickest operators in terms of radio presentation.” Mitchell concluded by saying, “To say he was a legend in broadcasting is without doubt not an overstatement and he will be dearly missed.” Country singer Nathan Carter offered his condolences to Campbell’s family, describing him as “radio royalty when it came to presenting, especially in country music.” Carter recalled his personal experiences with Campbell, remarking, “What a guy. He was one of my first ever interviewers when I got a band on the road and he would’ve introduced me every year on stage when I was in Belfast.” Carter added, “He will be sadly missed and is a great loss to country music.” BBC Radio Ulster presenter Hugo Duncan characterized ‘Big T’ as a “very nice gentleman.” Duncan also shared, “A great lad, I used to enjoy going up and see him anytime I bought a new album. He was always a man that treated everybody very equal.” Campbell was honored as Favourite Radio Presenter for the fourth consecutive year at the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards in February 2024. Additionally, he received a Radio Hall of Fame award last year.