If you grew up in the 80s or 90s in Essex, then it’s very likely that John Leech provided the music soundtrack to your younger life .
His soul music programmes became an essential listening habit for thousands of people, every evening, after work , or college, and often setting the mood for a night out at your favourite nightclub. John’s programme dominated the airwaves for 15 years and he won record audiences on Essex Radio, as well as winning 11 World Awards excellence in broadcasting.
To compliment the radio shows, John also hosted the Essex Soul Night Special .The first event was held at The Zero 6. Due to its success , and demand for tickets, it became a regular monthly event, playing at venues such as the Festival Hall, Basildon, the Epping Forest Country Club , the Queens in West cliff , and the Tartan House, Colchester .
These live stage shows, brought many big fashionable soul artists into Essex, for the first time. Some of these included Soul to Soul, Loose Ends, Alexander O Neal, Booker Newbury and Kenny Thomas.
John left Essex Radio in 2000 and has kept his legendary radio shows on air , st various radio stations since . In 2010 he started work for The BBC, and he currently presents a Sunday Soul show for the Beeb, over 8 counties
We are truly delighted to have secured Johns award winning show on Zero Radio, every Wednesday night at 7pm. The whole project has been made possible by Russell Best of The Spread Eagle public house in Rayleigh, they proudly sponsor the radio show on Zero.
Russ said….So tune in, and remember, your young free and single days, relive the nostalgia of your youth and you’ll also discover new music with The Soul Man , “John Leech”