Veteran Nantwich musician Dave Prince has made his radio debut at the age of 79, writes Jonathan White.
After more than 60 years as a musician, Dave has found a fresh way to share his lifelong passion for music.
In the run-up to their final Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival gig as “Memory Lane”, Dave and his duo partner Ray Nicholls were interviewed by The Cat Radio presenter Dave Foulkes.
And that chat sparked an exciting new venture as The Cat’s team spotted a gap in their schedule for an “oldies” show.
It features music for those aged 65 and above – which is over 21% of South Cheshire’s population.
They launched ‘Coffee Bar Classics’ which Dave Prince now presents.
The show features hits from the mid-1950s to mid-1960s alongside fascinating stories behind the songs.
Popular segments include:
• Both Sides of a Record – exploring the A and B sides.
• The Story Behind the Song – digging into the history of classic hits.
• Foreign Language Records – highlighting surprise international gems.
• Jive Time – a hugely popular double helping of dance-floor favourites.
The response has been phenomenal with listeners tuning in not only from Cheshire but across the UK – and even further afield.
Requests have come in from Sussex, Devon, London, and North Wales, as well as from France, Finland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, California, and even Tasmania.
Dave said: “We play all the big stars – Elvis, Cliff, the Everly’s, Roy Orbison – but we also slip in forgotten tracks that make people say, ‘I’ve not heard this in years!’
“Radio often overlooks my generation, so I’m delighted The Cat has been forward-thinking.
“And it’s great to hear younger listeners tuning in too – often because their grandparents played this music at home.”
Dave produces the show himself from his home studio before broadcasting live from The Cat’s state-of-the-art studios at Cheshire College in Crewe.
You can listen to Coffee Bar Classics on 107.9FM, on DAB, smart speakers, online, and via The Cat’s app.
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