John West

Background

He was born in Paddington, Sydney, and grew up in Concord, the only child of John and Jean W. He was brought up by his mother and developed an early interest in theatre, which was encouraged by his grandmother, Mary Bell.

Education

He was educated at Fort Street High School.

Career

He joined the American Broadcasting Company as an announcer in 1942 before enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force, serving with Royal Australian Air Force Radio "The Voice of the Islands" from 1942 to 1945. He returned to the American Broadcasting Company as an ordinary announcer, pursuing his theatrical interests at every opportunity in his off-duty time until 1964 when he was able to combine his profession and passion in the weekly programme "The Showman". A second program, "Sentimental Journey" in which he resurrected old gramophone records from the American Broadcasting Company"s record library, as well as his own and those of fellow enthusiasts, followed in 1978.

Both continued after he "officially" retired in 1989.

He had been diagnosed with a brain tumor but died in a nursing home at Collaroy following a heart attack. Sentimental Journey on Saturday nights (1978-1995)

The Showman (1964-1990).

Connections

colleague:

Nona Wood