Clare Teal: Unforgettable farewell to a gentleman of broadcasting

The guest list was extraordinary, incredible songwriters including Tony Hatch, Don Black and Sir Tim Rice, not to mention the cream of British broadcasting Sir Terry Wogan, Chris Evans and Ken Bruce, also national treasures Dame Vera Lynn and June Whitfield and members of David’s very close-knit family including his wife Lindsay. After dinner, David delivered a 20-minute address, it was superb.

Sparklingly witty, erudite and suave, this softly-spoken and most debonair gentleman enchanted the assembled cast with brilliantly funny anecdotes concerning some of the many megastars and royal figures he’d rubbed shoulders with throughout his career spanning seven decades. There was an overwhelming sense of warmth emanating from him and from the people gathered together.

David Lewis Jacobs CBE was born in 1926 and rose to prominence as the presenter of the popular TV show Juke Box Jury, he also presented the BBC Radio 4 political show Any Questions. He provided the UK commentary for the Eurovision Song Contest before Sir Terry Wogan and was one of the four original presenters of Top of the Pops when it started in 1964.

From 1998 to just a few weeks ago he’d presented a wonderful easy-listening Radio 2 show that followed mine on Sunday evenings called the David Jacobs Collection. He had great taste in music and I’m not just saying that because he would on occasion play my records, no, the music he played was an irresistible blend of classic songs, performed by the greats of yesteryear, rich in quality and sophistication.

I had the honour of singing at this great man’s funeral just last week. Lindsay requested Unforgettable, the perfect choice. Again the room was thick with an outpouring of love for David – a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all, and one of the greatest broadcasters there ever will be.