George Webley

George Webley, also known as "Big George", born May 29, 1957, is a British musician, composer, bandleader, and broadcaster.

Early life

Big George Webley was born in Clapham, London on 29th May 1957. His Aunt, Vera, was the fan club secretary for Frankie Laine, who attended Webley's baptism at Macaulay, in the Church of England, on June 1 as his Godfather. His first introduction to the wonders of music was when Donald Swann attended his primary school.

Webley left school at the age of 14 to go on the road with a showband. He became Herbie Flowers' apprentice in his late teens and was a session bass player until the age of 30.

Music career

He became musical director for EMI at 30 and produced dozens of chart records. In 1989, Webley became bandleader on "Jameson Tonight" with Derek Jameson and Shane Ritchie. He composed the theme music to "Have I Got News For You", and was also responsible for themes to "The Office", "Room 101", and "Graham Norton".

Composed numerous other themes for the National Theatre, Arts Theatre, Ballet, and radio including Ian McMillan’s East Coast Girls, Emma Clarke's Share and Share Alike, and Neil Mossey’s Stockport So Good They Named It Once

Broadcasting career

In 1999, he presented the BBC2 educational series "MUSIC FILE" which won the Prix La Basle award for educational excellence. He also won the 2002 Sony Gold for Music Broadcaster whilst on BBC Three Counties, where he launched the now-legendary 'Cabbie Chat' feature. "Cabbie Chat - The Rank Opinion", ran every morning on his Milton Keynes Breakfast programme. The idea was to ask the cab drivers of Milton Keynes their opinions on the day's news. It lasted until George managed to offended some of the drivers over a news item about taxi drivers.

Webley currently presents BBC London 94.9 overnight radio show (Monday-Friday 2-6am).

Used has been as a Musicologist expert on various programmes, including "The Big Breakfast", "Esther", "Kilroy", "5Live breakfast with Nicky Campbell", Radio 4’s "Today programme", "John Peels Home Truths", "Moral Notes", and "Landmark Places" with Laurie Taylor

He has written, presented and/or produced documentaries for Radio 4, including "Playing Second Fiddle" and "Sense of Place".

Over three dozen parodies songs and live performances for the Radio 1 Roadshow with Chris Moyles (who mentions him in his book The Gospel According To Chris Moyles “Composer and genius man. Honestly”)

Also mentioned in Angie Bowies biography: Backstage Passes (Life on the Wildside with David Bowie) and Bruce Thomas: The Big Wheel

Personal life

He is currently in a relationship with fellow BBC London presenter, JoAnne Good, whose 6am show follows George's show, since a Christmas party in December 2006. JoAnne used to have George's 2-6am slot.

External links

* [http://www.biggeorge.co.uk Big George's website] .
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2006/02/09/overnight_2to6am_feature.shtml BBC London page]
* [http://chrismoyles.co.uk/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=10 Chris Moyles site]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/articles/2006/04/03/business_sound_big_george_profile_feature.shtml BBC interview with Big George]