Johnny Kennedy’s radio show kept Merseyside laughing for more than two decades
18:42, 17 Dec 2025Updated 18:44, 17 Dec 2025
DJ Johnny Kennedy pictured in 2008(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
A sold-out concert will celebrate the life of beloved Radio City DJ Johnny Kennedy. Johnny, originally from Everton, was best known for his work on Radio City, but was also heard on the airwaves of Dune FM, Wirral Radio and River Radio.
Sir Ken Dodd’s widow Lady Anne and Liverpool’s official singer in residence, Danielle Thomas, will lead the birthday tribute concert celebrating Johnny’s life and legacy. The concert will take place on Thursday afternoon (December 18) at Liverpool Cricket Club on Aigburth Road, with all proceeds going to the Liverpool Taxi Drivers Children in Care Outing Fund, one of many charities supported by Johnny during his long career as a broadcaster and entertainer.
Johnny, known as JK, died on January 24 last year at the age of 88, leaving his wife, broadcaster and former ECHO journalist Linda McDermott, devastated.
Following his death, social media was flooded with tributes from hundreds of fans of his daily Radio City show, which kept Merseyside laughing for more than two decades.
Such was its popularity that some factories reportedly timed their morning tea breaks so workers could listen to his famous “Bride of the Week” segment.
Johnny Kennedy’s coffin decorated with red roses, being carried into St Francis Xavier’s Church(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
A singer, teacher and comedian, Johnny was a towering figure in Liverpool’s entertainment scene.
He holds the record for 300 appearances at the Liverpool Empire, starring in pantomimes and variety shows and playing the lead role in the musical Her Benny for 23 years.
He was also renowned for his tireless charity work and remarkable endurance feats.
A prodigious long distance runner, Johnny ran 80 miles non stop to Barnsley Football Club from Anfield stadium, waved off by Sir Kenny Dalglish, to fund kidney dialysis machines. And he ran 54 miles London to Brighton the morning after winning television’s New Faces alongside longtime comedy pals Les Dennis and Lenny Henry.
Paying tribute, his wife Linda said: “I’m so proud of my beloved Johnny and how he used his awesome array of talents to raise hundreds of thousands for so many charities including incubators for the Women’s Hospital Newborn Appeal and countless water pumps to help children dying in third world countries for want of clean water.
“He adored this city and its people and would do anything to help.
“He was also loved by his fellow entertainers and I’m so grateful that once again they are coming together in his name for Liverpool’s children in care, ensuring Johnny’s good work goes on.”
Tickets for the show compèred by broadcaster Frankie Connor on Thursday, December 18 are available on 0151 291 6030