Born in Glasgow in 1951, Ken Bruce attended Hutchesons' Boys' Grammar School, before training as a chartered accountant.
He always felt most comfortable in a radio studio, starting out with the Hospital Broadcasting Service in Glasgow, before becoming a staff announcer for BBC Radio 4 Scotland.
When Radio Scotland was launched in 1978 he joined as presenter of Nightbeat, as well as presenting a Saturday morning show. Subsequent roles on the channel included the mid-morning slot and a daily afternoon entertainment show.
His Radio 2 career began as presenter of the Ballroom programmes in 1980 and standing in for other broadcasters, but a he landed permanent role on Saturday late night show in 1984. Following a stint on The Radio 2 Breakfast Show, replacing Terry Wogan, he took on the job for which he would become famous in 1990 – hosting the mid-morning slot.
Other than a short-lived move to the early morning slot in 1992, he has remained in the slot until this year when he announced he would be leaving the BBC – taking his PopMaster format with him.
Here are 11 quotes from the master of radio.
9. Ken Bruce on...the UK in Eurovision
“It’s like Scottish football. You go for long periods of nothing going your way in the hope that one year it will click and the glory days will be back. It’s the same with Eurovison. Each year, I think we’ll do better next year." Photo: Contributed
10. Ken Bruce on...broadcasting over lockdown
"In the middle of PopMaster our contestant, who was at his workplace, suddenly found someone else had come into the room he was in. Being a good social distancer, and a natural live broadcaster, he relocated mid-question to the toilet, where he continued seamlessly answering – and scoring rather well." Photo: BBC
11. Ken Bruce on...leaving the BBC
"I will be presenting my last show on Radio 2 next Friday. I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. Let's enjoy the week ahead!" Photo: BBC