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David Cousins, a key figure in the early development of independent local radio in the UK and founding member of the Strawbs, has died aged 85.
David played a major role in shaping commercial radio in the 1980s and 1990s, after already making his mark in the British music scene as a distinctive singer-songwriter and bandleader.
Born David Hindson in South London in 1940, he began his broadcasting career with Danmarks Radio in the 1960s before returning to radio as programme controller at Radio Tees in 1980. He later became managing director at DevonAir Radio, and went on to hold senior roles at Capital Radio. David was instrumental in the launch of several stations including Xfm and a revived Radio Victory.
His career in radio spanned two decades, during which time he continued to perform and record with various line-ups of the Strawbs.
David’s radio work included persuading the Watersons to record a Christmas programme and securing Dame Vera Lynn for a special Christmas Day broadcast in 1981.
He was known for his programming instincts and a talent for building radio brands, including creating the original tagline for Xfm: “Guitar-led rock, with attitude.”
Before radio, David was already well known for his work as a songwriter and performer. He co-founded the Strawberry Hill Boys in 1963, later renamed the Strawbs, whose debut album was released in 1969.
After stepping away from radio in the early 2000s, he returned to music full-time, forming Witchwood Media and continuing to record and perform into his 80s.
He remained connected to the University of Leicester, where he had studied mathematics, and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award and honorary doctorate in music.
David gave his final public performance in March 2025, during a visit to Bangor University where he also gave lectures on songwriting and the music business.
He will be remembered as a pioneer in both radio and music, whose work influenced generations of broadcasters and musicians.
He is survived by a legacy of recordings, broadcasts and the many lives he touched through his work on stage, in studio and on-air.
A message on David’s Facebook page said: “It is with profound sadness that we have to announce the passing of David Joseph Cousins at the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury, peacefully following a long illness, today, Sunday 13 July 2025.
“We will all wish to celebrate the life of this incredible singer-songwriter, relation, colleague and / or special friend at this time.”