BBC
Former BBC broadcaster and performer Nigel Ogden has died at the age of 71.
Nigel was best known to radio audiences as the presenter of The Organist Entertains, a role he held from 1980 until the programme’s final broadcast in 2018, becoming one of the most recognisable specialist music voices on national radio.
Born in Manchester in November 1954, Nigel was introduced to music through his father, a church organist, and began playing the organ at the age of twelve after several years of piano lessons. Family trips to Blackpool Tower to hear Reginald Dixon at the Wurlitzer proved formative, sparking a lifelong commitment to the instrument and its distinctive sound.
After training as a schoolteacher, Nigel moved into the music business, working as a salesman and demonstrator for an electronic organ retailer in Cheshire before opening his own business. Alongside this, he became increasingly involved with The Organist Entertains, having first appeared as a player in 1972 before taking over as presenter from Robin Richmond.
Away from broadcasting, Nigel was a touring musician and composer, performing on theatre and church organs across the country, releasing recordings, and later continuing his connection with listeners through The Organist Encores podcast.
Paying tribute, broadcaster Ian Wolstenholme described Nigel as “incredibly supportive”, adding: “We send our sincere condolences to Nigel’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
Nigel Ogden died on 27 January 2026, aged 71.