It was just announced that radio icon and ‘creator’ Cecil Morris has died.
Described as a maverick and pioneer, the Clarendon-born ‘son of Jamaica’ - a.k.a. ‘Music Master’ - was arguably said to be one of the most influential people in the Midlands, after creating P.C.R.L. (People's Community Radio Link), a ‘pirate’ radio station in Birmingham, which served as a vehicle, or fulcrum, for Black music and culture that was ignored in the lifestyle of a UK of those times. Airing for the first time in 1985, where it played music that was unique at the time – from the deepest of Roots, Rock, Reggae, Lovers Rock, Jazz Funk, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Soul, he made sure that a growing listenership would stay loyal to its cause to the bitter end – and they did in their droves!
The station was accused of causing interference to local emergency radio system, in 2002. In 2004, PCRL closed, after the station organisers were ordered to carry out community service, with Mr. Morris receiving a suspended prison sentence for illegal broadcasting. However, his fearless passion was acknowledged on Radio 1-Xtra digital, when he was interviewed live, by presenter Richie Brave, who celebrates the people that helped shape Black British radio, from pirate to commercial and online radio stations.
He was also highlighted in the book ‘Where We Come From: Rap, Home and Hope in Modern Britain’. To this day, radio stations, presenters and listeners, thank Cecil Morris for being the ‘beacon’ for them to follow and references him as the ‘origin’ of their careers.
The response to his death on social media were heart-felt, with one person writing: ‘Very sad day today with the loss of PCRL's founder, Cecil Abraham Morris. He was such an inspiration to hundreds of radio DJ's that he helped over the years, we all thank him for his kind help and support. RIEP!’
A legend and leader of the broadcasting world, people to this day – and for time immemorial will respect and pay eternal homage to Cecil Morris.
Forever a leader and never a follower, Rest In Peace Cecil Morris!