John Woods 1946-2001
John Woods (1946 - 2001)
John Woods was one of four full-time announcers (supported by a large number of volunteers) when 4ZZZ-FM began broadcasting on 8 December 1975 as Australia's first FM-Stereo rock-music radio station, and Brisbane's first community station. John was the first voice heard on 4ZZZ.
John was recruited (via a phone interview) from Adelaide where he had been sacked as a presenter on Channel 9 for participating in a Gay Rights demonstration. As well as his professional media experience, John brought to Brisbane his made-for-radio voice, his tireless energy and optimism, and his infectious motto for life, "If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing".
His voice on radio developed into a deep, rich timbre with a warm, endearing style.
After 4ZZZ, John worked for Double J in Sydney and the ABC station in Darwin. Later he took over the Breakfast Show from Clive Robertson on 2BL in Sydney, later the breakfast show on ABC's 4QR in Brisbane, and he eventually worked for ABC's Gold Coast station (91.7 ABC Coast FM). John also hosted the Sound of Summer on ABC National radio.
John settled in Ballina, and together with his partner, opened a Japanese restaurant called Oishii (Japanese for delicious).
In Ballina, John discovered he had Leukaemia and he died a few years later in November 2001 in Southport, Queensland, at the age of 56. John was born in Adelaide 8/8/1946.
John was a rare and charismatic individual and was loved by all who met him.