The funeral of Northern Ireland radio legend Trevor Campbell has heard how “the airwaves won’t be the same without him”.
Affectionately known as ‘Big T’ to friends and listeners, the Downtown Radio presenter passed away in hospital last week following a short illness.
He was one of Downtown Radio’s original presenting team in 1976 and interviewed some of the biggest stars in country music over the course of his lengthy career, including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.
The award-winning presenter hosted his show on Downtown Country the week before his passing.
Mr Campbell’s funeral service was held at Moneyreagh Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church on Wednesday.
The funeral of Trevor ‘Big T’ Campbell was held on Wednesday. Credit: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press
His close friend Raymond Stewart delivered the eulogy to “The Bossman”, as he was called by colleagues at Downtown Radio.
Mr Stewart said it was strange that the Country Music Awards in Tennessee were taking place around the same time “as Big T’s life was coming to a close”.
While he was known by many for his love of country music, mourners were told that, when not on the airwaves, Big T loved nothing more than spending time with his family, in particular the grandchildren of his partner Vi, whom he “doted” on.
Those gathered heard how he grew up on the Cregagh Road in east Belfast and was proud of his working-class background.
“It’s hard to imagine life without his trusted voice on the radio, whether in the long, dark nights, with the fire lit, or on the long summer evenings, with the barbeque,” Mr Stewart said.
“Since 1976, Big T was on Downtown in the evenings, providing the soundtrack to many homes as he brought the music to life with his anecdotes, requests and stories. Requests from all over — a truck driver held in traffic at the docks, or someone in hospital requesting a song, or a first-time texter.
“Always good music, a well-crafted show and a voice that was made for radio. Though, mind you, back in the day, I would say he considered himself a bit of a looker.”
“When Big T burst onto the radio in 1976 he was an instant hit and a new star was born.”
Among those in attendance at the service were singers Daniel O’Donnell and Philomena Begley, broadcaster Frank Mitchell and journalist Eamonn Mallie.
Daniel O’Donnell and Philomena Begley joined friends and family at the funeral in Moneyreagh. Credit: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press
Mr Stewart described how all “the world’s biggest country stars were eager to be interviewed by Big T” and how his endorsement could boost ticket and record sales.
“A play on Big T’s show was vital for success,” Mr Stewart continued.
While Mr Campbell interviewed many international country music stars, he always made sure to also feature local and emerging talent, mourners heard.
Over the years, the radio legend won many coveted awards. In February, he was named Favourite Radio Presenter at the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards for the fourth year running.
He was also inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame last year.
Mourners were told: “Trevor is without doubt one of the main reasons country music is so popular today. We trust him. A new single out, a new album out… get it to Big T to get the ball rolling.
“On Downtown, he was known as ‘The Bossman’ by his colleagues, a title earned through mutual respect — respect for a friend and a colleague who has inspired a new generation of radio presenters as he embraced new technology and the digital era.”
“Trevor was aware that the very essence of country music is storytelling — the story of everyday life, of struggles, love and loss. The airwaves won’t be the same without him, but his legacy will live on.
“It only seems fitting to close with the words of the man himself: ‘It’s time to pack the sack and hit the track, as the clock on the wall says that’s all.’”
As Trevor Campbell’s casket was carried from the church, Elvis Presley’s rendition of In The Garden was played.