Norman Jay MBE?
Thu 27 Jun 2002

BIG, BIG welcome to my homepage. As you've probably guessed, I have been guilty of teasing you all these last few days with the message.. 'BIG' anouncement on Normanjay.com - IMMINENT'.

Well now you know what all the fuss was about - I have been made a MEMBER of the ORDER of the BRITISH EMPIRE. Yes folks an MBE! It's incredible. I still can't believe it!. The publication of the list containing all the recipients of the various birthday honours has now been officially announced in the media and was published in full last weekend in the GUARDIAN and TIMES broadsheets.

Thanks to this website, YOU were the first to know. The citation says I have been honoured for (and I quote) 'Disc Jockey and Services to Music' (how scary is that?) As you can imagine I am completely gobsmacked by this MAJOR accolade as news of it came to me completely out of the blue only about a week or so ago. I had absolutely no idea I was in the running for such a prestigeous award. Not even a sniff. Ordinary people like me (and you for that matter) simply DON'T get nominated for these types of awards (do we?). At least not that I'm aware of.

But whoa! hold on a minute, I've just learned that my former KISS FM dj partner from back in the day who now currently hosts MTV's incredibly successfull music show 'The LICK', Mr TREVOR NELSON is also a recipient for his fantastic 'work in the community' with underprivileged children no less - that's absolutely amazing mate - CONGRATS Trev. If ever someone deserved this kind of recognition YOU DO for that kind of unselfish work (and IMHO it should have been for music too) - BIG UP your chest anyway fella!

Now it makes the winning of this coveted award all the more special and TWICE as significant. Why me? How come? I've still no idea who nominated, proposed or seconded my name. I've been informed it's something one NEVER finds out. All I know is that when I first received this official looking white envelope bearing the words 'Urgent' and 'On Her Majesty's Service' through my letterbox, I at first thought 'oh shit - it's a another demand from the bloody inland revenue chasing some outstanding poll tax bill or something'.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I carefully openned the conquerer envelope and slowly read the contents. It contained a letter printed in the finest quality 'Oxbridge' english I've ever seen in my life confirming my 'appointment' - I though fcukin' hell! a royal honour -for ME? are you sure? (and all on the Prime Minister's official headed notepaper too) - Unbelieveable!.

At first I thought it might be some kind of cruel elaborate hoax and seriously contemplated it's authenticity for days. It then took several discreet phone calls from my management direct to NUMBER 10 asking them to indeed confirm that this really was the real deal - Wicked! I'd like to personally thank you all for leaving your genuinely touching best wishes and congrats messages on the forum board - I'm DEEPLY touched.

Again, I had absolutely no idea that DELE and you lot had this all planned. It was a complete surprise to arrive back from a festival gig in Sweden at the weekend alongside the legendary northern/modern soul deejay RICHARD SEARLING (who celebrated his 50th birthday with us over there - many happy returns Richard), finally get home, log on and see all those wonderful comments on the website - what can I say? - thanks again everyone (I'm genuinely all choked up).

For all I know the person (or persons) responsible for helping me attain this wonderful award could well be reading this...if you are, I just want to say a simple heartfelt THANK YOU to you. You have absolutely NO idea what this award means to me, my family, my friends, fellow music industry colleagues and indeed everyone who knows me who all genuinely feel that this award is a complete vindication of what we've all been about in the black/dance music scene all these years.

Thank you again. I'm still in a daze. What a completely MAD couple of days it's been eh?. When the big day finally arrives, I'll be ready. I can't wait to be able to officially 'blag' my way in to the Palace past those moody royal guards as my name will now MOST DEFINITELY be on the list (LoL). I'd then love to set up my Good Times sound system on the royal lawn then boldly stroll past all those suited and booted nobs with myself 'topped and tailed' ready to receive my 'gong' from Her Majesty herself - cool!.

Afterwards, I'd love to kick off a terrific celebratory Good Times party for everyone there with perhaps my old mate Mr Jagger (now SIR MICK JAGGER of course - good on yer Mick) belting out some Stones classics over some of my funky instrumentals maybe (heh heh). In all seriousness though, I'm quite looking forward to going up there (Buckingham Palace).

Never had any reason to go there before so it and it should be quite a giggle and I am not all nervous about it. But I will humbly accept this award on behalf of ALL OF US and don't worry - I'll properly represent and do you all proud - I promise! Over the years it hadn't escaped the notice of some seasoned observers the fact that ''..Norman Jay always appears to be 'overlooked' whenever the industry are freely dishing out their awards''. I can honestly say that THAT aspect of the business never ever bothered me (and those who know me well will confirm this).

I was never into it just to win plaudits, accolades or awards from my peers (though it's a very satifying feeling to know you've earned their respect if or when it happens). I was into it because I loved the music, the people and that very 'special feeling' that being involved in the music you love brings. Saying that, I have nothing but the highest regard with GENUINE respect for those who (I feel) deserve them.

I'm simply saying that I have always been passionately into what I do - simply playing quality music and entertaining people, making them feel good about themselves and hopefully giving them a great time whilst always striving to discover and play a variety of new and funky music. I like to think I've paid my dues over the years and finally after all this time it would appear that my time has most definitely come. It's a fantastic feeling to know that your efforts have now not only been recognised but PROPERLY acknowledged and duly rewarded by the HIGHEST authority in the land. How cool is that?

I sincerely hope I've justified everyone's faith in me by winning this most coveted of awards. Thank you all again. I too am a firm believer in the old maxim that 'good things eventually come to those who are patient'. Sometimes you can't help but feel that on occasion 'fact really is stranger than fiction'. What was the title of that old Jackson Sisters classic again? 'I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES' wasn't it? (LOL). TOKYO NEXT...I'm off to JAPAN on tuesday hoping to catch a game or two maybe.

With ENGLAND now sadly (but deservedly) knocked out of the World Cup (against 10 men) by my original tip BRAZIL, I'm hoping to at least get to see them in the flesh for the first time ever if I get the chance. I'll be commuting between OSAKA and TOKYO for a least a week or so spending a few days in both cities doing a couple of gigs. So if any of you are out there it would be great to see you at either or both gigs (see live dates for details).

If you want to contact me while I'm over there please leave your message(s) on the message board. If it's urgent/private then email me directly at goodtimes@london.com (after Thurs 27th). I can't guarentee if/when I'll be able to respond as because of the obvious language problems, I'm not quite sure where I'll be able to find an 'english speaking' pc as I don't travel with a laptop. I'm hoping someone over there will be able to help me out because I also aim to try and update this page every few days hopefully bringing you some kind of personal insight (if I can) into this fascinating 'space age' country (time and schedule permitting of course).

Nice piece in yesterday's OBSERVER in the ARTS section. Thanks for all your emails informing me about it (I very nearly missed it). They did a whole page feature about me being the first black british deejay in the UK to be awarded an MBE (now I'm embarrassed). The article in its entirety has been uploaded on my newly updated press page. PETER YOUNG will be sitting in for me on the radio next week on BBC LDN 94.9fm while I'm over in the land of the rising sun spinning tunes so be nice to him won't you... and on that note - I'm off to crack open yet another bottle of France's finest 'fizzy grape juice' and raise a glass (or two) - here's to you all (and BRAZIL) - CHEERS!!! ***

Thursday 27th June

Well folks I finally made it back to the 'land of the rising sun', back after five long years. I arrived early yesterday morning and I'm having an absolute ball already. Our hosts have been fantastic and the genuine warmth of their hospitallity is second to none. I have just arrived in OSAKA Japan's second city en route from TOKYO where it is considerably cooler and wet. I would like to take this opportunity to say a mighty 'HELLO' to all my Japanese friends and fans especially any old skool friends hopefully reading this message wherever you are! . I am very much looking forward to enjoying your company at club DAWN on friday (28th) and again on saturday night at AIR in TOKYO if you can make it. I hope to see you all there my funky people!!! - Extra special props and massive respect to all my Osaka crew who are Heavy Funk System, PINCH, IZUI, TAIZO, PUTCHIN, RYO.

Norman Jay MBE 2002 - It WILL be good for you!