My mother, Alma Player, who has died aged 90, was an assistant producer on the BBC2 music programme The Old Grey Whistle Test, working on the show from its first broadcast in 1971 to the last, in 1988.
She was on hand to offer support to some of the young, up-and-coming musicians making their first appearance on live television on the show. Many were to become household names, among them David Bowie, Meat Loaf, the Police and Elton John. Alma was there at the beginning with a smile and words of encouragement.
The show’s executive producer Mike Appleton said: “Alma was the rock, she made everyone comfortable.” The longtime presenter and Alma’s good friend, Bob Harris, said: “When I needed advice Alma was there, providing calm support that meant so much.”
Born in Holborn, central London, Alma was the daughter of Vera (nee Craig), an actor, theatre producer and costume designer who had been part of a performing troupe managed by Sir Henry Irving, and Jack Montgomery, a chef. Much of her family were involved to some degree with the entertainment industry, and so Alma grew up in a creative environment, used to putting people at their ease.
After school, Alma worked as a secretary in Fleet Street. She married Ernie Player, a screenwriter and freelance journalist writing for Picturegoer and Variety magazines, in 1958. A year after my birth, in 1960, Ernie died from rheumatic fever. Aged 44, Alma became a single parent, supported by Vera.
When she was able to face the world again she joined an agency as a secretary and was sent to the BBC. There she was fortunate enough to work for the producers Rowan Ayers and Richard Drewett.
When Rowan created the classic review programme Line Up, then Late Night Line Up, in 1964, he took Alma with him. Out of that came the music shows Colour Me Pop (1968-69), Disco 2 (1970-71), and The Old Grey Whistle Test, on which Alma became a researcher, and then, in 1980, an assistant producer. She stayed with the team headed by Appleton for more than 25 years.
Other programmes she worked on during this time include Riverside, Rock Goes to College, Sight and Sound (an innovative series of pop and rock concerts that were broadcast simultaneously on television and radio), and, in 1982, Live Aid.
She retired in 1988 and settled in Thornton Le Dale, North Yorkshire, where she walked the moors and Dalby Forest with her beloved golden retrievers, and made many friends.
Alma always approached people with an open heart and mind. She found time for everyone, was always willing to listen, keen to share stories, and offer advice and support.
She is survived by me and her grandson, Alex.
