Mike Raven (Austin Churton Fairman) was born in London 15/12/1924. In the early 1960s, still using his real name, he began working for BBC radio, presenting talks and, occasionally, Woman's Hour. However, when his cousin, Liberal Party politician Oliver Smedley, founded the pirate radio station Radio Atlanta, he joined the station as a disc jockey, broadcasting from the ship Mi Amigo moored off the Essex coast near Frinton-on-Sea. At that point, he began using the name Mike Raven, and presented shows which focused on his love of American blues, rhythm and blues and soul music, of which he owned a large record collection. In 1964 he married Mandy Kilbey, (2nd wife) sometimes presenting radio programmes jointly with her; they later had two sons.

Pirate radio in the UK first became widespread in 1964 when pop music stations such as Radio Caroline and Radio London started to broadcast on medium wave to the UK from offshore ships or disused sea forts. At the time, these stations were not illegal because they were broadcasting from international waters. Influenced by Radio Luxembourg and American radio stations the stations were set up by entrepreneurs and music enthusiasts to meet the growing demand for pop, rock and R&B music, which were not catered for by BBC Radio services.

In reaction to the popularity of pirate radio, BBC Radio was restructured in 1967, establishing BBC Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3 and Radio 4. A number of DJs of the newly formed Radio 1 came from pirate stations, including, John Peel, Tony Blackburn, Kenny Everett, Johnnie Walker, Tony Prince, Emperor Rosko and Mike Raven.The UK Government also closed the international waters loophole via the Marine, & C., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967, although Radio Caroline would continue to broadcast in various forms right up to 1990.

Mike Raven hosted daytime shows with his wife Mandy and hosted specialist R&B programmes in the evening. Radio Invicta became Radio 390 named after the frequency it was on. He also broadcast on Radio Luxembourg. His evening shows gained a keen following and in 1966 he issued an LP The Mike Raven Blues Show a various artist complitation on Xtra records. Around this time he used Soul Seranade an instrument track written by King Curtis as the opening to his show. The version he used was by Beau Dollar & The Coins issued on USA Fraternity and then Prime Records.

In 1968 The Mike Cotton Sound recorded Soul Seranade and Mike Raven produced the record and then used this version as his theme tune.

His Sunday night R&B series was essential listening for every blues fan. Mike Raven last programme on Radio 390 was on 28th November 1966 and he then presented an EMI-sponsored soul shows on Radio Luxembourg. I remember listenting to his show when he played EMI Soul Supply new 45's. In particular Homer Banks - A Lot Of Love on UK Liberty. On the weekend I went to Chris Wellards record shop in New Cross and purchased a copy!

September 1967. The Mike Raven Blues Show debuted on the first day of Radio 1, and was a regular feature, usually on Sunday evenings, until November 1971 he presented a successful weekly R&B show which was extended from its original half-hour to two hours. He remained there for four years.

Mike Raven was a disc jockey, actor, sculptor, sheep farmer, writer, TV presenter and producer, ballet dancer, flamenco guitarist and photographer.

He passed away on 4 April 1997.