Overview
- The public broadcaster said the longtime presenter died Sunday at age 75 in Esslingen, confirming the news that prompted widespread remembrances.
- Kai Gniffke, SWR’s director general, called Holtmann a “true radio legend,” and colleagues praised his creativity, wit and mentoring of younger journalists.
- Holtmann joined SDR in 1979, rose to music chief at SDR3, and was central to developing the station’s “Radio für den wilden Süden” identity.
- After the SDR–SWF merger he served as music chief and presenter at SWR3, moved to SWR1 in 2005, fronted shows like “SDR 3 Treff,” “Dr. Music” and the “SWR1 Baden‑Württemberg Hitparade,” and appeared on TV formats including “Na und,” “Extraspät” and “Ring frei.”
- Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009, he continued performing, published the 2022 memoir “Porsche, Pop und Parkinson,” took a final bow with standing ovations in May 2024, and was saluted Tuesday by the band Pur for his enduring support.