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JFK - The First Pop President

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24/05/2010

BBC Radio 2 - JFK - The First Pop President

Actor Robert Vaughn looks at the impact and enduring appeal of the presidency of JFK.

Actor Robert Vaughn looks at the enduring appeal and continued fascination in the life of JFK, with contributions from his inner circle, friends and the people who knew JFK best.

Radio 2 marks the 50th anniversary of the start of the 60s, the decade that changed the UK, and the world, forever.

With documentaries covering popular culture, music and eyewitness accounts, Radio 2 brings the 60s to life with a season of programmes. Presenters include Robert Vaughan, Tony Blackburn, Alice Cooper and Brian Matthew alongside Guy Garvey and Michael Sheen. Plus, two of the decade's movers and shakers, Vicki Wickham and Tony King, present very personal eyewitness accounts of 'their' 60s.

Perhaps like no other world leader the life of JFK still intrigues and fascinates, despite it being nearly 50 years since his untimely death. Robert Vaughn (The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and Hustle) looks back at how JFK changed politics forever, shaped the 1960s and assesses why the world is still enraptured by JFK.

When elected in 1960, JFK epitomised the hope of the new decade and a feeling that America was emerging from post war austerity and into a new colourful world which it would shape. With rock'n'roll, Coca Cola and Hollywood, the USA would conquer the world and at its helm was a leader who sold out magazines and excited a nation. JFK kick started and influenced the decade of hope. 

From space travel to civil rights, the Cold War to Vietnam, JFK's policies shaped the decade of the 1960s, whilst his mix of showbiz friends, glamorous wife and his brilliance in front of the TV cameras made him a paparazzi target and brought in a new era of politics. Yet away from the cameras, JFK hid many secrets; few knew of his litany of health problems (he was given the last rites several times), or his extramarital affairs.

With contributions from JFK's inner circle; including speechwriter and confidante Ted Sorensen, close friend and newspaper Editor Ben Bradlee, and writer Gore Vidal, this documentary hears first hand about JFK's life and looks at his continued appeal. 

We also hear from contributors who experienced the JFK's years whilst growing up, including former BBC Political correspondent John Sergeant, who was a young man on a gap year in America when JFK was in his pomp, and Mickey Dolenz, singer in the Monkees, who lived the JFK-inspired American dream.

Amazing music. Played by an amazing line up.

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