BBC Radio 2 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Light Programme.

BBC Radio 2

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Russell Davies

Music: Easy Listening, Soundtracks & Musicals

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Russell Davies celebrates the art, craft and inspiration of the popular song

Russell Davies: 20/03/2011

Music: Jazz & Blues

20/03/2011

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Russell Davies, 20/03/2011

Russell continues to celebrate the greats of Tin Pan Alley, Hollywood and Broadway.

Russell continues to celebrate the greats of Tin Pan Alley, Hollywood and Broadway. Featured artists include Fats Waller, Frankie Laine, Ricky Nelson and Marlene VerPlanck.

After a postscript to the obituary of Mary Cleere Haran and a review of a new release by Louise Rogers, Russell notes some anniversaries starting with one from last week (when we weren't on air): the beginning of Fats Waller, the comic entertainer - as opposed to the piano virtuoso - as recorded on 13 March 1931.

After this, we discover the start of Ella Fitzgerald's famous songbook series; a new career for Frankie Laine (thanks to Mel Brooks and Blazing Saddles). We also celebrate an under-celebrated arranger for Sinatra - Heine Beau - whose arrangement of Don't Take Your Love from Me was recorded by Frank on 20 March 1961. 

Underlining the differences in music at that time, Russell plays another recording made that day - Ricky Nelson's Hello Mary Lou - and follows it with one from Ricky's Mum and Dad in 1935 (Dust Off That Old Pianna). More from that same date in history, this time from London: Peter Sellers and Sophia Loren's Bangers and Mash, Doris Day's Clap Yo' Hands and Tony Bennett's When the Sun Comes Out. 

Finally - as US singing star Marlene VerPlanck continues her tour of the UK - Russell plays her version of My Love Went to London.

Amazing music. Played by an amazing line up.

Radio 2: Amazing music. Played by an amazing line-up. The home of great music, entertainment and documentaries

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Russell Davies

20/03/2011

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