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

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Battersea to Birdland - The George Shearing Story

Battersea to Birdland - The George Shearing Story: Episode 1

Documentaries

Factual: Life Stories

Music: Jazz & Blues: Jazz

Episode 1

BBC Radio 2 - Battersea to Birdland - The George Shearing Story, Episode 1

Nancy Wilson and Guy Barker present the first part of a tribute to Sir George Shearing.

Nancy Wilson and Guy Barker present the first part of a tribute to Sir George Shearing OBE, one of the most remarkable pianists in jazz, who died in February.

Radio 2 celebrates the life and music of jazz pianist Sir George Shearing, who died in New York last month, aged 91. One of the most remarkable pianists in jazz, blind from birth yet totally at home at the piano, he created one of the most individual and instantly recognizable sounds in music.

First broadcast in August 2004, this programme is presented by the American singer Nancy Wilson, with new material introduced by Guy Barker. George himself recalls his early days in London and his eventual emigration to America, where he was determined to make his own mark. At the piano, he explains how he created the unique Shearing sound and re-lives the early success of his totally new Quintet which produced hit album after hit album. 

With the help of friends and colleague and featuring Lullaby of Birdland, Moon Over Miami and other classic tracks, we trace the Shearing story from Battersea back street to glittering New York's Birdland Club and success around the world.

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

Nancy Wilson and Guy Barker honour pioneering jazz pianist Sir George Shearing

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Battersea to Birdland - The George Shearing Story

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