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

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Sounds of the 20th Century

Trevor Dann

Sounds of the 20th Century: Episode 9: 1959

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1959

Episode 9

Episode 9: 1959

BBC Radio 2 - Sounds of the 20th Century, 1959

Jeremy Vine introduces the year of Fidel Castro, General de Gaulle and 'Mac the Knife'.

Jeremy Vine introduces an audio journey through five decades. 1959 was the year of Fidel Castro, General de Gaulle and 'Mac the Knife'.

Sounds of the 20th Century is an audio journey through five decades of triumph, tragedy and trivia in 50 hour-long episodes.

Each programme is dedicated to one year from 1951 to 2000 and features nothing that wasn't heard, seen or read at the time. There's no hindsight, no "I-heart-the-80s"-style reminiscences; just the music, the news, the radio, the TV and the movies as they were first experienced.

This week, Jeremy Vine introduces 1959, the year when "Mac the Knife" wins the Tories a third successive general election and National Service is abolished. General de Gaulle is the new president of France and the communist Fidel Castro takes over in Cuba. World Champion racing driver Mike Hawthorne is killed on the Guildford bypass and at Wembley Elton John's cousin Roy breaks his leg in the Cup Final. 

In the music industry, 78s are discontinued and the stars on 45 are Adam Faith, Anthony Newley and (the late) Buddy Holly.

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

Jeremy Vine introduces Radio 2's audio journey through the years

Jeremy Vine introduces Radio 2's audio journey through the years from 1951 to 2000, helping listeners to relive the music, news, radio, TV and movies of the times

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Episode 9: 1959

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