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

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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: 09/10/2011

Music: Jazz & Blues

09/10/2011

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Russell Davies, 09/10/2011

Russell marks a Ray Charles chart anniversary and remembers singer Helen Morgan.

Russell marks a chart anniversary of Ray Charles' Hit The Road Jack; the centenary of war photographer Joe Rosenthal; and remembers singer Helen Morgan, 70 years after she died.

This week's show commences with the anniversary of Ray Charles' Hit The Road Jack topping the Billboard Hot 100 on this day in 1961. Incidentally, this day also marks the centenary of Joe Rosenthal, the man who took the picture of the US marines hoisting their big flag over Iwo Jima, which leads us to the playing of Ry Cooder's Rally Round the Flag. 

But perhaps the most poignant event that can be marked on this day is the 70th anniversary of the death of Helen Morgan, one of the most uncelebrated of the great singers of her era. So to commemorate her achievements we hear not only two of her hits but also a song by Ann Blyth, who portrayed Morgan in her biopic and the performance of Why Was I Born from the movie, which was actually voiced by Gogi Grant.

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

09/10/2011

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