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

BBC Radio 2

Radio 2

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: 06/11/2011

Music: Jazz & Blues

06/11/2011

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Russell Davies, 06/11/2011

Russell begins with Nat King Cole and pays tribute to Edmundo Ros.

Russell begins with Nat King Cole and other featured artists include Dean Martin, Jimmy Durante and the recently departed bandleader and former Radio 2 presenter, Edmundo Ros.

Taking up where he left off at the end of the show's 500th, Russell introduces Nat King Cole's up-tempo That's My Girl with a classy Pete Rugolo arrangement. 

The centenary of singing cowboy Roy Rogers follows with two of his, the second being written by Jack Brooks. Jack also wrote (with Harry Warren) Dean Martin's That's Amore - we hear Dino's hit version - and (with Hoagy Carmichael) Ole Buttermilk Sky - we hear Hoagy. 

The subject of old country expressions comes up as a result and Jo Stafford's Clabberin' Up For Rain provides further evidence. Next, a valete to the bandleader and former Radio 2 presenter Edmundo Ros, through two of his recordings, one with Caterina Valente. Writer/comedian Mike Nichols, born 6 November 1931, is recalled with music from The Graduate which he co-produced and also via one of his improvisations with Elaine May - Bach To Bach.

This leads to Jimmy Durante's comic polar opposite - I'm The Guy That Found The Lost Chord. Durante's MD, Roy Bargy, is heard with Ramona Davies and we close with Dakota Staton's interpretation of You Call It Madness.

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

06/11/2011

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