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: 11/12/2011

Music: Jazz & Blues

11/12/2011

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Russell Davies, 11/12/2011

Russell marks the centenaries of Nino Rota and Spike Jones and Rita Moreno's birthday.

Russell marks several anniversaries, including the centenaries of Nino Rota and Spike Jones, Rita Moreno's 80th birthday, and the 60th anniversary of Joe DiMaggio's retirement.

This week, Russell celebrates the centenaries of Nino Rota (Speak Softly Love) and Spike Jones (three items, including one as a straight drummer with Bing Crosby). Rita Moreno, who is 80 today, is also heard in a fine, live performance of I Won't Send Roses.

70 years ago tomorrow, Harry James & His Orchestra recorded an "inconsequential" song with Alec Wilder's name attached and we follow this with one of Wilder's most famous - I'll Be Around, sung by Frank Sinatra. Today is also the 60th anniversary of Joe DiMaggio's retirement from baseball. We hear the Les Brown anthem cut in his honour. 

Talk of working in Salford (Brain Of Britain) and of Shelagh Delaney's many Salford connections brings Russell to A Taste Of Honey - we hear Peggy Lee's version and Allan Sherman's parody Waste Of Money. Lastly, some recent offerings from Rebecca Kilgore and Karen Oberlin and something from a new CD of male singers in the 50s.

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

11/12/2011

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