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

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The People's Songs

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Stuart Maconie tells the story of modern Britain via the songs that provided a soundtrack.

Featuring memories contributed by Radio 2 listeners, Stuart Maconie narrates the story of post-war Britain via 50 records that soundtracked this dramatic and kaleidoscopic period.

The People's Songs: She Loves You - 'You never had it so good'

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She Loves You - 'You never had it so good'

16/01/2013

BBC Radio 2 - The People's Songs, She Loves You - 'You never had it so good'

Stuart Maconie recounts the social change, optimism and Beatlemania of the early 1960s.

Stuart Maconie recounts the social change, economic optimism and Beatlemania of Britain in the early 1960s, hearing memories of those who were told they'd 'never had it so good'.

1963 was a monumental year in Britain. The Profumo Affair was uncovered. The Great Train Robbery took place. The Dartford Tunnel and the National Theatre opened. And a manufactured Northern pop band started doing rather well.

A new economic and social optimism coincided with the birth of Beatlemania in a country that had, according to Prime Minister Harold MacMillan, "never had it so good". However, it was an optimism that had been almost two decades in the making, following the horror of WW2, then the lean years of rationing, poverty and re-building. The Beatles' humour, drive and infectious music chimed perfectly with the country's new-found confidence.

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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She Loves You - 'You never had it so good'

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