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Last Word

Factual: Life Stories

Radio 4's weekly obituary programme, telling the life stories of those who have died recently

BBC Radio 4 LW

Matthew Bannister

Harvey Thomas

Michael Goldfarb

Lucy Smyth

Mel Brooks

Bronwen Morris

Bronagh McAtasney

Esther Rantzen

Last Word: Billy Graham, Laura Lee, John Morris, John Bosco McAtasney, John Pitman

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23/02/2018

Billy Graham, Laura Lee, John Morris, John Bosco McAtasney, John Pitman

BBC Radio 4 - Last Word, Billy Graham, Laura Lee, John Morris, John Bosco McAtasney, John Pitman

Matthew Bannister on an evangelist, a sex worker, a composer, a weaver and a reporter.

Matthew Bannister looks back at the lives of evangelist Billy Graham, sex worker Laura Lee, composer John Morris, weaver John Bosco McAtasney and reporter John Pitman.

Photo: Billy Graham

Matthew Bannister on

The evangelist Billy Graham who preached to millions around the world and offered spiritual advice to 12 American Presidents.

Laura Lee, the sex worker who campaigned for the rights of her colleagues.

John Morris who composed many film soundtracks, including the music for Mel Brooks' comedies The Producers and Blazing Saddles. 

John Bosco McAtasney, the last hand weaver of damask linen in Ireland.

And John Pitman, the TV reporter and producer who started his career on Braden's Week and took Sheena Easton into the Big Time. Esther Rantzen pays tribute.

Archive clips from: I GOT UP OUT OF MY SEAT, Radio 4 25/05/2007; THE FROST COLLECTION, Radio 4 20/05/2008; MEN'S HOUR, Radio 5 Live 18/05/2014; COUNTRY TIMES, Radio Ireland 03/04/2000; STILL STANDING, Radio Ireland 06/04/1992; BRADEN'S WEEK, BBC TV 29/4/1972; MAN ALIVE, BBC TV 16/01/1979; THE BIG TIME:SHEENA EASTON:THE MAKING OF A STAR, BBC TV 21/04/1981; JUST ANOTHER DAY: GREYHOUND RACING, BBC TV 12/12/1986.

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