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

BBC Radio 2

Radio 2

Sounds of the 70s with Johnnie Walker 

Mixes

Music: Classic Pop & Rock

Johnnie Walker plays classic tracks from the Seventies

Sounds of the 70s with Johnnie Walker : Tom Robinson sits in... joined by David Essex

Tom Robinson sits in... joined by David Essex

Sounds of the 70s with Johnnie Walker

BBC Radio 2 - Sounds of the 70s with Johnnie Walker, Tom Robinson sits in... joined by David Essex

David Essex shares his memories of the 1970s.

Tom Robinson sits in for Johnnie Walker and is joined by 70s icon David Essex.

David Essex joins Tom Robinson to share his experiences of the 1970s. 
David Essex was one of the decade's biggest stars. In his career, he's had 19 top 40 singles, including two number ones. He's also had 16 top 40 albums and a successful career as an actor, performer and composer.  
David was born in Plaistow, East London in 1947 (though the town was part of Essex at that time).  He was a keen footballer as a child, but found a love for  music as a teenager and played drums before becoming a singer. 
He released his first record in 1965, called 'And Tears Came Tumbling Down'. In 1972, he took the lead in the musical, 'Godspell' and in 1973 appeared in the film, 'That'll Be the Day'. His single, 'Rock On' also came out that year, and was an international hit, selling over a million copies and also earning a Grammy Award nomination in America. He went on to great success, releasing 'Gonna Make You A Star' in 1974, 'Hold Me Close' in 1975 and performing sell-out tours, securing his place as one of the biggest teen idols of the 1970's. 
He continued his work in musical theatre throughout the decade, starring in the stage version of the Who's 'Tommy' at the Rainbow Theatre in London in 1973 and Jeff Wayne's 'War of the Worlds' in 1978. He also took the role of Che in Andrew Lloyd Webber's original production of 'Evita'. 
This year, David is performing with the 'Legends - Live!' arena tour, starting on the 4th of April at Manchester Apollo. Suzi Quatro,  Les McKeown's Bay City Rollers, Showaddywaddy and Smokie are also on the bill. 

Elsewhere in the show, we take a look at 'This Week In Music' from the 1970's, courtesy of the BBC Archives. Plus another listener chooses a record to add to Johnnie's Jukebox.

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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Sounds of the 70s with Johnnie Walker

Tom Robinson sits in... joined by David Essex

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