Vernon Kay

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

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Making your mid-mornings memorable, Vernon's bringing big tunes, big names and big laughs.

Vernon Kay: Radio 2 Piano Room: Johnny Marr

Radio 2 Piano Room -Johnny Marr

Radio 2 Piano Room: Johnny Marr

BBC Radio 2 - Vernon Kay, Radio 2 Piano Room: Johnny Marr

Rock music icon Johnny Marr is the latest star to perform for Radio 2 Piano Room Month.

Rock music icon Johnny Marr is the latest star to perform for Radio 2 Piano Room Month 2024 alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra. Plus there's Vernon's Vault after 10am.

On Radio 2’s Piano Room today, rock music icon, musician and songwriter Johnny Marr - best known as band member of The Smiths, The Pretenders and The The - performs from Maida Vale studios, accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Johnny Marr says, “Working on the songs with the orchestral arrangements for Radio 2’s Piano Room has been quite an experience and an interesting process. It’s an epic sound.”

Also, poet John Cooper Clarke is Vernon’s guest this week on Tracks Of My Years. ‘The Bard of Salford’ rose to prominence as a performance poet in the late 70s, performing alongside punk and post-punk acts like the Sex Pistols, Joy Division and Buzzcocks. He’s since released 7 albums, 2 poetry collections and performed his poetry in theatres and festivals the world over.

John’s latest poetry collection ‘What’ is released on 8th February and coincides with his 2024 national theatre tour celebrating 50 years of showbiz. The ‘Get Him While He’s Alive’ tour will see John performing all around the country, taking fans on a one-of-a-kind journey through poetry and comedy.

John's two tracks today are from Paul Anka and Gene Shandler.

There's also the mid-morning music quiz Ten To The Top, a trip in to the BBC Archive with Vernon's Vault, and the Record and Album Of The Week. Whatever you're up to, Vern wants to hear from you - email vernon@bbc.co.uk - and if you’d like to apply to take part in Ten To The Top, the address you need is TTTT@bbc.co.uk

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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