6 Music Stories

The programme will range from their unsuccessful January 1st audition for Decca records through to the recording and release of their breakthrough hit Love Me Do.

A Year In the Life will also reflect upon their crowning in the Merseybeat newspaper as the leading Liverpool group, their first radio broadcasts at the BBC's Manchester studios, the death of original bassist Stu Sutcliffe, their return to Hamburg's Star Club, and the ousting of drummer Pete Best.

Contributors include Bill Harry (the editor of Merseybeat), Klaus Voorman (their close friend from Hamburg and the artist responsible for Revolver's striking sleeve), Pete Best (their original drummer), Joe Brown and Mike Berry (who shared bills with the group shortly before their national fame), Andy White (the studio session drummer who played on 'Love Me Do') and publicist Tony Calder (who promoted their first single).

First broadcast on Radio 2.

Roger McGough tells the story of the pivotal breakthrough year for the Fab Four.

Roger McGough narrates the pivotal breakthrough year for the mop-topped beat combo via the less-familiar recollections of those who knew and worked alongside them.

An oral history narrated by Liverpool contemporary Roger McGough, A Year In The Life recounts a familiar tale via the less-familiar recollections of those who were vital to The Beatles' development in 1962.

The programme will range from their unsuccessful January 1st audition for Decca records through to the recording and release of their breakthrough hit Love Me Do.

A Year In the Life will also reflect upon their crowning in the Merseybeat newspaper as the leading Liverpool group, their first radio broadcasts at the BBC's Manchester studios, the death of original bassist Stu Sutcliffe, their return to Hamburg's Star Club, and the ousting of drummer Pete Best.

Contributors include Bill Harry (the editor of Merseybeat), Klaus Voorman (their close friend from Hamburg and the artist responsible for Revolver's striking sleeve), Pete Best (their original drummer), Joe Brown and Mike Berry (who shared bills with the group shortly before their national fame), Andy White (the studio session drummer who played on 'Love Me Do') and publicist Tony Calder (who promoted their first single).

Episode 2.

First broadcast on Radio 2.

Roger McGough tells the story of the pivotal breakthrough year for the Fab Four.

Roger McGough narrates the pivotal breakthrough year for the mop-topped beat combo via the less-familiar recollections of those who knew and worked alongside them.

Founded in the early 60s by teenage radio enthusiast John Fry, Ardent quickly gained a substantial word of mouth reputation as the studio with the best technical specs in town and the artists came flooding in.

Never a genre based operation like Sun or Stax, Ardent took on a lot of the overflow work from those studios (Isaac Hayes made all of his groundbreaking solo albums there) but also became a magnet for all sorts of musicians, from jingle creators to Bob Dylan.

Their client list is like a who's who of classic rock, soul and blues: in addition to those mentioned above, Ardent was also home to Led Zeppelin, Sam and Dave, James Taylor, R.E.M., the Allman Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Walsh, Leon Russell, the Staples Singers and the White Stripes.

That alone would be enough to keep John Fry and Ardent in the upper echelon of rock legend, but the studio also ran a record label. And the label had Big Star.

Big Star - the brainstorm of wunderkind Alex Chilton, then of The Box Tops - are routinely referred to as the greatest band never to sell a record in their lifetime. All three of their early 1970s albums are named in Rolling Stone magazine's Top 500 Of All Time, and their influence on the rock music of the last four decades is incalculable. Above all, though, the story of Ardent is the story of John Fry. He died in December 2014, only a few weeks after completing the interviews for this programme and only six days after Ardent engineer John Hampton (the Cramps, White Stripes, Raconteurs) who also features.

A lost tale of rock'n'roll - behind the scenes at the legendary Memphis studio and label.

Sexton has interviewed Richards, and his fellow Stones, on countless occasions over the past 15 years, and this is reflected in the candid and often amusing nature of the exchange. Keith vividly describes controversial moments, memorable encounters, guitar heroes and proud achievements - including a memoir that debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list.

Richards describes his house and surroundings as he sits in front of a portrait of himself, revealing that it was created and then presented to him by a close, and very famous, friend. He discusses his devotion to the guitar, including the surprising confession: 'I'm not a lead guitar player, basically, and never wanted to be'. He also talks about his all-time favourite players: 'I wanted to meet Scotty Moore more than I wanted to meet Elvis Presley.' He also remembers the solo on a Stones classic that was critiqued by a certain good friend called John Lennon.

The wide-ranging chat also covers the first record Keith ever bought, comic escapades on the road, his adulation of icons from Robert Johnson to Chuck Berry, how the Stones continue to extend the frontiers as rock's ultimate survivors and his thoughts on Mick Jagger, his creative partner for half a century.

The programme is packed with colourful stories of an unparalleled life and illustrated with some of the best music of the past 50 years, made both by Keith and some of his own idols.

The legendary Rolling Stone talks about his incredible life and times.

Richards describes his house and surroundings as he sits in front of a portrait of himself, revealing that it was created and then presented to him by a close, and very famous, friend. He discusses his devotion to the guitar, including the surprising confession: I'm not a lead guitar player, basically, and never wanted to be. He also talks about his all-time favourite players: I wanted to meet Scotty Moore more than I wanted to meet Elvis Presley. He also remembers the solo on a Stones classic that was critiqued by a certain good friend called John Lennon.

It's all back to Keith's as the legendary Rolling Stone talks about his incredible life and times, in the relaxed surroundings of his Connecticut living room.

Sexton has interviewed Richards, and his fellow Stones, on countless occasions over the past 15 years and this is reflected in the candid and often amusing nature of the exchange. Keith vividly describes controversial moments, memorable encounters, guitar heroes and proud achievements - including a memoir that debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list.

Richards describes his house and surroundings as he sits in front of a portrait of himself, revealing that it was created and then presented to him by a close, and very famous, friend. He discusses his devotion to the guitar, including the surprising confession: 'I'm not a lead guitar player, basically, and never wanted to be'. He also talks about his all-time favourite players: 'I wanted to meet Scotty Moore more than I wanted to meet Elvis Presley.' He also remembers the solo on a Stones classic that was critiqued by a certain good friend called John Lennon.

The wide-ranging chat also covers the first record Keith ever bought, comic escapades on the road, his adulation of icons from Robert Johnson to Chuck Berry, how the Stones continue to extend the frontiers as rock's ultimate survivors and his thoughts on Mick Jagger, his creative partner for half a century.

The programme is packed with colourful stories of an unparalleled life and illustrated with some of the best music of the past 50 years, made both by Keith and some of his own idols.

The legendary Rolling Stone talks about his incredible life and times.

Richards describes his house and surroundings as he sits in front of a portrait of himself, revealing that it was created and then presented to him by a close, and very famous, friend. He discusses his devotion to the guitar, including the surprising confession: I'm not a lead guitar player, basically, and never wanted to be. He also talks about his all-time favourite players: I wanted to meet Scotty Moore more than I wanted to meet Elvis Presley. He also remembers the solo on a Stones classic that was critiqued by a certain good friend called John Lennon.

It's all back to Keith's as the legendary Rolling Stone talks about his incredible life and times, in the relaxed surroundings of his Connecticut living room.

They're guided through a specially curated listening selection by grams library manager Oscar Paul – starting with Paul Simon and ending with Judee Sill.

Paul Simon, John Martyn and Judee Sill: take a deep dive into the BBC archive.

Paul Simon, John Martyn and Judee Sill: take a deep dive into the BBC archive with singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams, 6 Music's Gideon Coe and library manager Oscar Paul.

They're guided through a specially curated listening selection by grams library manager Oscar Paul – starting with tenor jazz saxophonist and famous club owner, Ronnie Scott.

Also featuring the music of jazz greats Victor Feldman and Duke Ellington - alongside The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. (Dave was childhood friends with drummer, Charlie Watts).

Ronnie Scott, Sun Ra and The Rolling Stones: take a deep dive into the BBC archive.

Ronnie Scott, Sun Ra and The Rolling Stones: take a deep dive into the BBC archive with jazz bassist Dave Green, 6 Music's Gilles Peterson and library manager Oscar Paul.

In a programme filled with atmospheric location recordings, music and archive, Craig Charles visits Menlove Avenue, where Lennon's Aunt Mimi ruled the roost and the young John practised his guitar in the porch, and Forthlin Road where John and Paul composed so many of their most famous songs in the McCartney's front room. He'll sit in 'the shelter in the middle of the roundabout' at Penny Lane and head for the Cavern with fans like Geoff Davies who saw the Beatles perform there more than seventy times. We'll hear the Kop singing She Loves You in 1963, listen to acetates of the earliest recordings made by the Quarrymen in a local DIY recording studio, discover how Eleanor Rigby really did exist and find out about Tommy Handley and Albert Stubbins, the Scouse legends Lennon picked to grace the cover of Sgt.Pepper.

What was in the Mersey air that enabled John, Paul, George and Ringo to conquer the world ? How did the city shape The Beatles and how does their enduring success continue to impact upon their home town ?

How did Liverpool shape The Beatles, and what did they share of the city with the world ?

At one time, Jamaica was a place of feel-good sunshine vibes, but as grinding poverty, high crime rates and violence hit the island in the 1970s, the music became darker and introspective. It provided a voice for the poor and the oppressed and became a global phenomenon in the process.

We all know Bob Marley as the world's most famous Rastafarian, but his story is well documented and often overshadows a wealth of talent from a golden period of roots reggae music. This is the story of other Rastafarian artists and bands like Burning Spear, Max Romeo, Johnnie Clarke, Little Roy, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Big Youth, The Mighty Diamonds, Black Uhuru and Culture. And the documentary also covers how the Roots and Rasta message found its way to the UK, spawning British based reggae bands like Steel Pulse and Matumbi.

The documentary, first broadcast in 2007, features interviews with reggae legends such as Max Romeo, Johnny Clarke, Stephen Marley, The Abyssinians, The Mighty Diamonds, Steel Pulse, Matumbi, Rankin' Miss P, Rico Rodriguez, Tappa Zukie and Luciano.

First broadcast in 2007.

Don Letts looks at the Rastafari movement and its influence on Jamaican music.

Part 1: 1969 - Nashville Skyline.

Having been out of the public eye for quite some time, Dylan returned with a new album, a new sound and new look in 1969. The album Nashville Skyline surprised many with its simple country-tinged songs. He appeared on Johnny Cash's TV show and chose to return to the concert stage not at Woodstock, but at the Isle of Wight Festival.

In this programme we hear from Judy Gascoyne, who was housekeeper for Bob and Sara Dylan while they stayed at a farm on the island to rehearse with The Band in a barn. Bob entertained his friends The Beatles at the farm and played tennis with them. We also hear from Dylan biographer Howard Sounes and musician and Dylan chronicler Sid Griffin as well as former England cricket captain Bob Willis, who added the name Dylan to his forenames and has seen Dylan live around fifty times.

Bob Dylan - Changing Times: 1969 Nashville Skyline.

Bob Dylan - Changing Times: 1969 Nashville Skyline. Dylan returned with a new sound, a new album, he appeared on Johnny Cash's TV show and performed at the Isle of Wight Festival.

Part 1: 1969 - Nashville Skyline.

Having been out of the public eye for quite some time, Dylan returned with a new album, a new sound and new look in 1969. The album Nashville Skyline surprised many with its simple country-tinged songs. He appeared on Johnny Cash's TV show and chose to return to the concert stage not at Woodstock, but at the Isle of Wight Festival.

In this programme we hear from Judy Gascoyne, who was housekeeper for Bob and Sara Dylan while they stayed at a farm on the island to rehearse with The Band in a barn. Bob entertained his friends The Beatles at the farm and played tennis with them. We also hear from Dylan biographer Howard Sounes and musician and Dylan chronicler Sid Griffin as well as former England cricket captain Bob Willis, who added the name Dylan to his forenames and has seen Dylan live around fifty times.

Bob Dylan - Changing Times: 1969 Nashville Skyline.

Delve deeper into the stories behind your favourite artists.

Bob Dylan - Changing Times: 1969 Nashville Skyline. Dylan returned with a new sound, a new album, he appeared on Johnny Cash's TV show and performed at the Isle of Wight Festival.

He started out with the Rabbit Foot Minstrels, and ended up being the main influence on performers like Little Richard and Chuck Berry. In between, he and his Tympany Five created jump-jive music, the feel-good small band sound that bridged the swing era and r'n'b.

Nobody is more steeped in Jordan's life and work than Clarke Peters, who not only wrote, directed and starred in the West End tribute show Five Guys Named Moe, but researched behind the scenes to discover the fascinating stories of Jordan's life - his battles with illness, his perfectionism, his comedy, and his enduring influence on the likes of Bill Haley and Ray Charles.

Pacey, fast moving and packed with good humour, the series is just like a Jordan performance. As we enter his unique sound world, we hear the hits, Saturday Night Fish Fry, Outskirts of Town, Caldonia, and Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens, a string of million-sellers that made his name.

This series was first broadcast in 2008, to coincide with the centenary of Louis Jordan's birth.

Clarke Peters looks at the story behind the smash hit Five Guys Named Moe.

Clarke Peters celebrates the life and career of Louis Jordan, beginning with the story of the smash hit Five Guys Named Moe and featuring Jordan's mentor, bandleader Jesse Stone.

Louis Jordan with his yard-wide smile, rousing vocals and searing alto saxophone was the bridge from the minstrel show to rock and roll. He started out with the Rabbit Foot Minstrels, and ended up being the main influence on performers like Little Richard and Chuck Berry. In between, he and his Tympany Five created jump-jive music, the feel-good small band sound that bridged the swing era and r'n'b.

Long before The Wire, Clarke Peters wrote, directed and starred in the West End tribute show Five Guys Named Moe, researching behind the scenes to discover the fascinating stories of Jordan's life - his battles with illness, his perfectionism, his comedy, and his enduring influence on the likes of Bill Haley and Ray Charles.

This series originally broadcast in 2008 to mark the centenary of Jordan's birth. The second episode covers how Louis Jordan and his Tympani Five came to be one of the biggest acts on the scene and features music which was covered 20 years later and became some of the biggest hits of early rock and roll.

Clarke Peters explores how Louis and His Tympany Five became a big act on the scene.

Clarke Peters celebrates the centenary of Louis Jordan, continuing with how Jordan and His Tympani Five came to be one of the biggest acts on the scene.

Clarke Peters explores Jordan's collaborations with Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald.

Clarke Peters celebrates the life of Louis Jordan, continuing with his collaborations with Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.

Dotun Adebayo on what rare recordings of Buddy Holly reveal about his life.

On the eve of what would have been Buddy Holly's 80th birthday, presenter and fan Dotun Adebayo's heart is skipping a beat. He's about to hear the very last music tracks Buddy laid down on an old Ampex reel-to-reel tape recorder in the New York apartment he shared with his soon-to-be-widowed bride, Maria Elena. They're just Buddy and his guitar - playing the last six songs he ever wrote, ‘experimenting' with covers of other artists he knew and admired, and chatting with his wife. Although better-known as a Classical musician, Julian Lloyd Webber is an authority on Buddy Holly's music and Patron of the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation. Presented with a rare copy of these ‘Apartment Tapes' as they're known, Julian reveals what he thinks the tracks tell us about Buddy's past, present and potential future: his influences, evolving style, state of mind -and the state of his marriage in those last few months of his life. With US Black Gospel Music radio host Bob Marovich, Dotun and Julian also examine how Holly had unrealised plans for what would have been controversial collaborations with some of the ‘greats' of the time such as Ray Charles and Mahalia Jackson, showing how he was a force behind a still-developing genre of pop music which can now truly be described as ‘Colour Blind'.

Dotun Adebayo on Julian Lloyd Webber's rare recordings of Buddy Holly and what these tracks reveal about his life and future plans to work with Ray Charles and Mahalia Jackson.

Once the 78 singles were copied Elvis asked Scotty to send him the tapes but keep hold of the records, as he didn't want to run the risk of them being damaged - and he said he'd drop by one day and pick them up.

But Elvis never got around to collecting those records and 47 years later, those old 78's are still there in that old suitcase in Scotty's house.

Chris Isaak, a huge fan of both Scotty Moore and Elvis wanted to find out more about the collection of records that meant so much to Elvis, so he visited Scotty at home in Nashville to explore the contents of `Elvis's Suitcase of 78's' - a great collection of the songs that inspired a teenage Elvis Presley, offering a fascinating insight in to the music he treasured.

The records date from 1948 to 1957 and reveal a lot about the type of music Elvis listened to in his formative years – many of them he would subsequently record himself and it's interesting that there is such a variety in the styles of music on those records from rockabilly and pop to gospel and doo wop.

The records date from 1948 to 1957 and reveal a lot about the type of music Elvis listened to in his formative years - many of them he would subsequently record himself and it's interesting that there is such a variety in the styles of music on those records from rockabilly and pop to gospel and doo wop.

The series features rare material and includes an interview carried out over two days when Mark visited Mr Brown's home near in Augusta Georgia.

First broadcast in February 2006, before James Brown's death in December of that year.

Mark Lamarr begins a 2006 profile of the legendary James Brown.

The series features rare material and includes an interview carried out over two days when Mark visited Mr Brown's home near in Augusta Georgia. First broadcast in February 2006, before James Brown's death in December of that year.

Mark Lamarr continues his profile of James Brown - Soul Brother No. 1.

The series features rare material and includes an interview carried out over two days when Mark visited Mr Brown's home near in Augusta Georgia. First broadcast in February 2006, before James Brown's death in December of that year.

Mark Lamarr continues his in-depth profile of the legendary soul and funk pioneer.

The series features rare material and includes an interview carried out over two days when Mark visited Mr Brown's home near in Augusta Georgia. First broadcast in February 2006, before James Brown's death in December of that year.

Mark Lamarr concludes his profile of the legendary James Brown.

Stuart Murdoch of Belle & Sebastian explores the music of Glasgow via its labels.

Stuart Murdoch of Belle and Sebastian leads an expert panel through the music of Glasgow via its labels and club nights. with Emma Pollock, Stephen McRobbie & Andrew Symington.

Presented by REM's Mike Mills, this documentary was first broadcast on Radio 2 in 2005 and was updated to include new material with Glen who, in 2011, revealed his diagnosis with Alzheimer's and announced plans to undertake one last tour before the illness makes such an endeavour impossible.

One of the great crossover artists of the past 50 years, Glen sold over 45 million albums worldwide and some of the songs he recorded have become classics, including Wichita Lineman, By the Time I Get To Phoenix, Galveston and Rhinestone Cowboy.

In this series he talks honestly about every aspect of his career, from his poor upbringing to the glistening heights of fame, from his battles with addiction to his re-discovery as an artist in recent years, right up to his diagnosis with Alzheimer's and his farewell album and tour.

In episode one, Campbell talks about his childhood, growing up the son of a sharecropper in rural southern US. He recalls learning guitar, and his first tentative steps as a professional musician. During his tenure as a radio session player and live musician, he met Elvis for the first of many times. He also married the first of his four wives, before heading to California in an attempt to break into the music scene there.

Another chance to hear a 2011 profile of the great Glen Campbell, who died aged 81.

Presented by REM's Mike Mills, this documentary was first broadcast on Radio 2 in 2005 and was updated to include new material with Glen who, in 2011, revealed his diagnosis with Alzheimer's and announced plans to undertake one last tour before the illness makes such an endeavour impossible.

One of the great crossover artists of the past 50 years, Glen sold over 45 million albums worldwide and some of the songs he recorded have become classics, including Wichita Lineman, By the Time I Get To Phoenix, Galveston and Rhinestone Cowboy.

In this series he talks honestly about every aspect of his career, from his poor upbringing to the glistening heights of fame, from his battles with addiction to his re-discovery as an artist in recent years, right up to his diagnosis with Alzheimer's and his farewell album and tour.

Glen Campbell continues to share memories of a lifetime lived in the limelight.

First broadcast in 2017.

Lifelong fan Jeremy Paxman pays tribute to the extraordinary Leonard Cohen.

Another chance to hear Jeremy Paxman pay tribute to the Canadian singer, songwriter, musician, poet, novelist and painter Leonard Cohen.

A Scottish theme runs through the show with tracks from Steve Mason, Belle and Sebastian and Mogwai. Plus an insight in to the music that accompanies Ian as he creates modern noir fiction.

Ian Rankin talks about his life and work and plays some of his favourite music from 2010.

The invasion of British bands into the red light district of Hamburg began in 1960 when German promoters realised that British rock 'n' rollers were cheaper to hire than American ones. The Beatles were a five-piece group when they arrived in the Reeperbahn in the back of manager Allan Williams' van in August 1960. John, Paul and George were accompanied by Stuart Sutcliffe on bass and Pete Best on drums.

From August to October 1960, the Beatles were the house band at the Indra Club, where they played four hour sessions every night and slept in a tiny room above a local cinema. From October to the end of the year, they were promoted to the nearby Kaiserkeller.

It was an unlikely collision of young people from different cultures that would create a world-beating chemistry. Where The Beatles had the sound, the Exis had the style. Exis always wore black, with white collars or ruffs, and their hair was 'pilzen kopf' - 'mushroom head' in style. 'The Beatle haircut was in fact a Jurgen haircut' says Paul McCartney.

The impact of Hamburg on The Beatles and the friendships they made there would endure. And as far as John Lennon was concerned, the band were never better than when in the thick of an all night session on the Reeperbahn.

Holly Johnson visits Hamburg to explore how the Beatles' residencies there shaped them.

It was an unlikely collision of young people from different cultures that would create a world-beating chemistry. Where The Beatles had the sound, the Exis had the style. Exis always wore black, with white collars or ruffs, and their hair was pilzen kopf - mushroom head in style. The Beatle haircut was in fact a Jurgen haircut says Paul McCartney.

Holly Johnson visits Hamburg to explore how marathon sessions in smokey cellars and friendships with local teenagers turned a British beat group into the all-conquering Beatles.

Charlie Gillett tells the musical story of New Orleans, also known as The Big Easy.

This evocative programme creates a soundtrack to drive Jarvis' memories, feelings and observations about his home town. He recalls his childhood and introduces the music of Sheffield legends such as Joe Cocker, Cabaret Voltaire, Human League and Artery, and remembers how the city came to life with music in the post-punk era.

This documentary was first broadcast on Radio 2 in 2008.

Jarvis Cocker takes listeners on an intimate tour of Sheffield. First broadcast in 2008.

Another chance to hear Jarvis Cocker's intimate tour of his home town. First broadcast in 2008.

Joe died on 22nd December 2002, aged just 50. His World Service programmes began in 1999, and show his great enthusiasm for music from all over the world, his eclectic tastes, ranging from Big Youth to the Beatles and Ray Charles to the Wu-Tang Clan.

In 1999, Joe Strummer became a DJ for the BBC World Service - this is how he sounded.

Joe often started these shows with a song by his favourite Jamaican toaster Big Youth. After that, it was anybody's guess - from Bob Dylan to the Ramones via Nina Simone, Bo Diddley and Jimmy Reed. Here's a chance to see what he carried in his DJ box.

In 1999, Joe Strummer became a DJ for the BBC World Service - this is how he sounded.

The bespoke and bespectacled Bard of Salford spins sartorial songs for the switched on generation. John will join his tailoring mate, the Savile Row taught Tom Baker at his Soho establishment to get his inside leg measured and chat about the many intricacies of the modern day suit.

Expect music from Eddie Cochran, the Hives, Nancy Sinatra, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and Adam Ant.

John Cooper Clarke is an English performance poet who first became famous during the punk era of the late 1970s. He released several albums in the late 1970s and early 1980s and a written anthology of his work entitled Ten Years In An Open Necked Shirt.

At the end of the 1990s, he was included as part of the English GCSE syllabus, which led to a whole new audience discovering his work. This is where Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys first came across him and it was the championing done by Alex and others that led to John's return to the tour circuit.

First broadcast in 2014.

John Cooper Clarke, the bespoke Bard of Salford looks at the role of the suit in music.

To complement the 6 Music Arctic Monkeys Artist Collection, their friend, inspiration and collaborator John Cooper Clarke explores the important role the suit has played in music.

The bespoke and bespectacled Bard of Salford spins sartorial songs for the switched on generation. John will join his tailoring mate, the Savile Row taught Tom Baker at his Soho establishment to get his inside leg measured and chat about the many intricacies of the modern day suit.

Expect music from Eddie Cochran, the Hives, Nancy Sinatra, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and Adam Ant.

John Cooper Clarke is an English performance poet who first became famous during the punk era of the late 1970s. He released several albums in the late 1970s and early 1980s and a written anthology of his work entitled Ten Years In An Open Necked Shirt.

At the end of the 1990s, he was included as part of the English GCSE syllabus, which led to a whole new audience discovering his work. This is where Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys first came across him and it was the championing done by Alex and others that led to John's return to the tour circuit.

First broadcast in 2014.

John Cooper Clarke, the bespoke Bard of Salford looks at the role of the suit in music.

To complement the 6 Music Arctic Monkeys Artist Collection, their friend, inspiration and collaborator John Cooper Clarke explores the important role of the suit in music.

Born on the 9th of October 1940, John Lennon's work both as a musician and as a high profile peace activist still resonates as loudly today as it did during his lifetime. He appeared frequently on BBC programmes, which provide a fascinating insight into his creative output and worldview. His contributions were articulate, often controversial and always searingly honest as he talked about subjects including the Vietnam War, his protracted struggles with the US authorities as he tried and eventually succeeded in securing residency there, the break-up of The Beatles, his treatment by the press and the development of his music throughout the 1960's and 70's.

The featured programmes include his 1971 appearance on Parkinson alongside his wife Yoko Ono, performing his own poetry on Not Only But Also, talking to Bob Harris about his albums Rock 'n' Roll and Walls and Bridges on The Old Grey Whistle Test, an early 'pop profile' for the World Service with Brian Matthew, and his explosive 1969 interview with veteran New York Times War Correspondent Gloria Emerson, which was captured on film for the BBC's 24 Hours. Also featured are tracks from throughout his solo career, which were painstakingly restored and remixed for the collection Gimme Some Truth.

Liza Tarbuck explores the BBC's archive of John Lennon's interviews and performances.

Liza Tarbuck explores the BBC's archive of John Lennon's work, from his earliest days with The Beatles to his final interview, recorded 2 days before his death in December 1980.

We hear great memories from David sitting in his local cinema in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, sitting through multiple screenings of the film so he could see what the fab four were doing and exactly how they played. Johnnie talks about an early date at this time, where he lost his girlfriend when she ran to the front of the stage of the Plaza Ballroom in Handsworth in the West Midlands to see the Beatles play for the second time that evening.

David goes as far as saying it's probably the best record The Beatles made, and so the best album ever made, especially when you consider it was made to order for a film. He also says that although we all reach for the masterpieces Strawberry Fields Forever and A Day In The Life, the songs on A Hard Day's Night were actually the ones that caused the re-invention of pop music, influencing The Byrds amongst many others.

We learn, from Roger McGuinn himself, that John Lennon said the Byrds were their favourite band and George Harrison sent musical tributes across the atlantic with their press officer Derek Taylor. He also talks about meeting and working with Bob Dylan and the fact they bought a Rickenbacker 12 string straight after seeing the Beatles on film.

Other contributors include producer George Martin, film director Richard Lester, music publisher Dick James, broadcaster David Jacobs (who flew back into Liverpool with the band for the film's premiere there), Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, David Crosby and Stephen Stills. Some are taken from archive interviews with Johnnie, Nicky Campbell and Andy Batten Foster on Radio 1.

This week, Johnnie and David Hepworth enjoy A Hard Day's Night and Mr Tambourine Man.

This week, Johnnie and David Hepworth enjoy A Hard Day's Night and Mr Tambourine Man from The Byrds, part of a transatlantic two-way where each band was influencing the other.

Both changed the fortunes of the bands, ultimately causing The Eagles heartache, which would lead to their break up, over a money making follow up.

Things were better for Fleetwood Mac - making the new American members (of the previously mostly British Blues group) grateful that they could give up their day jobs forever (without playing a single note at an audition) and paved the way, after much hard work, for success beyond their wildest dreams.

They hear archive from Glenn Frey, Christine McVie, Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks.

David mentions he simply had to both leave and check out of the Beverley Hills Hotel, where the Eagles sneakily captured a cover photo and discovers the true inspiration for Rhiannon and how Fleetwood Mac, with their ninth line up in eight years, got a second chance, in a business which rarely gives you any hope.

Johnnie and David Hepworth listen to two blockbusters - Hotel California and Fleetwood Mac

Johnnie and David Hepworth listen to two 1970s West Coast blockbusters - Hotel California and Fleetwood Mac, which both changed the fortunes of the bands.

Find out why they think Ogdens' is the perfect combination of psychedelia and British comic tradition, how Professor Stanley Unwin got Spike Milligan's job and what happened when the Small Faces tried to navigate the river Thames.

There's also praise for Ray Davies as the creator of fourteen consecutive Top Twenty hit songs, despite The Kinks having a lot of bad luck at this time, plus how a move from a small suburban north London home to a rambling Borehamwood mansion helped save strawberry jam and all the different varieties.

Johnnie and David Hepworth enjoy classic British LPs from The Small Faces and The Kinks

Johnnie and David Hepworth enjoy two classic British albums from 1968 - The Small Faces Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake and The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society

The show begins with Chas Chandler who left The Animals (with the idea of becoming a manager and producer) and sold his bass guitars to fly an unknown guitarist over from America. He had discovered Jimi, who had been touring with people like Little Richard and relocated to Greenwich Village to play songs like Hey Joe and thought that the UK was the perfect market for him. David bought Are You Experienced in 1967 and couldn't believe just how good he was (as backed up by a recent meeting with engineer Eddie Kramer) and Johnnie saw an early Jimi live performance at a Radio Caroline Night Out he was hosting in Chislehurst with Admiral Robbie Dale.

Johnnie and David hear archive from Jimi himself, Chas Chandler, Noel Redding, Eric Clapton, publicist Keith Altham, Trevor Burton of The Move, Kathy Etchingham and Brian May. They also find out how The Wind Cries Mary was created and who came up with the idea to steal the headlines with some lighter fuel and a wooden guitar.

The second album featured is The Who Sell Out with its spoof Pirate Radio Jingles and commercials alongside tracks like Tattoo and I Can See For Miles. As David says the album is weird and wonderful and shows what extraordinary strides they took in just one year, going from the BBC's Saturday Club to the Monterey Pop Festival, the All You Need Is Love worldwide TV broadcast and having the seeds planted for the rock opera Tommy.

Johnnie and David finish their look at some of the groundbreaking albums from 1967.

Recorded in 1972, John Martyn's Solid Air was released in February 1973 and received tremendous reviews and acclaim. At the Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2008, Eric Clapton sent a message to John, who was receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, saying he was so far ahead of everything else it was inconceivable.

Solid Air crossed over many genres - folk, jazz, blues, soul and rock. May You Never became a staple of John's live set for the rest of his life, and the title track was dedicated to his great friend Nick Drake, who died eighteen months after it was released.

Nick provides the second album featured tonight - 1970's Bryter Layter. As producer Joe Boyd says in the archive interview clips featured in the programme, he rarely meets anybody who doesn't fall in love with the album after the first hearing.

The second of Nick's three albums features beautiful arrangements from his friend and fellow Cambridge University student, the late Robert Kirby, plus contributions from John Cale (of The Velvet Underground), Doris Troy and Fairport Convention's Dave Pegg, Dave Mattacks and Richard Thompson.

Johnnie and David enjoy two cult classics from the 1970s - Solid Air and Bryter Layter.

Johnnie and David enjoy the albums Solid Air and Bryter Layter, from the 1970s, which grow in stature every year for their much missed creators the late Nick Drake and John Martyn.

Sir Raymond Douglas Davies, CBE is an English singer, songwriter and musician. He was the lead singer, rhythm guitarist and main songwriter for the Kinks, which he led with his younger brother, Dave. He has also acted, directed and produced shows for theatre and television. He is often referred to as 'the godfather of Britpop'.

After the dissolution of the Kinks in 1996, Davies embarked on a solo career.

Ray Davies of The Kinks is in conversation with Jools, playing some of his favourite discs

From the jazzers like Barney Kessel and the bohemians who settled there in the 40s and 50s to the folkies; the Byrds who sought the laid-back alternative to the hurly-burly of LA, Frank Zappa who took over the log cabin of cowboy star Tom Mix; the Doors, whose Jim Morrison brooded in the hills; The Mamas and the Papas; Cass Elliot's home always open to all-comers; David Crosby, Graham Nash, Neil Young, and the new and powerful women of rock; Joni Mitchell and Carole King.

Programme one, The Garden of Allah, sows the seeds of hedonism for the Canyon as jazz and folk form its rock. The Byrds, The Doors and the Monkees settle in, and so do the groupies. It's a story of great music, stellar collaborations, overflowing with youthful idealism; but it is tempered with the exploitation of young women, reckless drug use, and the day when they all locked their doors as a result of the murder of Sharon Tate.

This documentary was first broadcast on Radio 2 in August 2010.

Micky Dolenz tells the story of Laurel Canyon, his home while drummer with the Monkees.

In programme two, more great musicians fill the Canyon, and they fill the charts - the Mamas and the Papas, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Carole King - but, for some, the drugs get heavy and the earth begins to move.

It's a story of great music, stellar collaborations, overflowing with youthful idealism; but it is tempered with the exploitation of young women, reckless drug use, and the day when they all locked their doors as a result of the Sharon Tate killing.

First broadcast in 2010.

Micky Dolenz continues the story of Laurel Canyon, his home while with the Monkees.

But Gainsbourg was no Maurice Chevalier. He became famous the world over for a heavy breathing hit; propositioned Whitney Houston on live TV; and caused outrage with his reggae version of Le Marseillaise. Over here Gainsbourg is known chiefly for his steamy duet with Jane Birkin, Je T'aime, a worldwide hit in 1969 which was banned by the Beeb and condemned by the Vatican.

The song was originally recorded by Gainsbourg and his then girlfriend Brigitte Bardot. When the subsequent Birkin version was released, some assumed the couple had simply placed a tape recorder under their bed during a night of passion. In fact, they were standing in two separate booths in a studio in Marble Arch.

This was Gainsbourg's international breakthrough but he'd been an established songwriter for years before this success. He wrote songs for Bardot, Juliette Greco and Francoise Hardy, as well as the winning song for Luxemburg in the Eurovision Song Contest of 1965. And one of the most frequent interpreters of Gainsbourg songs was Petula Clark.

Gainsbourg knew no musical barriers, recording over twenty albums of jazz, reggae, pop, disco, psychedelia and rock 'n' roll. But although the French regard Serge as their very own John Lennon or Bob Dylan, his work was not so highly regarded outside his native country.

Malcolm McLaren, who has lived in Paris for many years, visits the people and places central to Serge's story. These include Saint-Germain des Pres, where Gainsbourg first performed in the rive gauche cafes and bars; his former home in the Rue de Verneuil; his grave at Montparnasse cemetery; and contributors include Jane Birkin, Francoise Hardy, Petula Clark, David Holmes and biographer Sylvie Simmons.

Malcolm McLaren visits the people and places central to Serge Gainsbourg's story.

Roy Orbison came from humble country beginnings to become a star, let's find out how.

Steven Van Zandt is a musician, songwriter, performer, arranger, record producer, actor, writer, human rights activist, and international radio DJ. He is a founding member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and an original principal cast member of The Sopranos.

Music Producer - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Artists United Against Apartheid, Darlene Love, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Gary U.S. Bonds, Ronnie Spector, Demolition 23, The Chesterfield Kings, The Cocktail Slippers, and The Breakers. Music Producer, and Band Organizer for the “Monday Night Football ? theme on ESPN featuring Hank Williams Jr. and the All-Star Band, 2007.

Film Music Supervisor - “Between the Lines ? Directed by Joan Micklin Silver, for MGM, 1977 - “Christmas with the Kranks ? Directed by Joe Roth, for Sony Pictures, 2003 - “Not Fade Away ? David Chase film, for Paramount Vantage, 2012. - “Lilyhammer ? Various Directors, 8 Episodes Worldwide Distribution, Netflix for North and South America, release date 2012

Song's performed by: Jackson Browne, Pearl Jam, Jimmy Cliff, Southside Johnny, Darlene Love, Gary U.S. Bonds, Ronnie Spector, Nancy Sinatra, Brian Setzer, Black Uhuru, the Cocktail Slippers, Lone Justice, The Breakers, and The Chesterfield Kings.

Theme songs for Film and TV: - “All Alone On Christmas ? (Home Alone 2) - “Time of Your Life ? (Nine Months) - “When Your Angels Get Lost ? (SIS- pilot) - “Lilyhammer Nocturne ? (Lilyhammer)

Little Steven presents a show themed around music from the films of Martin Scorcese.

Music Producer - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Artists United Against Apartheid, Darlene Love, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Gary U.S. Bonds, Ronnie Spector, Demolition 23, The Chesterfield Kings, The Cocktail Slippers, and The Breakers. Music Producer, and Band Organizer for the `Monday Night Football` theme on ESPN featuring Hank Williams Jr. and the All-Star Band, 2007.

Film Music Supervisor - `Between the Lines` Directed by Joan Micklin Silver, for MGM, 1977 - `Christmas with the Kranks` Directed by Joe Roth, for Sony Pictures, 2003 - `Not Fade Away` David Chase film, for Paramount Vantage, 2012. - `Lilyhammer` Various Directors, 8 Episodes Worldwide Distribution, Netflix for North and South America, release date 2012

Theme songs for Film and TV: - `All Alone On Christmas` (Home Alone 2) - `Time of Your Life` (Nine Months) - `When Your Angels Get Lost` (SIS- pilot) - `Lilyhammer Nocturne` (Lilyhammer)

To recognise this momentous year, this new documentary sees guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend and lead singer Roger Daltrey look back to the very start of the band. Recalling how The Who's obsession with the music of Chicago, Memphis and Mississippi shaped their songwriting and explaining how these distinctively American songs, often born of social unrest and racial segregation, had parallels in the lives of post-war urban British kids, and in the case of The Who, earned them the now-legendary description ‘Maximum R&B

Hosted by Matt Everitt and featuring exclusive contributions from Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Graham Coxon from Blur, Wilko Johnson, Supergrass' Gaz Combes, Mark King from Level 42, Richard Barnes, Kaiser Chief Ricky Wilson, Johnny Marr and Sir Paul McCartney plus exclusive previously unreleased music from the band live in 1964.

You can hear an extended two-part series on BBC Radio 6 Music.

To recognise this momentous year, this new two-part documentary sees guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend and lead singer Roger Daltrey look back to the very start of the band. Recalling how The Who's obsession with the music of Chicago, Memphis and Mississippi shaped their songwriting and explaining how these distinctively American songs, often born of social unrest and racial segregation, had parallels in the lives of post-war urban British kids, and in the case of The Who, earned them the now-legendary description ‘Maximum R&B

Hosted by Matt Everitt and featuring exclusive contributions from Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Graham Coxon from Blur, Wilko Johnson, Supergrass' Gaz Combes, Mark King from Level 42, Richard Barnes, Kaiser Chief Ricky Wilson, Johnny Marr and Sir Paul McCartney plus exclusive previously unreleased music from the band live in 1964.

In February 1966, Bob rolled in to Nashville to work on his seventh studio album. Following only partially successful sessions in New York, the decision had been taken to relocate to the Colombia label's Music Row studios. Nashville Cats looks at the music that resulted from the unlikely alliance between seasoned country music veterans, accustomed to fixed time studio sessions, and the more erratic modus operandi favoured by the wiry hipster poet.

Generally regarded as the high watermark of Dylan's most creatively intense period, Blonde On Blonde was recalled by the songwriter himself as being 'the closest I ever got to the sound I hear in my mind...it's that thin wild mercury sound'. Bill Nighy narrates a tale of in-studio composition, musicians by turns bemused, exasperated and inspired, and an artist operating at the very zenith of his talent.

Nashville Cats features newly sourced interviews with the key participants on these historic studio recording dates including musicians Al Kooper, Charlie McCoy, Hargus 'Pig' Robbins, Wayne Moss, Henry Strzelecki and Joe South. The documentary also features the perspective of Producer Bob Johnston, the man responsible for convincing Dylan to record in Nashville, and reveals the real story behind the supposed symbolism of its famous cover shot care of Jerry Schatzberg, the man behind the lens.

Bill Nighy presents the story of Bob Dylan's classic album Blonde On Blonde.

Generally regarded as the high watermark of Dylan's most creatively intense period, Blonde On Blonde was recalled by the songwriter himself as being the closest I ever got to the sound I hear in my mind...it's that thin wild mercury sound. Bill Nighy narrates a tale of in-studio composition, musicians by turns bemused, exasperated and inspired, and an artist operating at the very zenith of his talent.

Nashville Cats features newly sourced interviews with the key participants on these historic studio recording dates including musicians Al Kooper, Charlie McCoy, Hargus Pig Robbins, Wayne Moss, Henry Strzelecki and Joe South. The documentary also features the perspective of Producer Bob Johnston, the man responsible for convincing Dylan to record in Nashville, and reveals the real story behind the supposed symbolism of its famous cover shot care of Jerry Schatzberg, the man behind the lens.

Tom's guests lend a hand (and two ears) in making sense of this vast music archive, which is comprised of more than 120,000 albums, 12 inches and seven inches, collected over a lifetime and meticulously catalogued.

This episode sees Jarvis Cocker return to the house, which he first visited with Pulp in 1995, as they released their Mercury Music Prize winning album Different Class.

His picks include tracks from Wild Man Fischer, Crime, and something very special from the Warp Record Label.

Also, we hear tales from the early days of his career, including Pulp's first brush with fame, what it was like growing up in the Sheffield music scene, and Jarvis's ill-conceived attempt to make a demo cassette more ‘memorable'.

Jarvis Cocker joins Tom Ravenscroft at Peel Acres, the home of John Peel's collection.

Tom Ravenscroft invites Pulp frontman, Broadcaster and Author Jarvis Cocker to Peel Acres: the home of John Peel's music collection.

Presented by Tom Ravenscroft

Produced by Kevin Core and Becca Bryers

Episode Sleeve Notes

Track 1: Tell Mama - Etta James (from Tell Mama)

Erol's first selection is a 1968 album from great American soul and blues singer Etta James. The title track was one of the biggest hits of her decades-spanning career. Like many records in the Peel Acres collection, Erol notices John has at some point “corrected ? the advertised track lengths.

Track 2: No. 1 In Your Heart - Herbie Goins and the Nightimers (from No. 1 In Your Heart )

Erol is drawn to his next pick by the artwork; “It looks joyful! ?. American rhythm and blues singer Herbie Goins left Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated in 1965, to front the Nightimers. The following year they released this single (and in '67 an album of the same name), which proved popular with the Mods - and later, Northern Soul fans.

Track 3: You've Got A Cold - 10cc (from Deceptive Bends)

Stockport rock band 10cc have been in Erol's ears a lot recently. He pulls out their 1977 release Deceptive Bends - the first album following the departure of half the founding members, Kevin Godley and Lol Creme. The cover was designed by art group Hipgnosis, known for creating some of rock's most iconic artwork.

Track 4: When Shrimps Learnt To Whistle - Leo Kottke (from Dreams and All That Stuff)

This wildcard selection is a 1974 release by American acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke, is completely instrumental and features his typical fingerpicking style (which led to painful tendinitis and a need to alter his technique in the early 80s).

Track 5: Animosity - Fred Weinberg (from The Weinberg Method of Non-Synthetic Electronic Rock)

Erol next grabs an album which graces his own collection - from American sound designer and composer Fred Weinberg - which was basically an electronic rock music experiment. He compares it to the BBC Radiophonic Workshop - a now-closed sound effects unit known for its pioneering work in music technology and for scoring shows such as Doctor Who.

Track 6: Things (Goin' Round In My Mind) - Merrell Fankhauser and HMS Bounty (from Things!)

The pair are surprised by how much they enjoy their next wild card selection, the only album from US psychedelic band Merrel Fankhaser and HMS Bounty. Tom compares their sound to sixties rock and rollers The Bobby Fuller Four.

Track 7: Shaolin Buddha Finger - Depth Charge

Erol remembers listening to this track on pirate radio in the mid-90s. The 12 ? promo from British DJ Depth Charge (one of several aliases of J Saul Kane) samples dialogue from kung-fu film Shaolin vs. Lama.

Track 8: Pick A Dub - Keith Hudson and Family Man (from Pick A Dub)

For his final pick, Erol one again chooses a title track - this time from an album considered one of first (and greatest) records to intentionally profile pure dub; from Jamaican producers and musicians Keith Hudson and Aston “Family Man ? Barrett.

Electronic DJ and producer Erol Alkan is Tom Ravencroft's latest guest to Peel Acres.

Electronic DJ and producer Erol Alkan is Tom Ravencroft's latest guest to Peel Acres - helping him explore the many treasures hidden among his dad's vast archive of records.

Erol's first selection is a 1968 album from great American soul and blues singer Etta James. The title track was one of the biggest hits of her decades-spanning career. Like many records in the Peel Acres collection, Erol notices John has at some point “corrected” the advertised track lengths.

Erol is drawn to his next pick by the artwork; “It looks joyful!”. American rhythm and blues singer Herbie Goins left Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated in 1965, to front the Nightimers. The following year they released this single (and in '67 an album of the same name), which proved popular with the Mods - and later, Northern Soul fans.

Erol remembers listening to this track on pirate radio in the mid-90s. The 12” promo from British DJ Depth Charge (one of several aliases of J Saul Kane) samples dialogue from kung-fu film Shaolin vs. Lama.

For his final pick, Erol one again chooses a title track - this time from an album considered one of first (and greatest) records to intentionally profile pure dub; from Jamaican producers and musicians Keith Hudson and Aston “Family Man” Barrett.

Presenter: Tom Ravenscroft

Producer: Kevin Core

Track 1: You're Gonna Miss Me - The 13th Floor Elevators (from The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators)

Kieran is immediately drawn to three copies of The 13th Floor Elevators' debut LP - which is thought to be the first rock album to include the descripter “psychedelic ? in its title. They choose to listen to the original mono copy, which Tom suspects his dad bought at the time of its 1966 release, as he's signed his name on the sleeve as “John Ravenscroft ?.

Track 2: Revolution - Tomorrow (from Tomorrow)

Kieran next hones in on the debut (and only) album by 1960s psychedelic rock band Tomorrow - who recorded the first ever John Peel session for BBC Radio 1. Kieran is no stranger to the LP, usually preferring the mono version, as “it's even crazier sounding ? than the stereo.

Track 3: No More Ghettos in America - Stanley Winston

Next pick is a 7 ? single - and one Kieron hunted down himself after hearing it on John's show (it was one of the DJs favourite records). Very little is known about the singer, Stanley Winston and this 1970 release may be his first and only.

Track 4: Heaven Heath - Mellow Candle (from Swaddling Songs)

Mellow Candle were a progressive folk rock band from Ireland; three school friends who's only album was commercially unsuccessful on release in 1972 - but has since received critical acclaim. Singer Clodagh Simmons remembers John Peel writing an early positive review of their set at the Wexford Festival.

Track 5: Baby Your Phrasing is Bad - Caleb

Kieran was super excited to come across this ultra rare 7 ? single by Caleb Quaye - the older half brother of reggae singer Finlay. Caleb is best known as a talented session musician, working particularly closely with Elton John.

Track 6: Love Buzz - Nirvana

Among some of the collection rarities, Kieran pulls out his last pick - not one, but two copies of American alt rock band Nirvana's 1988 debut single. Love Buzz was a cover, originally recorded by Dutch group, Shocking Blue.

Kieran Hebden, aka Four Tet, is the latest guest to go vinyl digging at Peel Acres.

In this episode, Sarathy shares his extensive knowledge of Indian classical music, inherited by his fanatical parents (and reveals their unusual music collection).

Presenter: Tom Ravenscroft

Producers: Paul Sheehan and Becca Bryers

Sarathy Korwar joins Tom Ravenscroft to explore John Peel's legendary record collection.

Musician and composer Sarathy Korwar joins Tom Ravenscroft to explore John Peel's legendary record collection.

Born in 1935, Vincent Craddock was brought up in a naval community in Virginia and left school early to become a sailor. His naval career came to an end when he was hit by a car, nearly losing a leg, and he threw himself into making music.

With a new name and a manager - local radio DJ 'Sheriff Tex' Davis - Vincent began writing songs and almost immediately came up with the classic he'll always be associated with, 'Be-Bop-A-Lula'.

Follow-up hits of such magnitude were not easy to come by. 'Race With The Devil', 'Bluejean Pop', 'Lotta Lovin' and 'Woman Love' did not achieve the same commercial success.

Vincent went on tour, performed on television, and starred in a film 'The Girl Can't Help It 'with Jayne Mansfield. He was one of the first rock 'n' roll stars to make a career in movies and appeared in three more, but by 1960 his star was on the wane in America.

Tours in Europe gave him a shot in the arm but trouble seemed to find Vincent wherever he went. A car smash near Chippenham killed tour mate Eddie Cochran while Gene broke his ribs, collarbone, and further damaged his weakened leg.

In 1963, he moved to England, and it was here that he made his mark on the burgeoning British pop scene. His stage shows and 'dangerous' image, assisted by his trademark leather outfit, greatly influenced artists like Lennon and McCartney, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, Ray Davies, Shane Fenton and Eric Burdon.

Gene Vincent died in 1971 at the age of 36.

First broadcast on Radio 2 in 2009.

Roger Daltrey assesses the influence of his rock 'n' roll hero Gene Vincent.

With a new name and a manager - local radio DJ Sheriff Tex Davis - Vincent began writing songs and almost immediately came up with the classic he'll always be associated with, 'Be-Bop-A-Lula'.

Roger Daltrey, frontman of The Who, assesses the influence of leather-clad rocker and personal hero, Gene Vincent. First broadcast on Radio 2 in 2009.

In this episode, Sarathy shares his extensive knowledge of Indian classical music, inherited by his fanatical parents (and reveals their unusual music collection).

Presenter: Tom Ravenscroft

Producers: Paul Sheehan and Becca Bryers

Sarathy Korwar joins Tom Ravenscroft to explore John Peel's legendary record collection.

Musician and composer Sarathy Korwar joins Tom Ravenscroft to explore John Peel's legendary record collection.

Sister Rosetta was one of the most innovative gospel musicians of her time. In her music, you can hear blues, R & B and rock 'n' roll, and she influenced the likes of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and many more. When she married, 20,000 people attended the wedding in a baseball stadium, yet when she died, she was buried in an unmarked grave.

Ruby Turner charts her rise to fame and popularity and subsequent demise in a documentary first broadcast on Radio 2 in 2009.

Talking to lead member Martyn Ware, she delves into what made this album such a pivotal moment in the landscape of Sheffield's music scene, and why synths unlocked an entire universe for musicians. From the heavy industry, poverty, and even the space race, everything that went into this album came out the other side to inspire a new generation of musicians, inadvertently starting a dance music revolution in the City. Cabaret Voltaire's Richard H. Kirk discusses the album's pop values, whilst our very own Jarvis Cocker give us his own unique take on the tracks and their links to Sheffield. From Roisin Murphy and Toddla T to Orbital's Paul Hartnoll, the album and the City's influence has been felt far and wide, so tune in to this exploration of one of pop's darkest moments.

Colleen 'Cosmo' Murphy looks deep into The Human's League's Travelogue album.

Colleen ‘Cosmo' Murphy looks deep into The Human's League's Travelogue album, and the city from which it was built, Sheffield.

Like rap in the 1980s, doo-wop was once the DIY music of young America. For people who couldn't afford instruments, all that was needed was a talent for singing in harmony.

With the help of the musicians, the producers and the hustlers who made it happen; this series charts the rise, fall, and rise again, of the music. It also considers whether doo-wop, as the first black street music to go mainstream, was a precursor to hip hop and rap.

The first programme, Opening Notes, looks at how the success of gospel groups in the late 1940s inspired a new style of close harmony rhythm and blues. And before long, vocal groups like The Swallows, The Ravens and The Orioles were flying high in the charts.

Contributors include: Leonard Puzey of The Ravens, Heman Denby of The Swallows, Ira Tucker of The Dixie Hummingbirds, Deborah Chessler, composer of It's Too Soon To Know by The Orioles, writers Todd Baptista and Marv Goldberg.

The documentary was first broadcast on Radio 2 in 2007.

By the mid-1950s, hundreds of vocal group records were being released each week and acts like The Penguins, The Five Satins, The Cadillacs and The Moonglows became familiar names in the charts.

As doo-wop took root in cities like New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and LA, the mainstream music industry moved in for a slice of the action.

Tracks featured in this episode include The Moonglows' Sincerely, The Cadillacs' Speedo, The Penguins' Earth Angel, The Five Satins' In The Still Of The Nite, and The Chords' Sh-Boom!

First broadcast in 2007.

As doo-wop took root, the mainstream music industry moved in for a slice of the action.

Written and presented by Charlie Gillett and first broadcast in January 1976 - at a time when few people recognised the importance of American roots music of this sort, let alone made programmes about them.

Insight - Sun Records of Memphis. The late Charlie Gillett tells the story of the label.

Ricky Ross presents an extended interview with the successful gospel and soul singer.

Ron and Russell Mael are best known as the art pop geniuses behind the iconic band Sparks. What is less known is that they are born and bred California boys who came of age in the first flowering of 1960s rock'n'roll.

As LA teenagers, the Maels prowled the clubs of the Sunset Strip, witnessing first-hand early gigs by the likes of The Doors (Russell modelled his look on Jim Morrison's), The Byrds, Bob Dylan, The Ronettes, Love, Buffalo Springfield, Alice Cooper and The Beach Boys.

Too ahead of their time for the hippy trippy LA scene, a last throw of the musical dice (and a change of name) saw them dispatched to London, where they found favour with an Art School rock crowd hungry for more of the kind of showmanship deployed by Bowie and Roxy Music.

Before too long, this town wasn't big enough for the both of them...

In addition to making musical history themselves, Sparks have been present at the key points in rock's timeline and have collaborated with artists peers and fans to great success. Sparks on Sunset features the Maels in conversation with their long-time friend Katie Puckrik, who draws out vivid, never-before-heard anecdotes and insights, interspersed with key tracks from the iconic artists who all made their mark on Sparks.

The first programme in this two part odyssey deals with their rise from being music fans to creators and how an encounter with super-producer Todd Rundgren at an out-of-town dog kennel workshop finally landed them their big break...

As teenagers they lived the Californian dream, surfing by day and going to gigs and parties at night. The venues on LA's famous Sunset Strip gave them front row access to homegrown stars like The Doors and The Byrds and also the British 'invasion' of groups like The Small Faces, The Who and The Move and a young David Bowie...

This melting pot of innovative music, lyrics and fashion provided a platform for the Mael brothers to find their own musical direction.

Sparks on Sunset is a riveting documentary that re-contextualises beloved pop classics through the first-hand experiences of the veteran art-rockers who're celebrating fifty years of making music together.

Katie Puckrik talks to Ron & Russell Mael from Sparks about the music that shaped them.

As LA teenagers, the Maels prowled the clubs of the Sunset Strip, witnessing first-hand early gigs by the likes of The Doors (Russell modelled his look on Jim Morrison's), The Byrds, Bob Dylan, The Ronettes, Love, Buffalo Springfield, Alice Cooper (whose song 'No More Mr. Nice Guy' was inspired by Sparks' song of the same name), The Beach Boys and Todd Rundgren (who produced Sparks' first album, and whose girlfriend Russell stole as a thank you).

Too ahead of their time for the hippy trippy Los Angeles scene, a last throw of the musical dice (and a change of name) saw them dispatched to London where they found favour with an Art School rock crowd hungry for more of the kind of showmanship deployed by David Bowie and Roxy Music.

Before too long this town wasn't big enough for the both of them...

In addition to making musical history themselves, Sparks have been present at the key points in rock's timeline and have collaborated with artists peers and fans to great success. Sparks on Sunset features the Maels in conversation with their long-time friend Katie Puckrik, who draws out vivid, never-before-heard anecdotes and insights, interspersed with key tracks from the iconic artists who all made their mark on Sparks.

The second part of this two act saga sees the brothers Mael swapping sun-kissed California for grimy early-70s London and their eventual rise to chart-topping success at the height of Glam.

Despite their run of top ten hits in the mid-70s, their future success wasn't at all a given and after failing to gain traction in their homeland, their label boss suggested that swapping the Californian sunshine for the grey skies of London might be the way forward. Oh and they changed their name from Half Nelson to Sparks along the way.

As part of the Art School/Glam scene they got swept up with Roxy Music, Queen and the frothy feather boa pop of The Sweet and finally found their niche five thousand miles from home.

Ron and Russell talk candidly to Katie Puckrik about their early struggles as beach boys far from home, finally cracking the market and the characters they met along the way.

Katie Puckrik quizzes Ron and Russell Mael from Sparks about their musical journey.

First broadcast in 2000.

Marshall Chess concludes the story of the Chicago record label.

First broadcast in 2000.

Marshall Chess begins the story of the Chicago record label.

5: Thank You For the Days.

The Kinks released their classic song Days in 1968. Ray reflects on a year when the band changed their style and became The Village Green Preservation Society.

6: Shangri-La.

In 1969, The Kinks continued to defy convention and recorded the quintessentially English album Arthur, which resurrected their career in the USA.

Ray Davies, lead singer of the Kinks, looks back at the group's career in 1968 and 1969.

In this programme, Ray takes a personal look back at the music and events of 1964 and 1965.

All Day and All of the Night.

In 1964 The Kinks progressed from their front room in Muswell Hill to being No 1 on Top of the Pops.

Featuring Long Tall Sally, You Still Want Me and You Really Got Me.

Till the End of the Day

This programme charts the continuing rise of The Kinks in 1965 and recalls the trials and tribulations of their ill-fated American tour.

Featuring Tired Of Waiting For You, I Need You and See My Friend.

First broadcast in 2000.

Ray Davies of the Kinks takes a look back at the music and events of 1964 and 1965.

Ray Davies of the Kinks takes a personal look back at the music and events of 1964 and 1965.

3: Dedicated Follower Of Fashion. Ray reflects on 1966, when band was gaining increasing respect thanks to songs of such as Dedicated Follower of Fashion and brother Dave's Death of a Clown.

4: Waterloo Sunset.

Ray recalls 1967, the year in which The Kinks recorded their classic Waterloo Sunset, when flower power was all the rage and The Kinks topped the Dutch charts with Mr Pleasant.

First broadcast in 2000.

Ray Davies continues the story of the band's career with a look back on 1966 and 1967.

Ray Davies, lead singer of the Kinks, continues the story of the band's career with a look back on 1966 and 1967.

BBC Radio 6 Music lives on in that pioneering spirit, with its presenters continuing the passion and love he showed for new music, and there's another chance to hear the series tracing John's developing musical passions.

John's friend and fellow Radio 1 DJ, Mary Anne Hobbs introduces this episode, which includes highlights of John's shows in the eighties.

Highlights include alternative, independent music from the Smiths and the Fall, world music from African Connexion, reggae from Black Uhuru and the beginnings of acid house with MARRS.

Plus 6 Music DJ Mark Radcliffe remembers working with Peel, including a 1984 session from the Triffids that he produced.

Mary Anne Hobbs celebrates John Peel's legacy with highlights from his 80s shows.

Today BBC Radio 6 Music lives on in that pioneering spirit, with its presenters continuing the passion and love he showed for new music. Here's another chance to hear the series tracing John's developing musical passions.

John's friend and fellow Radio 1 DJ, Mary Anne Hobbs introduces this episode, which includes highlights of John's shows in the eighties.

Mary Anne Hobbs celebrates John Peel's legacy with highlights from his 80s shows.

Over thirty years on and the word 'goth' still fills parents with dread. 'Professional ex-goth', Andrew Collins explores the phenomenon. He finds that even the genesis of the term 'goth' is disputed - was it Tony Wilson talking about Joy Divison, Siouxsie Sioux on the Joined Hands album, Steve Abbot of UK Decay or perhaps Ian Astbury of The Cult? Wayne Hussey, of The Mission and The Sisters Of Mercy, reckons the original goth was Johnny Cash.

After its heyday in the 1980s when The Cult could fill the Royal Albert Hall and unkempt teenagers everywhere modelled themselves on The Cure's Robert Smith's trademark look of big hair and smeared lipstick, goth music has retreated into the shadows. Andrew looks at what happened to goth after 1988, when the alternative music scenes of rave and baggy took over.

Goth has undergone a transformation, from a moody, provincial UK subculture to a transatlantic teen cult that has been blamed for high school shootings and self-harm among troubled US kids. But goth's influence on subsequent genres, including 'emo', is clear. Now the look and name is associated with a myriad of styles from neo-classical to industrial. So much so that even figureheads like Gary Numan, who has been hailed as the godfather of industrial, can't explain what it is or where it comes from. One thing is certain - it isn't going away.

First broadcast on Radio 2 in February 2009.

Andrew Collins explores the persistent subculture of goth music.

Andrew Collins explores the persistent subculture of goth music with the likes of Siouxsie Sioux and Steve Severin of the Banshees and Joy Division's Peter Hook.

Over thirty years on and the word goth still fills parents with dread. Professional ex-goth, Andrew Collins explores the phenomenon. He finds that even the genesis of the term goth is disputed - was it Tony Wilson talking about Joy Divison, Siouxsie Sioux on the Joined Hands album, Steve Abbot of UK Decay or perhaps Ian Astbury of The Cult? Wayne Hussey, of The Mission and The Sisters Of Mercy, reckons the original goth was Johnny Cash.

Goth has undergone a transformation, from a moody, provincial UK subculture to a transatlantic teen cult that has been blamed for high school shootings and self-harm among troubled US kids. But goth's influence on subsequent genres, including emo, is clear. Now the look and name is associated with a myriad of styles from neo-classical to industrial. So much so that even figureheads like Gary Numan, who has been hailed as the godfather of industrial, can't explain what it is or where it comes from. One thing is certain - it isn't going away.

Delve deeper into the stories behind your favourite artists.

Jarvis also assesses the contribution of some of Kratwerk's contemporaries and tells the story of a group of musicians that have had a significant impact on acts and movements as diverse as David Bowie and Coldplay, hip hop and the new romantics. He also examines the part played in the so-called 'Krautrock' movement by the other German bands such as Neu! and Tangerine Dream.

Another chance to hear the story of Kraftwerk and the German electronic underground

Jarvis also assesses the contribution of some of Kratwerk's contemporaries and tells the story of a group of musicians that have had a significant impact on acts and movements as diverse as David Bowie and Coldplay, hip hop and the new romantics. He also examines the part played in the so-called Krautrock movement by the other German bands such as Neu! and Tangerine Dream.

As part of our celebration of electronic music, another chance to hear Jarvis Cocker present the story of Kraftwerk, one of popular music's most influential groups.

Cerys Matthews presents this fast-paced trip through the Stones' personal blues history, as told by the band themselves. The documentary calls on both new interview material and vintage audio recorded with the legendary group over the last quarter-century with programme producer Paul Sexton. As described by the Stones, we'll hear about their unbreakable connection to Waters, perhaps their greatest early inspiration of all, as well as Howlin' Wolf, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Little Walter Jacobs, Buddy Guy and more.

Cerys plays the original versions of some of the greatest blues music in history, as well as the Stones' interpretations of them on singles, albums and for BBC Radio, not to mention the blues originals they went on to create and continue to perform. We'll hear how the blues informed every aspect of their development, from avid collectors to global superstars.

In particular, Ronnie Wood explains how he learned about the blues from the records that his older musician brothers brought home; we'll learn how 'Midnight Rambler' became the band's definitive original blues song, and a fixture in their live set to this day; and hear stories from their many years of working and socialising with these great artists. Richards tells a unique story about the night he went to a party at Muddy Waters' house, and woke up at Howlin' Wolf's house, without ever finding out how he got from one to the other.

From the Marquee Club in July 1962 to the end of the No Filter tour in Poland in July 2018 and from 'Dust My Broom' to 'I'm Your Fool,' the Stones have never shaken the blues, and this exciting programme shows why.

Cerys Matthews on the Stones' personal blues history, as told by the band themselves.

The Rolling Stones and the blues: it's one of the greatest and most enduring love affairs in rock 'n' roll. The group whose very name came from a 1950 Muddy Waters song have done more than any other to bring the music that they've loved all their lives into the mainstream — from the incredible achievement (one of Keith Richards' proudest) of getting a blues song to the top of the UK singles chart, in 1964 with 'Little Red Rooster,' to scoring their 12th No. 1 album in their home country in 2016 with Blue & Lonesome.

Cerys Matthew leads us through this fast-paced trip through the Stones' personal blues history, as told by the band themselves.

Tony Blackburn explores the music of soul music label, Stax.

Alan Freeman concludes the series by looking at pop music's involvement with global issues

Alan Freeman concludes the series by looking at pop music's involvement with issues of global significance - poverty, disease, conservation and famine.

As part of the Way With Words season, a profile of Mark E.Smith & The Fall.

Mark E Smith in conversation with Elizabeth Alker about life in the 'Wonderful and Frightening' world of The Fall.

Trojan Records is known as reggae's Motown and had a huge hand in introducing Jamaican music to the British public. In its hey-day of the late 60s to the mid-70s, Trojan chalked up nearly 30 hit singles, released the legendary Tighten Up compilation series and launched Jamaican acts in the UK such as Jimmy Cliff, John Holt, Ken Boothe, Bob and Marica, and Dave and Ansel Collins. The huge volume of records they released in this period made the name Trojan synonymous with classic rocksteady and reggae cuts. In 1970 alone, Trojan released 500 singles, selling over 1.5 million records.

This series tells not just the story of Trojan Records, but also reveals how Jamaican music arrived in the UK. Discover how it all began with Duke Reid's Trojan sound system in Jamaica, and how the influx of young Jamaicans into post-war Britain kick-started a reggae scene in the UK.

Find out how the British skinheads then made ska and reggae popular in the British charts (when the BBC wasn't listening!) and how the music adapted to UK tastes to become number one sellers.

We also reveal why the whole empire inexplicably came crashing down too, only for punk and Two-Tone to give it a resurgence, helping confirm Trojan as one of the coolest and most important labels for reggae music.

With contributions from Ken Boothe, Bunny Lee, BB Seaton, Derrick Harriot, Dandy Livingstone, John Holt, Ansel Collins, Rico Rodriguez, Bob Andy, Derrick Morgan and many more.

First broadcast in 2006.

Don Letts tells the story of the influential UK-based Trojan record label.

Trojan Records is known as reggae's Motown and had a huge hand in introducing Jamaican music to the British public. In it's hey-day of the late 60's to the mid 70's, Trojan chalked up nearly 30 hit singles, released the legendary Tighten Up compilation series and launched Jamaican acts in the UK such as Jimmy Cliff, John Holt, Ken Boothe, Bob and Marica, and Dave and Ansel Collins. The huge volume of records they released in this period made the name Trojan synonymous with classic rocksteady and reggae cuts. In 1970 alone, Trojan released 500 singles, selling over 1.5 million records.

This series tells not just the story of Trojan Records, but also reveals how Jamaican music arrived in the UK. Discover how it all began with Duke Reid's Trojan sound system in Jamaica, and how the influx of young Jamaicans into post-war Britain kickstarted a reggae scene in the UK. Find out how the British skinheads then made ska and reggae popular in the British charts (when the BBC wasn't listening!) and how the music adapted to UK tastes to become number one sellers. We reveal why the whole empire inexplicably came crashing down too, only for punk and Two-Tone to give it a resurgence, helping confirm Trojan as one of the coolest and most important labels for reggae music.

With contributions from Ken Boothe, Bunny Lee, BB Seaton, Derrick Harriot, Dandy Livingstone, John Holt, Ansel Collins, Rico Rodriguez, Bob Andy, Derrick Morgan and many more.

First broadcast in 2006.

Don Letts continues the story of the influential UK-based Trojan record label.

Trojan Records is known as reggae's Motown and had a huge hand in introducing Jamaican music to the British public. In its hey-day of the late 60s to the mid-70s, Trojan chalked up nearly 30 hit singles, released the legendary Tighten Up compilation series and launched Jamaican acts in the UK such as Jimmy Cliff, John Holt, Ken Boothe, Bob and Marica, and Dave and Ansel Collins. The huge volume of records they released in this period made the name Trojan synonymous with classic rocksteady and reggae cuts. In 1970 alone, Trojan released 500 singles, selling over 1.5 million records.

This series tells not just the story of Trojan Records, but also reveals how Jamaican music arrived in the UK. Discover how it all began with Duke Reid's Trojan sound system in Jamaica, and how the influx of young Jamaicans into post-war Britain kick-started a reggae scene in the UK.

Find out how the British skinheads then made ska and reggae popular in the British charts (when the BBC wasn't listening!) and how the music adapted to UK tastes to become number one sellers.

We also reveal why the whole empire inexplicably came crashing down too, only for punk and Two-Tone to give it a resurgence, helping confirm Trojan as one of the coolest and most important labels for reggae music.

With contributions from Ken Boothe, Bunny Lee, BB Seaton, Derrick Harriot, Dandy Livingstone, John Holt, Ansel Collins, Rico Rodriguez, Bob Andy, Derrick Morgan and many more.

First broadcast in 2006.

Don Letts tells the story of the influential UK-based Trojan record label.

Trojan Records is known as reggae's Motown and had a huge hand in introducing Jamaican music to the British public. In it's hey-day of the late 60's to the mid 70's, Trojan chalked up nearly 30 hit singles, released the legendary Tighten Up compilation series and launched Jamaican acts in the UK such as Jimmy Cliff, John Holt, Ken Boothe, Bob and Marica, and Dave and Ansel Collins. The huge volume of records they released in this period made the name Trojan synonymous with classic rocksteady and reggae cuts. In 1970 alone, Trojan released 500 singles, selling over 1.5 million records.

This series tells not just the story of Trojan Records, but also reveals how Jamaican music arrived in the UK. Discover how it all began with Duke Reid's Trojan sound system in Jamaica, and how the influx of young Jamaicans into post-war Britain kickstarted a reggae scene in the UK. Find out how the British skinheads then made ska and reggae popular in the British charts (when the BBC wasn't listening!) and how the music adapted to UK tastes to become number one sellers. We reveal why the whole empire inexplicably came crashing down too, only for punk and Two-Tone to give it a resurgence, helping confirm Trojan as one of the coolest and most important labels for reggae music.

With contributions from Ken Boothe, Bunny Lee, BB Seaton, Derrick Harriot, Dandy Livingstone, John Holt, Ansel Collins, Rico Rodriguez, Bob Andy, Derrick Morgan and many more.

First broadcast in 2006.

Don Letts continues the story of the influential UK-based Trojan record label.

But in this unusual two hour interview, fan and former protégé Tom Robinson hears the fascinating backstory behind many less-known Davies gems suggested by listeners - which span a fifty year writing career from the 1960s to the present day.

A recurrent theme is The Culture Of B Sides - a subject close to Ray's heart. 'Although they're notionally just a way of filling up space on a record', he says, 'B sides are usually more revealing about an artist than the hard sell of the A Side. It's interesting what people do when their guard's down...

The conversation is wide ranging - from the merits of demos to the pressures of success; from the family tragedy behind Ray's biggest American hit, to the day Alan Bennett refused to work with The Kinks because 'it would give me indigestion'.

And who knew the teenage Davies was launched on his songwriting career by jazz saxophonist Lol Coxhill in a Soho basement, with the words 'you should do your own music... because you're no good at mine.

In belated 80th birthday tribute Tom, talks in depth to Ray Davies about his songwriting.

Tom talks in depth to The Kinks frontman Ray Davies about his songwriting, revealing the stories behind many of the bands less known gems.

Founded by Rick Hall in the late 1950s, the Fame (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) studios began life above a local drug store before transferring operations to a former tobacco warehouse in the early 1960s.

Characterised by its seamless blend of R'n'B, Soul & Country the Fame studio sound developed by Rick Hall was dependant on a roster of studio musicians whose tasteful downhome stylings backed everyone from Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and Solomon Burke through to Bobbie Gentry, Lulu and the Osmonds.

The documentary will also explore the studio operation set up by David Hood, Jimmy Johnson, Roger Hawkinsand& Barry Beckett on their departure from the Fame set up in 1969. This studio, named Muscle Shoals Sound, became one of the venues of choice for some of the biggest artists in 70s rock and soul, including The Rolling Stones, Traffic, The Staple Singers and Rod Stewart.

Featuring newly sourced interviews from Fame founder Rick Hall alongside studio veterans Jesse Boyce, Mickey Buckins, David Hood and Jimmy Johnson, Way Down South will also include the recollections of artists Percy Sledge and Candi Staton.

Best remembered these days - if at all - for one hit record, there was a lot more to the now rather neglected talent of Bobbie Gentry than the mysterious Ode To Billie Joe. At her peak in the late 1960s and early 1970s, she was a million-selling artist who topped the charts in both the US and the UK, headlined in Las Vegas where she befriended Elvis Presley & Tom Jones, and fronted her own television show for BBC 2.

Alongside this she wrote and produced much of her own work and, across a series of albums, developed an idiosyncratic style of her own which owed as much to the tradition of the American short story as it did to country and folk music.

Whatever Happened To Bobbie Gentry examines her rise to fame and career trajectory from the international success of her debut release, Ode To Billie Joe, through to her subsequent decision to withdraw from both the music industry and public life.

The programme includes the recollections of those who worked alongside her, including arranger Jimmie Haskell, who recalls how the pristine detail of her lyrics inspired his sweepingly cinematic treatment for Ode To Billie Joe. Producer Rick Hall and musicians Jesse Boyce and Mickey Buckins reflect on her trip to Muscle Shoals to record her Fancy LP, and contemporary artists Shelby Lynne and Lucinda Williams comment on, and acknowledge, her on-going influence.

The documentary also features contributions from John Cameron (the musical director of her BBC 2 TV series) and music writer Holly George Warren.

Rosanne Cash profiles the gifted and enigmatic American singer-songwriter.

Rosanne Cash presents a profile of one of the most gifted, and enigmatic, of all American singer-songwriters.

Jeff Young's drama is inspired by that secret meeting in Bel Air on 27th August.. That night is probably the most seismic meeting in music. No cameras, no recording equipment - and only those who were there really know what happened.

This imagined recreation is centred around music which breaks the ice between them – with listeners invited to be a fly on the wall.

Discover what songs were played on Elvis' Jukebox and who sang what in a mythical jam session. This wasn't just the meeting of the two biggest music names in history - it was passing of the baton from the King of Rock ‘n' Roll to the upstarts from Liverpool.

Starring Tom Hughes as John Lennon and Kevin Mains as Elvis Presley.

Jeff Young says: “I was a big Beatles fan when I was younger, but for this project, initially, I knew very little about the Elvis and Beatles meeting. Then as I began researching the story, the strangeness of the meeting and the psychological dimensions, the dramatic opportunities became obvious. The larger than life characters involved, including Brian Epstein and Colonel Tom Parker, all set against a backdrop of corrupt American politics and the disastrous war in Vietnam, made for a strange and compelling narrative.

“The piece that has emerged is a kind of fake documentary. Elvis's life was an American Tragedy and the seeds of it are sown here in this meeting between the King and the pretenders to the throne. The Beatles were so young, bewildered and overwhelmed by their rapid rise to fame. In writing this drama I went back my old Beatles records and I became a Beatles fan, all over again. ?

Written by Jeff Young

John Lennon - Tom Hughes

Elvis Presley - Kevin Mains

Ringo Starr - Tom Dunlea

Paul McCartney - Shaun Mason

George Harrison - Michael Hawkins

Brian Epstein - Daniel Lapaine

Colonel Tom Parker - Colin Stinton

Producers: Dan Cocker & Polly Thomas

A Something Else production for BBC Radio 2, first broadcast in August 2015.

*** Broadcast as part of 4 Extra's Fab 4 season marking the 60th anniversary of the Beatles first universal chart number 1, From Me To You, in May 1963.

One night in 1965, Elvis Presley invited The Beatles to his Los Angeles mansion.

This imagined recreation is centred around music which breaks the ice between them - with listeners invited to be a fly on the wall.

Discover what songs were played on Elvis' Jukebox and who sang what in a mythical jam session. This wasn't just the meeting of the two biggest music names in history - it was passing of the baton from the King of Rock ‘n' Roll to the upstarts from Liverpool.

Jeff Young says: `I was a big Beatles fan when I was younger, but for this project, initially, I knew very little about the Elvis and Beatles meeting. Then as I began researching the story, the strangeness of the meeting and the psychological dimensions, the dramatic opportunities became obvious. The larger than life characters involved, including Brian Epstein and Colonel Tom Parker, all set against a backdrop of corrupt American politics and the disastrous war in Vietnam, made for a strange and compelling narrative.

`The piece that has emerged is a kind of fake documentary. Elvis's life was an American Tragedy and the seeds of it are sown here in this meeting between the King and the pretenders to the throne. The Beatles were so young, bewildered and overwhelmed by their rapid rise to fame. In writing this drama I went back my old Beatles records and I became a Beatles fan, all over again.`

Ray Charles was a man of many talents - a towering musician, a free-lover and free thinker, a superb chess player, an infamously tough boss and fierce competitor. He had his critics - the church, for one, railed against Ray's gospel inspired soul, branding it suggestive and vulgar - but he remained unstoppable. During a career spanning five decades, he remained in complete control over his life and music, producing an outstanding body of work across a dizzying array of genres.

This examination is a no-holds-barred account of the turbulent life and work of a musical icon, from his poverty stricken childhood in the Southern States of America to the onset of blindness as a child, through his struggle against racial prejudice and drug addiction.

This first episode explores his early life in Florida, his musical influences and his long journey from obscurity to his breakthrough as a mainstream star in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Featuring contributions from band members, Atlantic Records founders Jerry Wexler and Ahmet Ertegun, Ray's biographer Michael Lydon and Ray Charles.

This series first aired on Radio 2 in the summer of 2000.

Stuart Maconie profiles the man known to millions as 'The Genius'.

Ray Charles was a man of many talents - a towering musician, a free-lover and free thinker, a superb chess player, an infamously tough boss and fierce competitor. He had his critics - the church for one railed against Ray's gospel inspired soul, branding it suggestive and vulgar - but he remained unstoppable. During a career spanning five decades, he remained in complete control over his life and music, producing an outstanding body of work across a dizzying array of genres.

This examination is a no-holds-barred account of the turbulent life and work of a musical icon, from his poverty stricken childhood in the Southern States of America to the onset of blindness as a child, through his struggle against racial prejudice and drug addiction.

In the second episode charts Ray's journey through his international superstardom of the 1960s, his legal woes and becoming 'invisible' during the 1970s, before his re-emergence as a musical icon in the 1980s and 90s, right up until his death in 2004. Featuring contributions from Ray's biographer Michael Lydon, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sir Elton John, Dr John, Jerry Wexler and Ray Charles himself.

This series first aired on Radio 2 in the summer of 2000.

Stuart Maconie profiles the man known to millions as 'The Genius'.