Celebrating Music's Greatest Stars

The group talk about their lives here and in Sweden and their lengthy, huge success across the world, from their worldwide debut in the 70s through to their recent surprise reunion album and revolutionary, hi tech, avatar based show in London.

All the members of ABBA interviewed about their huge success, particularly here in Britain

On the 50th anniversary of their Eurovision Song contest winning single, Waterloo, ABBA are interviewed, by BBC radio presenters, about their lives and huge success in Britain.

In the first episode of this two-part special, we celebrate Amy's life and legacy, taking a trip down memory lane playing songs from her two phenomenal albums, and we hear from UK female artists Jessie Ware, Ella Henderson and Alexandra Burke - sharing their favourite songs and memories of Amy and her music. They also discuss how she influenced them and helped open doors for them in their own careers, and look back on some of Amy's career highlights including her record breaking Grammy Awards win in 2008.

Jessie Ware, Ella Henderson and Alexandra Burke celebrate Amy's life and legacy.

Celebrating Diana Ross at 80 with a series of special programmes.

Jessie Ware, Ella Henderson & Alexandra Burke celebrate Amy's life & legacy, 10 years on from her tragic death.

Emeli Sande and Mabel celebrate Amy Winehouse's life and legacy.

Celebrating Diana Ross at 80 with a series of special programmes.

In a programme first broadcast 10 years after her death, Emeli Sande and Mabel celebrate Amy's life & legacy. They share their favourite Amy songs and discuss how she inspired them.

Originally broadcast in 2021 to mark 10 years since her death, Emeli Sande and Mabel celebrate Amy's life & legacy share their of her songs and discuss how she inspired them.

They reminisce about their mutual friends Alan and Marilyn Bergman; about working together and tweaking Don's classic lyrics for As If We Never Said Goodbye to make a perfect opening number for her comeback tour after 27 years.

These two friends once found themselves competing against each other in the category of Best Original Song at 49th Academy Awards. Don was nominated with composer Henry Mancini for Come To Me from The Pink Panther Strikes Back and Barbra with Paul Williams for Evergreen (Love Theme From A Star Is Born). Tune in to found out who won that particular battle.

This interview first broadcast in September 2011.

Barbra chats to the Academy Award-winning lyricist Don Black from her home in Malibu.

Alongside key tracks from his multimillion selling albums Piano Man, Turnstiles, The Stranger, 52nd Street, Glass Houses, The Nylon Curtain, An Innocent Man, Storm Front and The River Of Dreams, we hear the true stories about his attendance at Woodstock and time as a cocktail pianist, his joy at seeing all ages in his audiences and what happens when he can't remember all the lyrics to We Didn't Start The Fire.

Billy is always great value in his chats with presenters, including Zoe Ball and the late Steve Wright, as well as musicians turned presenters Jamie Cullum and Tom Odell, Radio 1 reporter Bob Kilby and producer Malcolm Prince.

Despite mentioning that he hasn't written or recorded a new song for decades and has no wish to do so, he surprised everyone by coming out of this self-imposed “retirement ? recently to release his first new single in 17 years: a collaboration which he only promoted on radio and television in America.

In his many BBC interview appearances, Billy talks about his key compositions and hits.

Celebrating Diana Ross at 80 with a series of special programmes.

In many BBC appearances, Billy talks about key compositions and hits such as Piano Man, Uptown Girl and Allentown with Zoe Ball, Jamie Cullum, Steve Wright and others.

We are going to hear from some famous voices talking about his influence and their favourite songs from his catalogue. We also have some brand new covers from our recent Piano Room performances by PP Arnold and The Libertines at Maida Vale.

We will be featuring Sir Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Hank Marvin, Joe Brown, Sir Tim Rice, Paul Gambaccini, Roger Daltrey, Norman and Vi Petty, Keith Richards, Graham Nash, Tanita Tikaram, Nanci Griffith, Christopher Cross, Richard Ashcroft, Maureen Lipman, Art Garfunkel, Don McLean and Mick Fleetwood as well as archive clips from Buddy himself and the Crickets and Buddy's wife María Elena.

Bob Harris pays tribute to a genius & trailblazer with favourite tracks and cover versions

Bob Harris pays tribute to a musical genius and trailblazer. He'll be hearing from those influenced by him, including Paul McCartney, Hank Marvin and Keith Richards

[LISTEN NOW]

Dave Grohl, the frontman of The Foo Fighters & former Nirvana drummer, talks about his unique memories and passion for the music of the Beatles. Dave tells the story of when he first met Sir Paul McCartney backstage at the Royal Albert Hall & how his Daughter's favourite track is Hey Bulldog. Dave describes how the first track he ever heard was Hey Jude aged 5 at a friend's sleepover, & how Eight Days a Week was the soundtrack to his first love.

Spend an hour with one of the biggest rock stars on the planet as he discusses how he first heard the music of The Beatles, how it influenced him, & what he feels is the legacy of the Fab Four.

The Foo Fighters frontman talks about his memories & passion for the music of The Beatles.

Celebrating much-loved rock and pop stars with interviews, performances and documentaries.

Dave Grohl, the frontman of The Foo Fighters & former Nirvana drummer talks about his unique memories, and passion for the music of the Beatles.

[LISTEN NOW]

Dave tells the story of when he first met Sir Paul McCartney, backstage at the Royal Albert Hall, and how his Daughter's favourite track is Hey Bulldog. Dave describes how the first track he ever heard was Hey Jude aged five at a friend's sleepover, and how Eight Days a Week was the soundtrack to his first love.

Spend an hour with one of the biggest rock stars on the planet as he discusses how he first heard the music of The Beatles, how it influenced him, and what he feels is the legacy of the Fab Four.

The Foo Fighters frontman talks about his passion for the music of The Beatles.

Dave Grohl, the frontman of Foo Fighters and former Nirvana drummer talks about his unique memories, and passion for the music of the Beatles.

This includes what he calls camera shutter moments - the early family fun on the river Thames, the acting, the music, the hits, the misses, his inability to say no to work, his marriages and divorces and the tabloid headlines. Phil ultimately brings us around to today's happiness, in both his personal and professional life.

Phil started his career as a child actor and remembers the occasion when he ended up on the cutting room floor (with the Fab Four).

The early music breaks also feature large in this chat - seeing Cream in London during the swinging 60s, one of his first sessions - working with another solo Beatle (and again getting cut out of the finished album) and the moment when the light bulbs came on above the heads of Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford (during the unnecessary auditions for a replacement singer in Genesis), after Peter Gabriel left. He also goes into detail about the personal and technical feelings and milestones, which determined the path of his solo career.

Above all, as one of the few people to sell more than 100 million records worldwide, Phil goes through his amazing solo success, creating the extraordinary In The Air Tonight, working with royalty, Disney and his idols The Who and Eric Clapton, amongst many others.

First broadcast in 2016.

Phil Collins discusses his entire catalogue and writing his autobiography Not Dead Yet.

Phil Collins discusses his life and career in a candid, funny and fascinating special with Johnnie, after reissuing his back catalogue and writing his autobiography Not Dead Yet.

In 1967 they both answered the same advertisement looking for songwriters in the NME in London. Bernie travelled down from his home in Lincolnshire to lodge with Elton's family in Pinner. They failed the subsequent audition, but have gone on to create more than 30 albums together, and multimillion selling songs including Rocket Man, Candle In The Wind, Your Song and I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues.

At his 60th Birthday Madison Square Garden Concert, Elton told the audience that without Taupin there probably wouldn't be an Elton John.

Bernie talks about how proud he is that Elton calls him the brother he never had, the excitement of the early years on the road and their world conquering golden years and being part of the band, even though he never played an instrument on stage. He also describes how much he enjoys their collaborations and his love for Americana in all forms.

Elton talks about the freshness he feels both performing Bernie's timeless lyrics and composing new material with him. They both talk about the meaning and the creation of many of their signature songs.

Elton has achieved 38 gold and 31 platinum or multi-platinum albums, has sold more than 300 million records worldwide, and holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time with Candle In The Wind. Since launching his first tour in 1970, Elton has over 4,000 performances in more than 80 countries to his credit. Elton is the third most successful artist in the history of the American charts, behind only Elvis Presley and the Beatles.

Programme first broadcast in 2017.

Johnnie meets two of the greatest composers in modern music Sir Elton John & Bernie Taupin

Meat Loaf's bombastic rock operas catapulted him to the status of musical icon.

His breakthrough album, 'Bat Out Of Hell', is one of the best-selling albums of all time.

But beneath the public face of the hard-rocking extrovert was a man who professed to be a shy and retiring individual.

Off stage, he was actually a non-smoking family man, who'd never owned a motorbike and was 'constantly on a diet'.

Bob Harris introduces a tribute to the late singer with archive sessions and interviews.

Carole recalls the phenomenal success of her landmark album Tapestry, and how she reluctantly became a solo performing artist under the global spotlight. She explains to Michael how she dealt with fame and the rollercoaster journey which followed, a story now told in the musical based on these events, Beautiful.

As a fellow performer and lifelong fan of this incredible artist, Michael gets to the heart of her music and explores the feeling behind the lyrics. This is Carole King up close and personal, and at times, emotional, telling the story of her life in song.

Michael Ball and Carole King discuss her life in music.

Inspired by the heartbreak of relationship breakups, he used a revolutionary percussive sound to storm the charts twice in the 1980s and ensure his first solo release became an anthem recognised all over to the world to this day.

Much in demand in live arenas, including Live Aid on both sides of the Atlantic, as a producer and collaborator he covered Motown favourites, used outtakes as memorable film soundtracks and continued to work with Genesis on and off before taking them on a final tour in 2022.

Phil enjoyed three UK number ones and 27 UK top 40 hits, and has spent a total of 169 weeks on the charts. Alongside Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, he is the one of the only musicians to sell 100 million records worldwide both as part of a band and as a solo artist.

You'll hear Phil in conversation with Johnnie Walker, Mike Read and Mark Lawson at the BBC over his entire career and enjoy tracks including In the Air Tonight, Invisible Touch, You Can't Hurry Love, Against All Odds, Separate Lives, Mama, Easy Lover and If Leaving Me is Easy.

Phil discusses his finest compositions and covers from Genesis and his solo songbook.

Phil talks about his finest releases from Genesis and his solo career, including In the Air Tonight, Against All Odds, Invisible Touch, Easy Lover, You Can't Hurry Love and Mama.

Jones is one of the most successful and admired creative artists in history and has the honour of being one of only 18 others to have won all four major annual American entertainment awards, namely the Grammys, Emmys, Tonys and a Special Academy Award! With a career spanning seven decades, the programmes feature some of the biggest names in the music industry and those who worked alongside him throughout his glory days, including musical arranger Greg Phillinganes and vocalist Howard Hewett of Shalamar.

This opening episode spans Quincy's career from the 1950s, when he worked with Frank Sinatra, Benny Carter and Dinah Washington, through to the late 70s where he was a prolific artist, arranger and producer, easily moving from scoring films, performing with orchestras and arranging and producing soul and funk albums. DJ Spoony goes back to Quincy Jones's time as a trumpet player and arranger during the big band era of the 1950s. He learns how Quincy's career evolved after he collaborated with Frank Sinatra. It features the voices of composer John Altman, jazz pianist Reuben James, Kym Mazelle, Dennis Seaton of Musical Youth, singer-songwriter Deniece Williams, Swing Out Sister and more.

DJ Spoony explores the origins and legacy of Quincy Jones.

This second episode looks back to when Quincy Jones met Michael Jackson whilst making the Wiz, which led to them making of the legendary Off the Wall album together, with Quincy producing it. We hear from Howard Hewett of Shalamar and pianist and arranger Greg Phillinganes about the making of Off the Wall and also Thriller. Created in November 1982, Thriller was produced entirely by Quincy and earned Jackson eight Grammy Awards and a Brit Award, and spent 37 non-consecutive weeks at number one and more than 500 weeks on the Billboard Album Chart. Selling 100 million copies since its release, Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time.

The 1980s had other highlights for Quincy including producing music for George Benson and Donna Summer as well as producing his own albums, including The Dude, which featured vocals from Patti Austin and James Ingram. Craig David and Dennis Seaton share their memories of meeting him, and we hear how Quincy moves into the world of hiphop. Featured artists include Claude McKnight of Take 6, Kym Mazelle, Craig David, and Vula Malinga.

DJ Spoony explore the origins and legacy of music industry heavyweight Quincy Jones.

Evolving from the late-60s art-rock movement, Roxy Music epitomized fashion, glamour and innovative music. Through the 70s and 80s, the band released a string of ground-breaking albums, culminating with the 1982 classic 'Avalon'.

Programme one begins with the band emerging in 1972, making an instant visual and musical impact. Dressed in bizarre yet stylish costumes, the group played a defiantly experimental variation of art rock with infectious pop hooks. The creative tension between Bryan Ferry and Brian Eno pulled the band in separate directions but resulted in two ground-breaking albums.

Evolving from the late-60s art-rock movement, Roxy Music epitomized fashion, glamour and innovative music. Through the decades the band released a string of ground-breaking albums, culminating with the classic 'Avalon'.

In Part 2 Jo Whiley explores how the band developed - recording some of the most sophisticated music of the 80's - while still remaining credible in the era of punk rock, making a much loved John Lennon tribute, dipping their musical toes in Disco, being inducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame and reforming for their 40th and current 50th anniversary world tours. Jo also finds out what happened when they returned to the studio with Brian Eno in 2005 and asks if we will ever hear a new Roxy album.

Radio 2 celebrates Roxy Music and reflects on their legacy.

Sharing their personal memories of seeing them live, buying their records and even working with them are: Nile Rodgers, Johnny Marr, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, Dave Stewart, Keren Woodward and Sara Dallin of Bananarama, Russell Mael of Sparks, Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream, Kim Wilde, Jake Shears, James Dean Bradfield of Manic Street Preachers, Midge Ure and Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand, plus an introduction from Bryan Ferry himself.

Some of the biggest names in music reflect on their love of Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music.

During the final years of the band, George Harrison (who had always stood apart from the Lennon and McCartney powerhouse) emerged with Something, Here Comes The Sun and While My Guitar Gently Weeps as a songwriting genius and spiritual and eco warrior - way ahead of his time. It's amazing to think that many of the brilliant songs on All Things Must Pass were rejected from The Beatles White Album and Abbey Road.

World renowned producer Ken Scott (who was engineer on this album and many classics by The Beatles, Elton John, Lou Reed, Supertramp and David Bowie) remembers working with George on both the original triple album as well as the more recent Anniversary remix and remaster.

Tris explores the outpouring of so much amazing writing and George's struggles with releasing the album, singles and the clashes between the spiritual and material worlds he lived in.

In recent interviews Nettie Baker describes her poem, which her father Ginger Baker (of Cream fame) gave to George, legendary producer Tony Visconti recalls George being a good neighbour. Nitin Sawhney describes his mentor Ravi Shankar's relationship with George and his own connection with the family, Peter Asher remembers his huge talent as a songwriter in the Beatles and beyond and Daryl Easlea talks us through key tracks such as Awaiting On You All, My Sweet Lord, Wah Wah, What Is Life and the title track.

We will also hear archive from Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, George himself and Paul McCartney.

Record producer and broadcaster Tris Penna reviews George Harrison's All Things Must Pass.

Record producer and broadcaster Tris Penna reviews one of the finest albums by a solo Beatle from George Harrison. Contributors include Peter Asher, Ken Scott and Nitin Sawhney.

The programme will also see a brand new version of the song created especially for Radio 2, featuring Ricky Wilson of the Kaiser Chiefs, Andy Fairweather Low, Mark King of Level 42, Rick Wakeman, Lee Thompson of Madness and Radio 2's own music news journalist Matt Everitt. Together they'll look at the techniques used to create the original, plus what's changed and stayed the same in music since rock and roll was born.

Contributors to the programme include the Radio 2 broadcasters Johnnie Walker and Tony Blackburn, musicians Chas Hodges, Albert Lee, Imelda May and Darrel Higham, plus producers Hugh Padgham and Mike Batt talking about what makes Rock Around The Clock so special, and why it still sounds so good seventy years on.

First broadcast in 2014.

Bruce Welch of The Shadows celebrates Rock Around The Clock.

Celebrating Diana Ross at 80 with a series of special programmes.

Bruce Welch of The Shadows celebrates Rock Around The Clock, covering the song's role in musical revolution and creating a brand new version with an all-star cast.

Tony Bennett, a legend from the American swing era, continues to guide the Radio 2 audience through his selection of the 40 defining songs from the Great American Songbook.

Tony has lived the songs, sung the songs and now, in his 60th year as a performer, he offers his personal thoughts, insights and insider's view on the greatest compositions ever written. As Sir Michael Parkinson leads the way through the ten songs covered each week, we hear Tony's anecdotes about the people who created them, the pantheon of singers who have interpreted them and, of course, his views about what makes each one special.

The Great American Songbook is an informal phrase, originally coined by Tony himself, which describes the interrelated music of Broadway musical theatre, the Hollywood musical and Tin Pan Alley, in a period that begins in the 1920s. Aside from the enduring popularity of this music in its original context, it also became the central repertoire for jazz musicians.

In the second episode, Tony illustrates the musical and lyrical sophistication in a line-up that includes Louis Armstrong's Stardust, Duke Ellington's Take The A Train, as well as Frank Sinatra's dramatic performance in It Was A Very Good Year. The featured instrumental is Cherokee by the Charlie Barnet Orchestra.

Tony Bennett shares his selection of 40 favourites from the Great American Songbook.

In the second episode, Tony illustrates the musical and lyrical sophistication in a line-up that includes Louis Armstrong's Stardust, Duke Ellington's Take The 'A' Train, as well as Frank Sinatra's dramatic performance in It Was A Very Good Year. The featured instrumental is Cherokee by the Charlie Barnet Orchestra.

Tony has lived the songs, sung the songs and now, in his 60th year as a performer, he offers his personal thoughts, insights and insider's view on the greatest compositions ever written. As Sir Michael Parkinson leads the way through the ten songs covered each week, we hear Tony's anecdotes about the people who created them, the pantheon of singers who have interpreted them and, of course, his views about what makes each one special.

The Great American Songbook is an informal phrase, originally coined by Tony himself, which describes the interrelated music of Broadway musical theatre, the Hollywood musical and Tin Pan Alley, in a period that begins in the 1920s. Aside from the enduring popularity of this music in its original context, it also became the central repertoire for jazz musicians.

The final episode includes September In The Rain by Carole Sloane, I Only Have Eyes For You by Louis Armstrong, They Say It's Wonderful by Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane; and a few more of Tony's own recordings. The featured instrumental is Count Basie's April In paris.

Tony Bennett concludes his selection of favourite songs from the Great American Songbook.

Plus, we'll hear from TV Presenter Dawn O'Porter, singers Dionne Warwick, Rumer and John Legend and fellow songwriters, Graham Gouldman, Trevor Horn and Mike Rutherford, who have all chosen Burt Bacharach and Hal David tracks and share with us why they were such a huge influence on their musical careers.

A special Tracks of My Years another chance to hear the choices of Burt Bacharach.

These inspiring conversations feature alongside many of the landmark recordings with artists such as Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Cilla Black, Tom Jones, The Carpenters, Christopher Cross, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Gene Pitney, Gladys Knight and Luther Vandross.

We also hear Burt's own inside observations about his writing partnerships and friendships with Hal David, Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss.

A compilation of the many insightful interviews given to the BBC and his key compositions.

In this hour-long celebrations of her life, we will hear from a range of well-known artists who have been influenced by her legacy: the style, her ability to reinvent herself, the movies, the live performances, the voice, her position as a black female artist through an ever-changing world, the untouchable star quality - there is much to admire about Diana Ross' story.

The all-star line-up of contributors sharing their memories is aptly A-list: Nicole Scherzinger, Sir Cliff Richard, Jane McDonald, Leona Lewis, Pete Waterman, Beverley Knight, Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran, Lulu, Gabrielle, Billy Porter, Dame Kelly Holmes, Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward of Bananarama, Marisha Wallace, Shaznay Lewis, Claire Richards of Steps, songwriter Amy Wadge, superfan Diane Carson from The Traitors series 2, plus Radio 2's very own Tony Blackburn, Trevor Nelson, Michelle Visage and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, all sharing fascinating insights into how their lives have been touched by Ms. Diana Ross, soundtracked by some of her biggest hits spanning the last 60 years.

Celebrating the 80th birthday of the global icon, Ms. Diana Ross

Celebrating Diana Ross at 80 with a series of special programmes.

Celebrating the 80th birthday of the global icon, Ms. Diana Ross with contributions from Nicole Scherzinger, Sir Cliff Richard, Leona Lewis, Jane McDonald and many more

His finest compositions featured ‘at the BBC' include Can't Buy Me Love, I'll Follow The Sun, Eleanor Rigby, She's Leaving Home, Another Day, Live And Let Die, Hey Jude, Let It Be and Yesterday.

Sir Paul gets emotional returning to the Abbey Road studios and recreates Strawberry Fields Forever on the original Mellotron and plays Band On The Run in a unique live multi track experiment. He also remembers key moments when John, George and Ringo contributed to songs like And I Love Her and his late first wife Linda influenced solo classics like Every Day and Maybe I'm Amazed.

Paul discusses and performs his finest compositions from The Beatles and his solo songbook

From his 1960 early appearances on Saturday Club, Top Gear and Easy Beat, through the Electric Proms, In Concert, Masterworks, This Cultural Life, Sold On Song at Abbey Road and his 2004 Glastonbury headliner set, these are Sir Paul McCartney's finest songs, taken from his greatest work as a solo artist and a Beatle. He also talks about the creation of and stories behind these masterpieces – all broadcast on BBC Radio and Television.

His finest compositions featured ‘at the BBC' include Can't Buy Me Love, I'll Follow The Sun, Eleanor Rigby, She's Leaving Home, Another Day, Live And Let Die, Hey Jude, Let It Be and Yesterday.

Featuring Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting), Your Song, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Philadelphia Freedom, Bennie and the Jets and I'm Still Standing.

Ken Bruce presents a special Tracks Of My Years celebrating Sir Elton's 75th birthday.

Includes interviews from the BBC archives with Trevor McDonald, Simon Bates, Terry Wogan and Chris Evans.

Diana's career told through her own words and performances for the BBC.

Celebrating Diana Ross at 80 with a series of special programmes.

In her own words, Diana Ross tells the story of her life and career in music, from Motown and the Supremes to playing Billie Holliday and her many solo hits.

In this hour-long show, originally broadcast to mark what would have been Prince Rogers Nelson's 65th birthday, we will hear from a variety of artists who love Prince, have worked with him, covered his music, seen him live and have been inspired by him. Soundtracked by some of Prince's biggest hits, there will be personal memories and stories shared by Jazzie B of Soul II Soul, Rita Ora, Beverley Knight, Adam Lambert, Ellie Goulding, Jake Shears, Sharleen Spitteri of Texas, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, Lemar, Jessie Ware, Mick Hucknall, Midge Ure, Noel Gallagher, Richard Marx, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Tom Grennan and Radio 2's very own Trevor Nelson, Spoony and Michelle Visage.

Tribute to the legendary artist Prince.

Celebrating Diana Ross at 80 with a series of special programmes.

Tribute to the legendary artist Prince, featuring Adam Lambert, Ellie Goulding, Noel Gallagher, Beverley Knight, Rita Ora and more.

He says whittling down his favourites to just two hours was an almost impossible task and that he could happily go on for a week and still not get everything in!

Even so, it's a rare insight into the tastes of a music legend as Elton's choices move from the obscure to the mainstream, from soul to rock, jazz to techno and pretty much all the bases in between.

And as befits a great raconteur, it's also full of stories, like the time Elton went to see Dusty Springfield at Batley Variety Club, jumped up on stage to sing with her & drowned out the music with the clumping of his platform boots! You'll find out what gets him dancing in the morning, who he thinks are the best British female singers of all time & how he nearly ruined Aretha Franklin's career.

First broadcast in 2011.

Elton turns DJ, and plays two hours of his favourite songs, picked from his own collection

Back in 1973, Diana & Marvin put together a full duets album and to say it didn't disappoint is an understatement: their voices blend together perfectly. We'll hear from them together as well individually, with guests of Tracks of My Years including Beyonce, Burt Bacharach and George Benson.

A special edition featuring favourite tracks from Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye.

Celebrating Diana Ross at 80 with a series of special programmes.

A special edition featuring stars of music, stage and screen selecting their favourite Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye tracks.

Burt Bacharach's success in the 60s, particularly with Dionne Warwick, was phenomenal, with tracks penned by him including Walk On By, Do You Know The Way to San Jos退, Anyone Who Had a Heart, Always Something There to Remind Me and The Look of Love. In the UK, Sandie Shaw, Dusty Springfield, Frankie Vaughan and Cilla Black also had success with Burt and lyricist Hal David.

This documentary tells Burt Bacharach's life story focusing especially on the complexities of his music, the content and context of his songs and the changing perceptions of them over the years.

Michael Ball presents a profile of Burt Bacharach.

Burt Bacharach's success in the 60s, particularly with Dionne Warwick, was phenomenal, with tracks penned by him including Walk On By, Do You Know The Way to San José, Anyone Who Had a Heart, Always Something There to Remind Me and The Look of Love. In the UK, Sandie Shaw, Dusty Springfield, Frankie Vaughan and Cilla Black also had success with Burt and lyricist Hal David.

Burt Bacharach's success in the 60s, particularly with Dionne Warwick, was phenomenal, with tracks penned by him including Walk On By, Do You Know the Way to San Jos退, Anyone Who Had a Heart, Always Something There to Remind Me and The Look of Love. In the UK, Sandie Shaw, Dusty Springfield, Frankie Vaughan and Cilla Black also had success with Burt and lyricist Hal David.

This documentary tells Burt Bacharach's life story focusing especially on the complexities of his music, the content and context of his songs and the changing perceptions of them over the years.

Michael Ball presents a profile of Burt Bacharach.

Burt Bacharach's success in the 60s, particularly with Dionne Warwick, was phenomenal, with tracks penned by him including Walk On By, Do You Know the Way to San José, Anyone Who Had a Heart, Always Something There to Remind Me and The Look of Love. In the UK, Sandie Shaw, Dusty Springfield, Frankie Vaughan and Cilla Black also had success with Burt and lyricist Hal David.

Featuring Think, Chain Of Fools, Freeway Of Love, Bridge Over Troubled Water, I Say A Little Prayer, A Natural Woman and Until You Come Back To Me.

A special compilation celebrating the 80th anniversary of Aretha Franklin's birth.

Includes interviews from the BBC archives with Trevor McDonald, Simon Bates, Terry Wogan and Chris Evans.

Diana's career told through her own words and performances for the BBC.

In her own words, Diana Ross tells the story of her life and career in music, from Motown and the Supremes to playing Billie Holliday and her many solo hits.

Born in Liverpool on the 18th June, 1942 - Paul taught himself piano, guitar and songwriting. At the age of just 15 he met and joined John Lennon's band The Quarrymen, they went on to form The Beatles, one of the most influential bands of the time and Lennon and McCartney remain the most successful songwriting partnership in history.

It's rare to look at a list of 10 Tracks submitted by Ken's mid-morning guests without Paul popping up in some form - either with The Beatles, Wings or his solo work. Throughout the next hour you'll be hearing from many of those Tracks Of My Years guests, raving about his unmistakable voice, melodies and all round musical talent.

We revisit Russell Crowe, Anthony Horowitz, Jeff Lynne, Carly Simon and Lionel Richie amongst others, who share their stories of Paul McCartney and their reasons for choosing his music.

A special compilation edition of Tracks Of My Years celebrating Paul McCartney's music.

Born in Liverpool on the 18th June, 1942 – Paul taught himself piano, guitar and songwriting. At the age of just 15 he met and joined John Lennon's band The Quarrymen, they went on to form The Beatles, one of the most influential bands of the time and Lennon and McCartney remain the most successful songwriting partnership in history.

Featuring Beach Boys classics including Surfin' USA, Then I Kissed Her, Good Vibrations, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times, California Girls, Surf's Up, solo recordings and rarities.

Born on 20th June, 1942 in Inglewood, California - Brian was the eldest of, Dennis and Carl the 3 Wilson brothers, who along with their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine, went on to form one of the most loved and revered rock bands of all time. The Beach Boys.

Throughout the next hour we'll be hearing from many of my mid-morning guests who have chosen tracks by Brian and the boys who are renowned for their vocal harmonies and musical ingenuity.

We revisit Art Garfunkel, Benny Andersson, Glen Campbell and Alice Cooper amongst others, who share their stories of Brian Wilson and their reasons for choosing his music.

A special compilation edition of Tracks Of My Years celebrating Brian Wilson's music.

Featuring Boulevard Of Broken Dreams, Stranger In Paradise, (I Left My Heart) In San Francisco, I Wanna Be Around, Steppin' Out With My Baby, Body and Soul, It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) and How Do You Keep The Music Playing.

In this hour long show to mark what would have been Prince Rogers Nelson's 65th birthday, we hear from a variety of artists who love Prince, have worked with him, covered his music, seen him live and have been inspired by him. Soundtracked by some of Prince's biggest hits, there are personal memories and stories from the likes of Jazzie B of Soul II Soul, Rita Ora, Beverley Knight, Adam Lambert, Ellie Goulding, Jake Shears, Sharleen Spitteri of Texas, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, Lemar, Jessie Ware, Mick Hucknall, Midge Ure, Noel Gallagher, Richard Marx, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Tom Grennan and Radio 2's very own Trevor Nelson, Spoony and Michelle Visage.

A tribute to the legendary artist Prince, to mark what would have been his 65th birthday.

Tony Bennett, a legend from the American swing era, guides the Radio 2 audience through his selection of the 40 defining songs from the Great American Songbook.

Tony has lived the songs, sung the songs and now, in his 60th year as a performer, he offers his personal thoughts, insights and insider's view on the greatest compositions ever written. As Sir Michael Parkinson leads the way through the ten songs covered each week, we hear Tony's anecdotes about the people who created them, the pantheon of singers who have interpreted them and, of course, his views about what makes each one special.

The Great American Songbook is an informal phrase, originally coined by Tony himself, which describes the interrelated music of Broadway musical theatre, the Hollywood musical and Tin Pan Alley, in a period that begins in the 1920s. Aside from the enduring popularity of this music in its original context, it also became the central repertoire for jazz musicians.

In the first episode, Tony illustrates the musical and lyrical sophistication in a line-up that includes Billie Holiday's Autumn In New York, Nat King Cole's It's Only A Paper Moon, and Judy Garland's Over The Rainbow:

No-one will ever sound as good as Judy Garland as far as I am concerned. Just listen to The Man That Got Away that she made for A Star Is Born and you'll believe it.

The American swing legend guides listeners through his selection of 40 favourite songs.

No-one will ever sound as good as Judy Garland as far as I am concerned. Just listen to The Man That Got Away that she made for A Star Is Born and you'll believe it'.

There were more than 60 songs to vote for, across a recording career of 35 years. All of Kylie's tracks which reached the top 100 of the Official Singles Chart in the UK were eligible, including duets and appearances as a featured artist.

But which one is Your Ultimate Kylie Song?

Steve Wright counts down the ultimate Kylie song, as voted for by you!

Ever since Elton started playing piano on sessions for bands like The Hollies and answered an advert in the NME in 1967, he has been a musical superstar - selling more than 300 million records worldwide and has the biggest selling single of all time with Candle in the Wind. Since launching his first tour in 1970, Elton has over 4,600 performances in more than 80 countries to his credit.

We have a host of stars, who have chosen some of Elton's greatest hits on Tracks of My Years including the writer of Lucky Stars Dean Friedman, Dallas actress Linda Gray, Victoria Beckham, DJ Pete Tong, Toto's founding guitarist and songwriter Steve Lukather, rising star Freya Ridings, the composer of Wichita Lineman Jimmy Webb, Craig David, Dan Gillespie Sells from The Feeling, Lionel Richie, Atlantic Records soul legend Sam Moore, Yola, Donny Osmond, Tom Grennan and Tom Robinson.

Victoria Beckham and Lionel Richie are among the stars choosing Elton's songs.

Tony has lived the songs, sung the songs and now, in his 60th year as a performer, he offers his personal thoughts, insights and insider's view on the greatest compositions ever written. As Sir Michael Parkinson leads the way through the ten songs covered each week, we hear Tony's anecdotes about the people who created them, the pantheon of singers who have interpreted them and, of course, his views about what makes each one special.

The Great American Songbook is an informal phrase, originally coined by Tony himself, which describes the interrelated music of Broadway musical theatre, the Hollywood musical and Tin Pan Alley, in a period that begins in the 1920s. Aside from the enduring popularity of this music in its original context, it also became the central repertoire for jazz musicians.

Episode three includes Tenderly by Rosemary Clooney, After You, Who? by Fred Astaire, Lover by Peggy Lee, as well as a few of Tony's own recordings. The featured instrumental is Just One Of Those by jazz pianist Art Tatum.

The American swing legend guides listeners through his selection of 40 favourite songs.

The programme opens with Paul, being filmed by the BBC One arts programme Omnibus in 1988, driving around his High School and childhood home in the borough of Queens in New York, remembering hearing Artie's renowned angelic voice in the playground, writing and selling their first hit record and beginning his lifelong love of baseball.

Then, talking to BBC radio presenters Stuart Grundy, Matt Everett and Johnnie Walker over many years, Paul remembers his musician father telling him he had a good voice but perhaps shouldn't think of a rock star as a good career choice. Paul also remembers his pre-fame time living and touring in England and the influence of the revolutionary folk movement, an early career break broadcasting on the Religious Slot on BBC Radio before returning to America and, incredibly, not finding instant success. Paul also recalls that Simon & Garfunkel did not want the soundtrack album to The Graduate released and has mixed feelings about splitting with Artie.

We also learn that, after the success of 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover and Mother and Child Reunion, Paul had to rethink his solo career after two subsequent flops, before the hugely acclaimed and politically challenging Graceland changed his life.

Paul Simon discusses his incredible career, both with Art Garfunkel and as a solo artist.

Celebrating Diana Ross at 80 with a series of special programmes.

From their very first album Leisure and singles She's So High and There's No Other Way, through Modern Life is Rubbish to the battle of Britpop and the huge success of Country House and Girls and Boys, via The Great Escape, Blur and 13 to their brand new album, these long-time friends talk through the highs, lows, emotional gigs, scraps and reunions.

Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and David Rowntree remember their first rehearsals, influences and early chaotic performances as Seymour, before they were picked up by Food Records and then nearly dropped, before their mischievous, satirical and angry critique of British culture becoming more American in Parklife, brought them a completely new audience.

Blur are half art-school and half squat-punk, according to Graham, with very personal lyrics and intense competitiveness matched by the emotions of audience response and a love of playing new music with colleagues, who are more like a gang, but can only stay together when they are all getting on.

They have long and close relationships with all the presenters featured here, from the early days of Evening Session with Mark Goodier, followed by Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq and in depth career conversations with Stuart Maconie.

Featuring interviews from their entire career with presenters across BBC radio.

In conversations on BBC radio and television, Annie Mae Bullock, born in Brownsville and brought up in nearby Nutbush, Tennessee, talks about overcoming adversity after starting her musical vocation with Ike Turner, becoming Tina Turner and launching her own hugely successful solo career in London with the help of Craig Marsh and Martyn Ware (from The Human League and Heaven 17).

Tina also discusses her many hit singles including Let's Stay Together, What's Love Got To Do With It, Private Dancer (written by Mark Knopfler) and The Best, as well as her work as an actress and Bond theme song performer and her happiness when she married Erwin Bach and retired to Switzerland.

Terry Wogan, Russell Harty, Graham Norton, Steve Wright, Will Gompertz, Roger Scott and Radio 2 producer Mark Hagen have interviewed Tina in depth, over the past few decades, about her life, worldwide popularity and much admired achievements, as well as her incredible talent as a singer and stage performer. This was first witnessed when she was just 20 years old, once involved teaching Mick Jagger how to dance on stage and has since been immortalised in a Hollywood biopic, her own autobiography and a stage musical.

Tina Turner talks about overcoming adversity to take our airwaves and stages by storm.

Elton doesn't always discuss all his songs, often leaving descriptions about the most personal ones, like Tiny Dancer and Sacrifice, to his long term musical partner and lifelong friend Bernie Taupin.

Elton and Bernie have been composing together, in separate rooms and often at great speed, for more than 50 years, creating sales of more than 30 million albums and songs known the world over. You will hear many of those and some rare insights into their creation and meaning in this special collection of Elton's interviews at the BBC. The classics including Rocket Man, Candle in the Wind, Your Song, Bennie and the Jets and I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues, as well as a beautiful hidden gem from the Tumbleweed Connection album.

Elton is always great value in his chats with presenters including Ken Bruce, Johnnie Walker, Richard Skinner, Andy Peebles, Steve Wright, Bobbie Pryor, Zoe Ball, Greg James and Paul Gambaccini.

Highlights include the inside stories on the first time he heard Rocket Man on the radio, stumping Bob Geldof about the identity of the singer on Blue Eyes, the pinnacle of his career when Cary Grant met him backstage at Dodger Stadium and how he performed his recent Cold Heart duet with Dua Lipa live, for the first time, when he was a customer at a beach bar in the south of France.

In his BBC radio and TV appearances, Elton talks through his key compositions and hits.

Hear Brian May, Roger Daltrey, Def Leppard's Joe Elliott and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons all chat about their own appreciation of rock's ultimate four-piece. Plus, singer Ann Wilson from Heart explains how her band has its origins in Led Zep's back catalogue and how she managed to sing Led Zeppelin's most famous song for the band themselves.

In autumn 1968, Led Zeppelin signed to Atlantic Records. 50 years later, US rockers Rival Sons just signed to the same label. We hear from them to see what Zeppelin mean to the new generation. Plus, author Dave Lewis recounts his first Led Zeppelin experience and explains why he's followed the band around the world for over 40 years.

Rock royalty including Brian May and Roger Daltrey help Johnnie celebrate Led Zeppelin.

Her set includes Private Dancer, Proud Mary, What's Love Got to Do With It, We Don't Need Another Hero and Tearing Us Apart, featuring Eric Clapton.

A classic In Concert from Tina Turner at Wembley Arena in June 1987.

On 25 September 1980, John Henry 'Bonzo' Bonham died at the age of 32, after consuming four quadruple vodkas for breakfast and continuing to drink throughout the day. This was a man whose destiny was forged by his ferocious drumming style and an insatiable appetite for living life to the full.

Dave Grohl explores Bonham's extraordinary life, his legendary playing with Led Zeppelin, and his tragic and untimely death. Beginning in Redditch, we hear of Bonham's boyhood obsession with rhythm, beating his mother's pots and pans into submission, before moving into his early drumming education with bands across the West Midlands. From 1968 onwards, we piece together the moment Bonham's time as a session drummer ended with an invitation to join The New Yardbirds, led by Jimmy Page.

This is the electrifying story of a rock 'n' roll legend told with wit, pace and a genuine love for the subject by a fellow drummer and Zepplin fan. With touching tales of Bonham's focus on family and friends, as well as the infamous rock and roll excess, the programme also shows how Led Zeppelin changed the course of rock history. And it's all set to a rich soundtrack of music.

The John Bonham Story features new interview material from all three remaining Led Zeppelin members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, along with Carmine Appice, Paul Rodgers, Lulu and Bonham's sister Deborah and son Jason.

Rock superstar and lifelong Zeppelin fan Dave Grohl celebrates drummer John Bonham.