Episodes
| Series | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Barry Manilow | 20200125 | 20211128 (R2) | Gary Barlow talks to the international superstar Barry Manilow about his life and career. Reluctant to take centre stage and preferring the life of accompanist and arranger, Manilow graduated to singing his own songs after writing advertising jingles and working in American television on an early forerunner of an X Factor style talent show. He talks about how he was reluctant to record a song called 'Brandy', but how as' Mandy' it gave him his breakthrough hit; how songs like 'Copacobana' came to be written; and how important the musical arrangements of his songs still are to him after a career that has included some 75 million record sales, countless performances, television shows, albums and musicals from Brooklyn to Broadway. Gary Barlow talks to singer songwriter Barry Manilow about his life and work. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 01 | Jeff Lynne | 20200118 | 20211128 (R2) | In episode three of Gary Barlow's We Write the Songs' Gary talks to Jeff Lynne. Not only a songwriter, but also producer, sound engineer, instrumentalist and singer. The two discuss the inspiration behind the Electric Light Orchestra, how Lynne works in the studio to achieve his tracks, how the musical ideas are born and how he writes his lyrics. They talk about the importance of chord sequences to his work and how one of Jeff Lynne's most famous songs Mr Blue Sky' came to be. They also discuss Lynne's collaborations and producing successes with The Travelling Wilburys, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty. Gary Barlow talks to Jeff Lynne, singer songwriter, engineer and producer behind The ELO. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 01 | Jeff Lynne | 20200118 | 20211128 (R2) | In episode three of Gary Barlow's ‘We Write the Songs' Gary talks to Jeff Lynne. Not only a songwriter, but also producer, sound engineer, instrumentalist and singer. The two discuss the inspiration behind the Electric Light Orchestra, how Lynne works in the studio to achieve his tracks, how the musical ideas are born and how he writes his lyrics. They talk about the importance of chord sequences to his work and how one of Jeff Lynne's most famous songs ‘Mr Blue Sky' came to be. They also discuss Lynne's collaborations and producing successes with ‘The Travelling Wilburys, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty. Gary Barlow talks to Jeff Lynne, singer songwriter, engineer and producer behind The ELO. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 01 | Max Martin | 20181219 | 20200104 (R2) 20211121 (R2) | Gary Barlow gets personal with one of the most successful song writers of all time. Max Martin has made hits for Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys, Westlife, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Celine Dion and more. He's won ASCAP's Best Songwriter of the Year eleven times and sold more than 140 million records. He's also written the West End music '& Juliet' based on his own songs. Successful as he is, Max Martin keeps an incredibly low profile. In this rare interview, he explains how he works, what it takes to make a hit and how he collaborates with the world's biggest stars. Gary Barlow chats to the song writing powerhouse from Sweden, Max Martin. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 01 | Sir Paul Mccartney | 20200111 | 20211127 (R2) | The legendary Sir Paul McCartney talks to Gary Barlow about the art of songwriting and what it was really like to work with everyone from John Lennon to George Martin to Kanye West. He reveals how he and John Lennon only began writing songs because other bands were performing the same covers as them at The Cavern Club. He shares the powerful influence Sir George Martin had on their songs and how he and John Lennon rarely wrote any musical notation down. That meant they would often arrive in the studio, not remembering their own melodies and having to recall them just from the chords and lyrics. Sir Paul also describes how the brilliance of George Harrison and Ringo Starr in the studio added to the magic of some of the best songs ever made. Gary Barlow examines the songwriting genius of Sir Paul McCartney. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 02 | Barry Gibb | 20201227 | 20210221 (R2) 20210829 (R2) | Gary Barlow extends his personal conversations with some of the world's most exciting songwriters as he delves beyond the melodies and lyrics to discover the stories behind the songs. Talking to the songwriting genius Barry Gibb from his home in Miami, Barry reveals what it was like to work with Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross. He also reveals how he faced the music after his brothers passed away. Barry and Gary agreed there was nothing normal about being in a pop group' and Barry shared how he's stayed sane in a music career that has lasted over six decades. He also spoke about his new album Greenfields' which he recorded in the RCA studios in Nashville with Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, Olivia Newton-John and more. As part of the Bee Gees Barry sold over 220 million records and his songs topped the charts decade after decade - sounding fresh and legendary at the same time. Tragedy, Words and Islands In The Stream all came from the musical mind of this songwriting master. Gary Barlow enjoys a songwriting masterclass with the legendary Barry Gibb The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 02 | Barry Gibb | 20201227 | 20210221 (R2) 20210829 (R2) | Gary Barlow extends his personal conversations with some of the world's most exciting songwriters as he delves beyond the melodies and lyrics to discover the stories behind the songs. Talking to the songwriting genius Barry Gibb from his home in Miami, Barry reveals what it was like to work with Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross. He also reveals how he faced the music after his brothers passed away. Barry and Gary agreed there was ‘nothing normal about being in a pop group' and Barry shared how he's stayed sane in a music career that has lasted over six decades. He also spoke about his new album ‘Greenfields' which he recorded in the RCA studios in Nashville with Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, Olivia Newton-John and more. As part of the Bee Gees Barry sold over 220 million records and his songs topped the charts decade after decade - sounding fresh and legendary at the same time. Tragedy, Words and Islands In The Stream all came from the musical mind of this songwriting master. Gary Barlow enjoys a songwriting masterclass with the legendary Barry Gibb The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 02 | John Legend | 20210102 | 20210124 (R2) | Gary Barlow chats to superstar John Legend about his extensive collection of awards including what it's like to be one of fifteen people with an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony award). John is not only a singer and songwriter, he is also a record producer, actor, film producer, theatre director, and philanthropist. Gary explores John's early influences whilst growing up in a musical family in Springfield Ohio and the crucial collaborations which paved the way to stardom. John shares the story of how he met Kanye West, who played a pivotal part in his career as well as opening up about his recent family tragedy and the impact it's had on his relationship with his wife, Chrissy Teigen Gary bonds with John Legend as they explore the art of creating the perfect song The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 02 | Paloma Faith | 20210130 | Gary Barlow talks to illustrious artist Paloma Faith about her award winning career including her five platinum selling albums; the latest 'Infinite Things' a lockdown creation. Paloma shares her creative process and how she came to the music industry, her insatiable drive and what it was like working with Prince, Pharrell Williams and Diane Warren. Paloma and Gary also talk honesty about how to craft great songs under heavy pressure Gary and Paloma Faith get deep as they discuss the art of creating the perfect song. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters | |
| 02 | Sam Smith | 20210109 | 20210207 (R2) | Sam Smith and Gary Barlow sit down to uncover the stories behind the songs. Since exploding onto the music scene in 2012, Sam has won four Grammy Awards and an Oscar whilst consistently topping the charts with their legendary lyrics and vocals. Sam shares their soul so honestly with Gary - revealing how they wrote anthems like 'Stay With Me' and the Bond theme 'Writing's on the Wall', and what happened at their house party to celebrate 4 Grammy wins. Find out whether success swallows creativity and some songwriting secrets from the artist who's written for Celine Dion and Mary J Blige. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 02 | Sheryl Crow | 20210228 | Gary Barlow and Sheryl Crow share the stories behind the songs - and there are alot of them! Sheryl has sold over 50 million records and won 9 Grammys. Follow her journey from singing backing vocals on Michael Jackson's Bad Tour to composing a Bond theme. She explains how her songwriting changed as life evolved from battling Breast Cancer and Depression to becoming a single parent. Discover how she finally learnt not to go to an instrument to solve all her problems. Plus enjoy Bob Dylan's unique advice for conquering writer's block. A fascinating insight into the exceptionally talented songwriter behind the anthems All I Want To Do, Tomorrow Never Dies and Everyday Is A Winding Road Gary Barlow sits down with nine time Grammy Award-winning artist, Sheryl Crow The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters | |
| 03 | Brian May | 20220415 | 20220417 (R2) | Gary Barlow and Brian May enjoy a soulful heart to heart about the songs that shaped Brian's career - both in the legendary band Queen and as a solo artist. Find out how his father helped him make a guitar and how Queen stole the show at the Live Aid concert in 1985. Brian speaks emotionally about losing his friend and lead singer Freddie Mercury and how they managed to craft the song 'The Show Must Go On' during Freddie's final days. Discover how Brian turned to music to cope with grief and how he risked it all to make a go of a career in the industry. A revealing, classy chat from one of the finest songwriters of our time. Gary Barlow speaks to songwriting legend Brian May about the stories behind the songs. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 03 | Cathy Dennis | 20220410 | Gary Barlow speaks to Cathy Dennis, who has written megahits for Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry, Britney Spears and many more. She talks about her days as a solo artist in the 90s and what it was like to go from the front of the stage to behind the scenes dominating pop songwriting. Her flavour of writing has won millions of fans worldwide - but how does she come up with these anthems time after time? Find out how she journeyed from her home in Norwich to winning 6 Ivor Novello awards - the highest ever achieved by a female songwriter. Uncover the magic behind the stories behind the songs. Gary Barlow chats to songwriting supremo Cathy Dennis The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters | |
| 03 | Cathy Dennis | 20220410 | Gary Barlow speaks to Cathy Dennis, who has written megahits for Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry, Britney Spears and many more. She talks about her days as a solo artist in the 90s and what it was like to go from the front of the stage to behind the scenes dominating pop songwriting. Her flavour of writing has won millions of fans worldwide – but how does she come up with these anthems time after time? Find out how she journeyed from her home in Norwich to winning 6 Ivor Novello awards – the highest ever achieved by a female songwriter. Uncover the magic behind the stories behind the songs. Gary Barlow chats to songwriting supremo Cathy Dennis The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters | |
| 03 | Christine Mcvie | 20220325 | 20220327 (R2) 20221210 (R2) | Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie goes down a winding memory lane with Gary Barlow as she reveals the magic behind some of the best songs ever written. Discover how her journey took her from Birmingham to Los Angeles and how the revolutions of the band affected her marriage to John McVie and her sense of self. She co-created one of the most epic albums of all time 'Rumours' - but discover if there was a price to pay for all that musical genius. Christine grew up on the piano, playing jazz at an early age which lay the foundations for her songwriting in the future. She created classics like Don't Stop', Songbird' and Little Lies' - enjoy a songwriting masterclass from one of the most majestic women in the music business. Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie talks about creating some of the best songs of our time. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters Discover how her journey took her from Birmingham to Los Angeles and how the revolutions of the band affected her marriage to John McVie and her sense of self. She co-created one of the most epic albums of all time 'Rumours' - but discover if there was a price to pay for all that musical genius. Christine grew up on the piano, playing jazz at an early age which lay the foundations for her songwriting in the future. She created classics like ‘Don't Stop', ‘Songbird' and ‘Little Lies' - enjoy a songwriting masterclass from one of the most majestic women in the music business. |
| 03 | Emeli Sande | 20220304 | 20220306 (R2) | Gary Barlow and Emeli Sande untap the magic behind her songwriting. The lady who bought you megahits like Read All About It' and Next To Me' reveals how she discovered music at school in Aberdeenshire and had to power through her shyness to go to London to make it. Find out how pivotal producer Naughty Boy was in her journey and how Trevor Nelson also had a part to play. Gary and Emeli really connect on the courage it takes to jump from songwriter only to artist singing their own songs. She reveals where her sound on her new music has come from and how gazing upon mountains as you write can give you that flash of inspiration. Emeli Sande and Gary Barlow explore the magic behind her songs. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 03 | Emeli Sande | 20220304 | 20220306 (R2) | Gary Barlow and Emeli Sande untap the magic behind her songwriting. The lady who bought you megahits like ‘Read All About It' and ‘Next To Me' reveals how she discovered music at school in Aberdeenshire and had to power through her shyness to go to London to make it. Find out how pivotal producer Naughty Boy was in her journey and how Trevor Nelson also had a part to play. Gary and Emeli really connect on the courage it takes to jump from songwriter only to artist singing their own songs. She reveals where her sound on her new music has come from and how gazing upon mountains as you write can give you that flash of inspiration. Emeli Sande and Gary Barlow explore the magic behind her songs. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 03 | Kenny 'babyface' Edmonds | 20220311 | 20220313 (R2) | Gary Barlow gets personal with legendary songwriter Kenny Babyface' Edmonds. He was the man behind the R&B sound of the 90s - writing for everyone from TLC to Whitney Houston. Whilst winning 12 Grammy Awards he brought you anthems like Toni Braxton's You're Making Me High' and Boyz II Men's End Of The Road'. Find out what it was like recording with Whitney Houston in the studio and why he wrote the vamp to I'm Your Baby Tonight' so quickly. Kenny also reveals how growing up in Indianapolis shaped his sound and how he handled being a recording artist in his own right. Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds who wrote for Whitney Houston and TLC gets deep with Gary Barlow. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 03 | Kenny 'babyface' Edmonds | 20220311 | 20220313 (R2) | Gary Barlow gets personal with legendary songwriter Kenny ‘Babyface' Edmonds. He was the man behind the R&B sound of the 90s - writing for everyone from TLC to Whitney Houston. Whilst winning 12 Grammy Awards he brought you anthems like Toni Braxton's ‘You're Making Me High' and Boyz II Men's ‘End Of The Road'. Find out what it was like recording with Whitney Houston in the studio and why he wrote the vamp to ‘I'm Your Baby Tonight' so quickly. Kenny also reveals how growing up in Indianapolis shaped his sound and how he handled being a recording artist in his own right. Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds who wrote for Whitney Houston and TLC gets deep with Gary Barlow. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 03 | Neil Hannon | 20220401 | 20220403 (R2) | Gary Barlow chats to one of his favourite songwriters, The Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon. Neil has written epic anthems like 'Something For The Weekend' and 'National Express'. Over 30 years his lyrical ability to infuse his songs with humour have made him a unique talent. He talks about how growing up in the 1970s in Northern Ireland shaped his sense of self and how the success of his band in the 1990s fuelled his drive. He also reveals how he made cult TV theme tunes like Father Ted and how he is now making music for Hollywood. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 03 | Simon Le Bon | 20220318 | 20220320 (R2) | Gary Barlow has a real laugh with Simon Le Bon as they reminisce over some of his biggest songs. As part of Duran Duran, Simon has sold over 100 million records and written anthems like 'Rio', 'Girls on Film' and 'Ordinary World'. Find out what it was really like recording the Band Aid Single Do They Know It's Christmas?' and the drama that unfolded when they wrote the Bond theme View To A Kill'. All the magic when you uncover the stories behind the songs. Simon Le Bon shares some hilarious musical memories with Gary Barlow. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 03 | Simon Le Bon | 20220318 | 20220320 (R2) | Gary Barlow has a real laugh with Simon Le Bon as they reminisce over some of his biggest songs. As part of Duran Duran, Simon has sold over 100 million records and written anthems like 'Rio', 'Girls on Film' and 'Ordinary World'. Find out what it was really like recording the Band Aid Single ‘Do They Know It's Christmas?' and the drama that unfolded when they wrote the Bond theme ‘View To A Kill'. All the magic when you uncover the stories behind the songs. Simon Le Bon shares some hilarious musical memories with Gary Barlow. The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 03 | Sting | 20220225 | 20220227 (R2) | Sting shares his songwriting soul with Gary Barlow as they relive the stories behind the songs. He talks openly about his childhood and how music seeped into the walls of his home. Find out how Roxanne' became a self funded hit that launched him globally and how he only wants to write songs if he has something worth saying. He reveals he felt he'd initially abandoned his Tyneside community and worked through that by writing his musical The Last Ship'. Discover how his approach to songwriting has changed over the years and how he now values the sound of silence. Sting is one of the most successful British songwriters in music history. In his group The Police and then as a solo artist he's won 17 Grammys and sold more than 100 million albums. From Fields Of Gold' to an Englishman In New York' he has provided the soundtrack to many of our lives. And the melodies keep coming with the release of his 15th album The Bridge'. Sting shares his songwriting soul as he reveals the stories behind the songs The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |
| 03 | Sting | 20220225 | 20220227 (R2) | Sting shares his songwriting soul with Gary Barlow as they relive the stories behind the songs. He talks openly about his childhood and how music seeped into the walls of his home. Find out how ‘Roxanne' became a self funded hit that launched him globally and how he only wants to write songs if he has something worth saying. He reveals he felt he'd initially abandoned his Tyneside community and worked through that by writing his musical ‘The Last Ship'. Discover how his approach to songwriting has changed over the years and how he now values the sound of silence. Sting is one of the most successful British songwriters in music history. In his group The Police and then as a solo artist he's won 17 Grammys and sold more than 100 million albums. From ‘Fields Of Gold' to an ‘Englishman In New York' he has provided the soundtrack to many of our lives. And the melodies keep coming with the release of his 15th album ‘The Bridge'. Sting shares his songwriting soul as he reveals the stories behind the songs The stories behind the songs from the world's best loved songwriters |