Radio 2 Celebrates The BBC At 100

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

Janice Long: A Life In Music

20220123

20221022 (R2)

Zoe Ball pays tribute to Janice with her family, friends, colleagues from BBC Radio1, Radio 2, Radio Merseyside, GLR, Radio Wales and big names from the music world she supported. Sir Paul McCartney describes the twinkle in her eye and Noddy and Suzan Holder describe the help and support she gave to students at LIPA.

Janice Long started her trail blazing radio career in 1979 as an assistant and then the much respected presenter of Streetlife' on Radio Merseyside with a budget of £10. The actor David Morrissey remembers visiting her on air when he was a new member of the Liverpool Everyman theatre and Holly Johnson describes the start of a lifelong friendship when she became the first person in the world to interview Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Jane Garvey remembers going up to her room and shutting herself away from her family for special times listening to Janice on Streetlife. It gave Jane hope that it wasn't impossible for young woman to get into radio. She also talks about Janice taking things seriously, but wearing her expertise lightly and gaining respect from musicians.

Janice was then recruited to Radio 1 from 1982-1987, after Paul Gambaccini recommended her as the best interviewer he had encountered on a nationwide book tour. Janice continued to rewrite the record books when she was the first woman to be given a national daily show and fellow Radio 1 pioneer Annie Nightingale remembers Janice making her mark as the first female presenter of 'Top Of The Pops', in an often hilarious partnership with her friend John Peel.

Andy McCluskey of OMD talks about Janice, live on 'Top Of The Pops', shouting across the studio 'tuck in your shirt, McCluskey', and always hunting for new music in the Liverpool venues and clubs when they were both starting out on their careers. Adam Clayton of U2 thanks Janice for her support and for introducing one of their first performances of 'Top Of The Pops'.

Steve Wright remembers Janice often just popping in to his afternoon show and making him laugh. He regards Janice as the kindest, most relatable and natural person. Tina Campbell read the news for Janice when she co-presented the GLR Breakfast show and worked with her at Radio 1 and 2.

We will hear about Janice wrapping her arm literally and metaphorically around new radio recruits and inviting hard up musicians to stay in her spare room after a gig. Sara Cox remembers Janice welcoming her into the Radio 2 studios when she first covered for Alex Lester. Chris Hawkins treasures her 20 minute programme handovers.

Sean Dixon of The Soup Dragons says her name appearing on his phone screen, through thick and thin, meant he was in for a wonderful chat. Pete Wylie talks about a heart as big as Liverpool and the fact that Janice was ultra-professional - not, by her own admission, slick, but always in the moment - listening eagerly to the latest releases and the classics and most importantly every answer in a well-researched interview. She was the soundtrack to his life.

Nell Bryden recorded her first session with Janice, who she tells us was the David Bowie of DJs, only funnier and that she marched to the beat of her own drum and became an `instant hang` both on and off air for her.

Writer and broadcaster Pete Paphides remembers Janice being like a big sister sharing her record collection in the room and a vital aid to procrastination when he was supposed to be doing his homework. He loved the fact that musical correctness had no place in her shows - she didn't care if an artist or act was cool or uncool - it was just something she liked and wanted to share.

Carol Kirkwood says the nightly Radio 2 weather forecasts were the highlight of the week and jokes that she laughed so much she thought she might lose her job.

Elvis Costello talks about Janice, more recently, coping with technical difficulties and still conducting a masterclass in interviewing on BBC Radio Wales.

Brian Nash, formerly of Frankie Goes To Hollywood, is now a Funeral Celebrant in Liverpool and conducted Janice's funeral and wake. He talks of Janice as being a legend who is known to all the musicians and songwriters in Liverpool by just one name - Janice - there are lots of people who share the name, but these artists only meant one person when they talked of Janice.

We will also highlight Janice's sense of mischief and irreverence and her support for so many musicians, giving the first airtime and sessions to many who are now huge stars, such as Adele, The Smiths, Primal Scream, Amy Winehouse and the Manic Street Preachers. Her enthusiasm for brand new artists was unparalleled.

Other contributors will include Fi Glover, Richard Hawley, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds, Sandie Shaw, Jack Savoretti, Peter Hook formerly of New Order, Jo Whiley, Greg James, Chris Difford of Squeeze, Gary Numan, Maggie Philbin, Bob Harris and Adam Walton of BBC Radio Wales.

Zoe Ball pays tribute to Janice with her friends, family and the artists she supported.

Programmes and documentaries celebrating BBC personalities and stars through the years.

Pete Murray In His Own Words

20221023

20250921 (R2)

Originally broadcast in 2022 as part of 100 Years of the BBC, another chance to hear a celebration of the astonishing, ground-breaking career of broadcaster and actor Pete Murray - in his own words.

Pete had just turned 97, and his career spanned over 70 of those years. Fellow DJ Steve Wright will be your host for the next hour as Pete relives some of the many highlights, including presenting 'Six-Five Special', the BBC's first ever rock-and-roll programme launched in February 1957 when both television and rock and roll were in their infancy in Britain. He became a regular panellist on 'Juke Box Jury' alongside his great friend and colleague David Jacobs. He was among the first regular presenters of 'Top Of The Pops' when it began in 1964! And uniquely positioned, Pete shares his thoughts on today's 'Eurovision' and 'Strictly Come Dancing', as he was the host of both of the popular programmes.

Pete's first love was acting, and he went to RADA before he was invited to join Radio Luxembourg, where he honed his skills as a DJ, becoming one of the original stars of Radio 1 and leading the way for most of his contemporaries. He shares many happy memories of Terry Wogan, Kenny Everett, Kid Jensen, Bob Harris and pranking with Tony Blackburn. One of his favourite jobs was hosting 'Open House' on Radio 2 for over 10 years, where he interviewed huge stars such as Marlene Dietrich, James Stewart and Marvin Hamlisch. One of those guests was his junior at 96, David Attenborough, although he knew his brother Richard better through his time at RADA. And he shares many other highlights of his varied broadcasting career.

Through guests, music and archives, we share with Pete in his own words his joyous, remarkable career and life. He did it all.

We celebrate the astonishing career of Broadcaster and Actor Pete Murray in his own words.

Programmes and documentaries celebrating BBC personalities and stars through the years.

We celebrate the astonishing, ground-breaking career of broadcaster and actor Pete Murray - in his own words. Hosted by fellow DJ Steve Wright.

[LISTEN NOW]

Pete Murray In His Own Words

20221023

20221022 (R2)

As part of 100 Years of the BBC, we celebrate the astonishing, ground-breaking career of Broadcaster and Actor Pete Murray - in his own words.

Pete has just turned 97 and his career spanned over 70 of those years. Fellow DJ Steve Wright will be your host for the next hour as Pete relives some of the many highlights including presenting 'Six-Five Special' the BBC's first ever rock-and-roll programme launched in February 1957 when both television and rock and roll were in their infancy in Britain. He became a regular panellist on 'Juke Box Jury' alongside his great friend and colleague David Jacobs. He was among the first regular presenters of 'Top Of The Pops' when it began in 1964! And uniquely positioned, Pete shares his thoughts on today's 'Eurovision' and 'Strictly Come Dancing' as he was the host of both of the popular programmes.

Pete's first love was acting and he went to RADA, before he was invited to join Radio Luxembourg where he honed his skills as a DJ, becoming one of the original stars of Radio 1, leading the way for most of his contemporaries and he shares many happy memories of Terry Wogan, Kenny Everett, Kid Jensen, Bob Harris and pranking with Tony Blackburn. One of his favourite jobs was hosting 'Open House' on Radio 2 for over 10 years, where he interviewed huge stars such as Marlene Dietrich, James Stewart and Marvin Hamlisch. One of those guests was his junior at 96, David Attenborough, although he knew his brother Richard better through his time at RADA. Plus he shares many other highlights of his varied broadcasting career.

Through guests, music and archives we share with Pete in his own words his joyous, remarkable career and life. He did it all.

We celebrate the astonishing career of Broadcaster and Actor Pete Murray in his own words.

Programmes and documentaries celebrating BBC personalities and stars through the years.

Wogan: In His Own Words

20220403

20221008 (R2)

In April 1972, Terry Wogan broadcast his first ever breakfast show on the BBC. 50 years later, Radio 2 celebrates the anniversary of what became the UK's most listened to radio show from one of the best-loved broadcasters.

This special programme centres on a rare, intimate and previously unheard interview with Terry, recorded at the height of his fame in the 1980s. This recording has sat untouched in a dusty BBC vault for decades, and has never been broadcast until earlier this year. Terry talks at length about his family, his life choices and his work ethic. He also reflects on his television success from 'Come Dancing' to 'Blankety Blank' and some awkward beauty contests in between. Terry also shares his views on the fragility of fame and the anxiety that brings, being in the spotlight.

We bring Terry's words up-to-date through interviews with Terry's colleagues and friends, hearing their immediate reactions as they listen to this recording all these years later. We will also hear their memories of life with, and the wise advice and honest comment they received from, Terry.

Hosted by Zoe Ball, this special show is an intimate two hours about the wordsmith who entertained millions with his trademark, intelligence, wit and warmth. Described as the master of the national airwaves - this is his story and take on his life and career, heard in his own words.

Contributors include Dame Joanna Lumley, Dallas star Patrick Duffy, Gaby Roslin, Claudia Winkleman, Fearne Cotton, Scott Mills, Ken Bruce, Dermot O'Leary, Chris Moyles, Greg James and Michael Ball.

This extended version, includes more from Terry's in-depth conversation, longer clips from the Brighton outside broadcast and extra contributions from former BBC Director General Greg Dyke, 'Blankety Blank' guest Lorraine Chase and excerpts from his successor Chris Evans, paying tribute, at the Westminster Abbey Service Of Thanksgiving for the life and work of Sir Terry Wogan in September 2016.

50 years on from his first Breakfast Show, an in-depth intimate interview from the master.

Programmes and documentaries celebrating BBC personalities and stars through the years.

Episodes

Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
Janice Long: A Life In Music	20220123	20221022 (R2)	Zoe Ball pays tribute to Janice with her family, friends, colleagues from BBC Radio1, Radio 2, Radio Merseyside, GLR, Radio Wales and big names from the music world she supported. Sir Paul McCartney describes the twinkle in her eye and Noddy and Suzan Holder describe the help and support she gave to students at LIPA. Janice Long started her trail blazing radio career in 1979 as an assistant and then the much respected presenter of Streetlife' on Radio Merseyside with a budget of £10. The actor David Morrissey remembers visiting her on air when he was a new member of the Liverpool Everyman theatre and Holly Johnson describes the start of a lifelong friendship when she became the first person in the world to interview Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Jane Garvey remembers going up to her room and shutting herself away from her family for special times listening to Janice on Streetlife. It gave Jane hope that it wasn't impossible for young woman to get into radio. She also talks about Janice taking things seriously, but wearing her expertise lightly and gaining respect from musicians. Janice was then recruited to Radio 1 from 1982-1987, after Paul Gambaccini recommended her as the best interviewer he had encountered on a nationwide book tour. Janice continued to rewrite the record books when she was the first woman to be given a national daily show and fellow Radio 1 pioneer Annie Nightingale remembers Janice making her mark as the first female presenter of 'Top Of The Pops', in an often hilarious partnership with her friend John Peel. Andy McCluskey of OMD talks about Janice, live on 'Top Of The Pops', shouting across the studio 'tuck in your shirt, McCluskey', and always hunting for new music in the Liverpool venues and clubs when they were both starting out on their careers. Adam Clayton of U2 thanks Janice for her support and for introducing one of their first performances of 'Top Of The Pops'. Steve Wright remembers Janice often just popping in to his afternoon show and making him laugh. He regards Janice as the kindest, most relatable and natural person. Tina Campbell read the news for Janice when she co-presented the GLR Breakfast show and worked with her at Radio 1 and 2. We will hear about Janice wrapping her arm literally and metaphorically around new radio recruits and inviting hard up musicians to stay in her spare room after a gig. Sara Cox remembers Janice welcoming her into the Radio 2 studios when she first covered for Alex Lester. Chris Hawkins treasures her 20 minute programme handovers. Sean Dixon of The Soup Dragons says her name appearing on his phone screen, through thick and thin, meant he was in for a wonderful chat. Pete Wylie talks about a heart as big as Liverpool and the fact that Janice was ultra-professional - not, by her own admission, slick, but always in the moment - listening eagerly to the latest releases and the classics and most importantly every answer in a well-researched interview. She was the soundtrack to his life. Nell Bryden recorded her first session with Janice, who she tells us was the David Bowie of DJs, only funnier and that she marched to the beat of her own drum and became an `instant hang` both on and off air for her. Writer and broadcaster Pete Paphides remembers Janice being like a big sister sharing her record collection in the room and a vital aid to procrastination when he was supposed to be doing his homework. He loved the fact that musical correctness had no place in her shows - she didn't care if an artist or act was cool or uncool - it was just something she liked and wanted to share. Carol Kirkwood says the nightly Radio 2 weather forecasts were the highlight of the week and jokes that she laughed so much she thought she might lose her job. Elvis Costello talks about Janice, more recently, coping with technical difficulties and still conducting a masterclass in interviewing on BBC Radio Wales. Brian Nash, formerly of Frankie Goes To Hollywood, is now a Funeral Celebrant in Liverpool and conducted Janice's funeral and wake. He talks of Janice as being a legend who is known to all the musicians and songwriters in Liverpool by just one name - Janice - there are lots of people who share the name, but these artists only meant one person when they talked of Janice. We will also highlight Janice's sense of mischief and irreverence and her support for so many musicians, giving the first airtime and sessions to many who are now huge stars, such as Adele, The Smiths, Primal Scream, Amy Winehouse and the Manic Street Preachers. Her enthusiasm for brand new artists was unparalleled. Other contributors will include Fi Glover, Richard Hawley, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds, Sandie Shaw, Jack Savoretti, Peter Hook formerly of New Order, Jo Whiley, Greg James, Chris Difford of Squeeze, Gary Numan, Maggie Philbin, Bob Harris and Adam Walton of BBC Radio Wales. Zoe Ball pays tribute to Janice with her friends, family and the artists she supported. Programmes and documentaries celebrating BBC personalities and stars through the years.
Pete Murray In His Own Words	20221023	20250921 (R2)	Originally broadcast in 2022 as part of 100 Years of the BBC, another chance to hear a celebration of the astonishing, ground-breaking career of broadcaster and actor Pete Murray - in his own words. Pete had just turned 97, and his career spanned over 70 of those years. Fellow DJ Steve Wright will be your host for the next hour as Pete relives some of the many highlights, including presenting 'Six-Five Special', the BBC's first ever rock-and-roll programme launched in February 1957 when both television and rock and roll were in their infancy in Britain. He became a regular panellist on 'Juke Box Jury' alongside his great friend and colleague David Jacobs. He was among the first regular presenters of 'Top Of The Pops' when it began in 1964! And uniquely positioned, Pete shares his thoughts on today's 'Eurovision' and 'Strictly Come Dancing', as he was the host of both of the popular programmes. Pete's first love was acting, and he went to RADA before he was invited to join Radio Luxembourg, where he honed his skills as a DJ, becoming one of the original stars of Radio 1 and leading the way for most of his contemporaries. He shares many happy memories of Terry Wogan, Kenny Everett, Kid Jensen, Bob Harris and pranking with Tony Blackburn. One of his favourite jobs was hosting 'Open House' on Radio 2 for over 10 years, where he interviewed huge stars such as Marlene Dietrich, James Stewart and Marvin Hamlisch. One of those guests was his junior at 96, David Attenborough, although he knew his brother Richard better through his time at RADA. And he shares many other highlights of his varied broadcasting career. Through guests, music and archives, we share with Pete in his own words his joyous, remarkable career and life. He did it all. We celebrate the astonishing career of Broadcaster and Actor Pete Murray in his own words. Programmes and documentaries celebrating BBC personalities and stars through the years. We celebrate the astonishing, ground-breaking career of broadcaster and actor Pete Murray - in his own words. Hosted by fellow DJ Steve Wright. [LISTEN NOW]
Pete Murray In His Own Words	20221023	20221022 (R2)	As part of 100 Years of the BBC, we celebrate the astonishing, ground-breaking career of Broadcaster and Actor Pete Murray - in his own words. Pete has just turned 97 and his career spanned over 70 of those years. Fellow DJ Steve Wright will be your host for the next hour as Pete relives some of the many highlights including presenting 'Six-Five Special' the BBC's first ever rock-and-roll programme launched in February 1957 when both television and rock and roll were in their infancy in Britain. He became a regular panellist on 'Juke Box Jury' alongside his great friend and colleague David Jacobs. He was among the first regular presenters of 'Top Of The Pops' when it began in 1964! And uniquely positioned, Pete shares his thoughts on today's 'Eurovision' and 'Strictly Come Dancing' as he was the host of both of the popular programmes. Pete's first love was acting and he went to RADA, before he was invited to join Radio Luxembourg where he honed his skills as a DJ, becoming one of the original stars of Radio 1, leading the way for most of his contemporaries and he shares many happy memories of Terry Wogan, Kenny Everett, Kid Jensen, Bob Harris and pranking with Tony Blackburn. One of his favourite jobs was hosting 'Open House' on Radio 2 for over 10 years, where he interviewed huge stars such as Marlene Dietrich, James Stewart and Marvin Hamlisch. One of those guests was his junior at 96, David Attenborough, although he knew his brother Richard better through his time at RADA. Plus he shares many other highlights of his varied broadcasting career. Through guests, music and archives we share with Pete in his own words his joyous, remarkable career and life. He did it all. We celebrate the astonishing career of Broadcaster and Actor Pete Murray in his own words. Programmes and documentaries celebrating BBC personalities and stars through the years.
Wogan: In His Own Words	20220403	20221008 (R2)	In April 1972, Terry Wogan broadcast his first ever breakfast show on the BBC. 50 years later, Radio 2 celebrates the anniversary of what became the UK's most listened to radio show from one of the best-loved broadcasters. This special programme centres on a rare, intimate and previously unheard interview with Terry, recorded at the height of his fame in the 1980s. This recording has sat untouched in a dusty BBC vault for decades, and has never been broadcast until earlier this year. Terry talks at length about his family, his life choices and his work ethic. He also reflects on his television success from 'Come Dancing' to 'Blankety Blank' and some awkward beauty contests in between. Terry also shares his views on the fragility of fame and the anxiety that brings, being in the spotlight. We bring Terry's words up-to-date through interviews with Terry's colleagues and friends, hearing their immediate reactions as they listen to this recording all these years later. We will also hear their memories of life with, and the wise advice and honest comment they received from, Terry. Hosted by Zoe Ball, this special show is an intimate two hours about the wordsmith who entertained millions with his trademark, intelligence, wit and warmth. Described as the master of the national airwaves - this is his story and take on his life and career, heard in his own words. Contributors include Dame Joanna Lumley, Dallas star Patrick Duffy, Gaby Roslin, Claudia Winkleman, Fearne Cotton, Scott Mills, Ken Bruce, Dermot O'Leary, Chris Moyles, Greg James and Michael Ball. This extended version, includes more from Terry's in-depth conversation, longer clips from the Brighton outside broadcast and extra contributions from former BBC Director General Greg Dyke, 'Blankety Blank' guest Lorraine Chase and excerpts from his successor Chris Evans, paying tribute, at the Westminster Abbey Service Of Thanksgiving for the life and work of Sir Terry Wogan in September 2016. 50 years on from his first Breakfast Show, an in-depth intimate interview from the master. Programmes and documentaries celebrating BBC personalities and stars through the years.