Thursday Sep 14, 2023

#074 The BBC and Music: from Percy Pitt to Johnny Beerling

The genesis of music on the BBC for episode 74...

On 30 April 1923, celebrated conductor Percy Pitt joins the BBC as Musical Advisor/Director/Controller (his job keeps changing), bringing new scope and scale to the nation's favourite music provider. Symphonies! Dance bands! A violinist who's refused a taxi cos the driver doesn't like what he's heard!

In 1955, Johnny Beerling joins the BBC in a world of Housewive's Choice and needle time. In 1967, Johnny journeys to the pirate ships then helps bring Tony Blackburn to the airwaves for the launch of Radio 1. Johnny tells us all about it in part 1 of an exclusive interview.

And in 1969, Alec Reid is a studio manager when a talented young band have a brush with the Beeb - the genesis of Genesis. Oh, and a little thing called the Moon landing.

Plus, what was the first song on the BBC, back in November 1922? We have answers. Several.

Happy listening!

SHOWNOTES:

We're nothing to do with the BBC. We're talking about the old BBCompany, and not made by the present-day BBCorporation.
Hear the full unedited 53min Johnny Beerling interview on patreon.com/paulkerensa (uploading very shortly - if it's not there, check back!). It's £5/mth for extra audio, video + writings - cancel whenever you like (I'll never know!).
Johnny Beerling's book is Radio 1: The Inside Scene.
Alec Reid's ghostly tales can be found here in audiobook form.
Paul's book Auntie and Uncles is out at some point: Paulkerensa.com/book
Music is by Will Farmer
Rate/review us where you found this podcast?
Paul's tour on old radio: Paulkerensa.com/tour
Share this episode by all means. Online, offline, anywhere! Thanks.

NEXT EPISODE:

Nearing the end of 'season 5' (though season 6 will follow straight after) will be a special on the centenary of the Radio Times.

#074 The BBC and Music: from Percy Pitt to Johnny Beerling

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