Songbook

Dave Stewart, formerly one half of pop duo Eurythmics, discusses the stories behind the band's most famous hits, and performs Here Comes the Rain Again and Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This). Presented by Will Hodgkinson.

Don McLean, writer and singer of hits including American Pie, Vincent and Crying, discusses his life and career, as well as playing selections from his back catalogue. He reveals how the deaths of his father and Buddy Holly helped to shape his future, and shares his fears for the future of music.

Songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller discuss the inspirations behind some of their most famous hits, including Stand by Me, Hound Dog and Jailhouse Rock. Interviewer Will Hodgkinson gains an insight into the ups and downs of the pair's professional relationship, and discovers why Leiber has a particular problem with Elvis Presley's version of Hound Dog. Singer Solomon Burke also performs a selection of songs from the duo's back catalogue.

Bob Harris talks to Diane Warren, the songwriter behind some of the best-known ballads in pop music history, including Aerosmith's I Don't Want to Miss a Thing, Toni Braxton's Un-Break My Heart, and LeAnn Rimes' How Do I Live. She discusses her career writing for artists including Celine Dion, Roy Orbison, Mariah Carey, Tina Turner and Barbra Streisand, reveals some of the key tools of her trade, and performs a selection of hits from her back catalogue.

Kasabian guitarist and songwriter Serge Pizzorno discusses the creative process behind the Leicester band's string of hit albums, and plays a selection of their best-known songs, including Underdog, LSF and Fire. He also reveals the influence Britpop had on him, and discusses why being raised in the Midlands means he can never take himself too seriously.

Bob Harris interviews singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, who discusses the unusual surroundings in which her debut album Eye to the Telescope was recorded, and reveals how her days as a busker helped shape her later career. She also performs a selection of her best-known songs, including Suddenly I See, Black Horse and the Cherry Tree, Other Side of the World and Hold On.