BBC Music

Alistair Heather presents an incredible line-up of music and spoken word performances alongside the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Joining them are Deacon Blue’s Ricky Ross, Call the Midwife’s Laura Main, Nina Nesbitt, Nathan Evans, Dead Pony’s Anna Shields, Calum Bowie, Becky Sikasa and Jacob Alon. With live recitals from Elaine C Smith and a commanding Immortal Memory delivered by Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson from Scot Squad.

Aretha Franklin’s Don’t Play That Song is a message that’s thankfully ignored in this collection of tracks with tears, with some of music’s biggest stars pouring their hearts out in a selection of classic performances from the BBC's archives. Alongside the Queen of Soul are a diverse range of artists, including Dolly Parton, the Arctic Monkeys, One Direction, Boyz II Men and George Michael – all guaranteeing an irresistible musical mix of pleasure and pain.

Actor Shaun Williamson - aka Barry - invites you to enjoy some of EastEnders’ finest musical moments, on a journey through the BBC archives that celebrates 40 years of Walford warblers - from chart-topping Nick ‘Every Loser Wins’ Berry and Martine ‘Perfect Moment’ McCutcheon, to old favourites like Mike Reid, Barbara Windsor and Letitia Dean - who made 'Something Outta Nothing’ with a leap from the Queen Vic to Top of the Pops. Plus there are some rarely-seen showstoppers and Albert Square dancing from the cast’s regular appearances on Children in Need over the years, and a selection of performances from those actors who had tasted chart success before making the move to E20 – including Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp, Blue’s Lee Ryan and even Eurovision contender Samantha Womack.

A collection of hits from the BBC archives that highlight how films and movie stars have always influenced the biggest singers, songwriters and bands. These are the songs that were inspired by big screen legends and classic movie moments, some with references that stand out like the Hollywood sign and others that will test film knowledge to the max.

To mark her 80th birthday, Elkie Brooks looks back on some of her finest-ever performances at the BBC and the truly extraordinary career that has earned her a reputation as one of the best British vocalists of the past six decades. Alongside a selection of hits that includes Pearl’s a Singer, No More the Fool, Lilac Wine and Fool If You Think It’s Over are Elkie’s memories of those songs, stories of her encounters with fellow artists like Robert Palmer and Chris Rea, and personal insights into what has inspired her and kept her going over all these years.

Sail away into the calm with this celebration of Enya, Ireland's most successful solo artist. She took the world by storm with her first single, Orinoco Flow, which stayed at the top of the UK charts for three weeks in 1988. Since then, she's released nine albums in the top ten, won multiple awards and has even had a fish named after her. Enya brought New Age music to the masses, all while maintaining her privacy, rarely giving interviews and never touring. She is an artist releasing music on her own terms, quietly and powerfully shaping the musical landscape.

The Bothy Band reunite to perform for the first time in almost 50 years. Formed in 1975, the traditional music group brought their unique sound to many countries during their three years together, creating a musical legacy that still resonates and influences many present-day musicians. We hear from surviving band members Matt Molloy, Dónal Lunny, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, Kevin Burke, Paddy Glackin and Paddy Keenan as we follow them through rehearsals for their homecoming concert in Dublin’s inner city, where they first performed. The group share personal stories about the trials and tribulations of life on the road, what brought them together, and the fallout that ultimately led to them going their separate ways.

Elaine Paige takes another toe-tapping trip through the BBC's archives, rustling up the biggest show tunes from Britain's best-loved musicals. From Les Mis to Joseph, Oklahoma! to Hamilton, there's something for everyone. Featuring stunning turns from some of the biggest names in the business, such as Dame Shirley Bassey, Alfie Boe, Hugh Jackman and Barbara Dickson, and a set of wonderful cast ensembles.

The incredible story of a band you may never have heard of but whose sound has influenced generations with their irresistible rhythms and message of peace.

If you didn’t know that Rockin' All Over the World is by John Fogerty and not Status Quo, or that Roberta Flack wasn’t the first to perform Killing Me Softly, then prepare for a night of massive musical surprises. This is a top 40 compilation of songs that became bigger hits for the artists who covered them - but here, we’re going back to the source material, serving up the incredible original versions, with artists including Gladys Knight, The Zutons, Neil Diamond, Nine Inch Nails, Dolly Parton and The Village People.

Paul Simon's Graceland album is one of his greatest achievements - a brilliant fusion of African rhythms and western pop which became a global phenomenon. It also proved hugely controversial, as Simon broke the UN-backed cultural boycott of a country still under the grip of apartheid. Joe Berlinger's film captures Simon's return to South Africa some years on and contrasts the value of individual artistic expression against collective political action as instruments of change. Includes interviews with key anti-apartheid activists of the time and such musical legends as Quincy Jones, Harry Belafonte, Paul McCartney, David Byrne and Peter Gabriel.

Another deep dive into the BBC’s music archives, where the musical map is pointed away from Top of the Pops on a quest to uncover 40 rarely seen performances and hidden gems. Featuring Bronski Beat’s first BBC performance of Smalltown Boy, Rihanna’s rockier version of Umbrella, Sophie Ellis-Bextor covering Pulp’s Do You Remember the First Time? and Kate Bush pairing up for a tango during Hounds of Love. These tucked-away treats and many, many more make this a journey that musical fans are certain to treasure.

A journey through the BBC’s music archives, diving in to share all that was great in 1988. It was the year that started with Kylie Minogue releasing I Should Be So Lucky and featured hits for groundbreaking female rappers Salt-N-Pepa, as well as Terence Trent D’Arby and Glenn Medeiros. There was also a debut for music’s most notorious mime artists Milli Vanilli, who had the world at their feet in 1988 but ultimately ended up pop pariahs. A lip-syncing scandal exposed the fact that Girl You Know It's True was actually a big lie.

From their meteoric rise to public downfall, this documentary chronicles the untold circumstances surrounding the infamous 90s pop duo Milli Vanilli and their lip-syncing scandal.

A journey through the BBC archives celebrating some of Bruce Springsteen’s finest songs and moments. From the early days when he was making a name for himself in the UK, championed by the experts on The Old Grey Whistle Test, to the Glory Days of 80s chart success that came with his biggest album, Born in the USA, and beyond. Bruce has shared a number of exclusive moments with the BBC over the years, and the best of them are featured here in a collection that showcases his supreme skills as a songwriter and live performer.

Made for the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s first UK concert, this documentary examines the singer-songwriter’s relationship with the UK, with an exclusive interview with Springsteen himself.

Little Simz brings her electrifying energy to the iconic Maida Vale Studios for an exclusive BBC performance, delivering powerful tracks from her highly anticipated new album, Lotus, alongside a few timeless favourites from her acclaimed catalogue. Simz performs six exclusive tracks for the BBC and also sits down with Clara Amfo to discuss the stories, sounds, collaborations and struggles behind the new album.

With songs like Uptown Girl, Piano Man and We Didn’t Start the Fire, Billy Joel was one of the most successful artists of the 1970s and 80s. This deep dive into his appearances over the decades on the BBC digs up the best moments from the archives. With all the biggest hits and fan favourites, from his first UK hit, Just the Way You Are, through to the last big single of his career, The River of Dreams.

Featuring the best of the BBC’s archives for this selection of 40 songs from 1985, including the likes of Elton John, Duran Duran, Foreigner, Billy Ocean, Marillion, Go West, Strawberry Switchblade and Kirsty MacColl. It was a great year for collaborations, with Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson leading the way, closely followed by Phil Collins and Philip Bailey, Gary Moore and Phil Lynott, and Chrissie Hynde and UB40. Plus hits from such musical royalty as Queen, King, Prince and Princess.

deep dive into the BBC’s music archives for a celebration of battling brothers Noel and Liam, and the classic songs that helped to define the 1990s and the Britpop era. Oasis exploded onto the scene in 1994, bursting with attitude and anthems, and this collection is one that looks back in awe, not anger, at the very best singles, album tracks, covers and fan-favourite B-sides. From the early mission statements that were Rock 'n’ Roll Star and Cigarettes & Alcohol through to Wonderwall, Slide Away and Champagne Supernova, it’s a compilation that helps explain the Oasis phenomenon, demonstrating through the songs exactly why and how they became, and remain, one of Britain’s biggest bands.

Country stars Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde host the star-studded event filmed in the heart of Nashville during the 52nd Annual CMA Fest. McBryde returns for the second straight year to host the special, while Johnson makes his hosting debut. This show spotlights unforgettable performances and must-see collaborations from some of Country Music’s biggest stars, including Brooks & Dunn, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Jelly Roll, Jordan Davis, Kelsea Ballerini, Riley Green, Shaboozey.

Hold on tight for a trip through the BBC’s music archives, exploring the sometimes weird but always wonderful world of the Electric Light Orchestra. The pop pioneers’ futuristic fusion of rock n’ roll and classical arrangements first took off in the 1970s with founder members Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood and Bev Bevan, with Lynne taking on frontman, songwriting and producing responsibilities following Roy Wood’s early departure and turning them into stars all over the world. This programmes brings together the very best of the band’s performances at the BBC over the years, including hits like 10538 Overture, Don’t Bring Me Down, Livin’ Thing, Sweet Talkin’ Woman and, of course, the ever-enduring Mr Blue Sky.

On a dazzling summer’s day in July 1985, the country came together to watch and listen to a concert broadcast on BBC television and radio. Sixteen hours of music performed by some of the world’s greatest artists, Live Aid was the idea of Bob Geldof following the success of the Band Aid single Do They Know It’s Christmas? and in response to the continuing famine in Ethiopia. This compilation showcases some of the best performances from the day, including Status Quo, U2, Dire Straits, Spandau Ballet, Sting and Phil Collins, as well as some rarely seen backstage footage.

On a dazzling summer’s day in July 1985, the country came together to watch and listen to a concert broadcast on BBC television and radio. Sixteen hours of music performed by some of the world’s greatest artists, Live Aid was the idea of Bob Geldof following the success of the Band Aid single Do They Know It’s Christmas? and in response to the continuing famine in Ethiopia. This compilation showcases some of the best performances from the day, including Queen, David Bowie, Madonna, Mick Jagger and Tina Turner, as well as more rarely seen backstage footage.

As the frontman and driving force behind Dexys Midnight Runners, Kevin Rowland was one of the most enigmatic and unpredictable pop stars of the 1980s. After a string of hits that climaxed with the huge international success of Come On Eileen, Kevin defied all normal expectations - and the advice of record executives - and radically reinvented the band’s look, sound and even its name, rebranding them just Dexys. Here, Kevin looks back on his unique career, sets the record straight on a few pop myths, and shares the fascinating and sometimes emotional stories behind many of those classic songs as he introduces the best of the band’s BBC performances. It’s a collection that spans the early days of Top of the Pops and Saturday Superstore, Dexys’ 2012 comeback, their acclaimed run of performances at the London’s Duke of York’s Theatre and 2024’s triumphant appearance at Glastonbury.

A comprehensive voyage through the roots and history of funk music, from its African and jazz roots to James Brown’s early work and the rise of Parliament-Funkadelic.

A superb compilation celebrating the artistry of one of the great sopranos of the 20th century, Jessye Norman, tracing her remarkable journey from spirituals and traditional folk songs to her landmark debut at the London Proms. Featuring interviews with the star across the decades, this programme showcases the extraordinary breadth of her repertoire, from American Songbook favourites to the grandeur of Mahler’s song cycles.

A documentary that highlights America's last great rock festival and Jimi Hendrix's legendary performance as its headline act on 4 July 1970. Jimi performed in front of nearly 500,000 people at the Atlanta International Pop Festival - the largest US audience of his career. The film features dynamic versions of signature songs such as Purple Haze, Hey Joe, Foxy Lady and Voodoo Child (Slight Return) and also performances of exciting new songs such as Freedom and Straight Ahead, which he had recorded for his next album. During Jimi's dramatic rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, the festival set off fireworks above the stage, to the delight of the massive crowd. The film also establishes the significance of the Atlanta festival, the last great pop gathering of its era. More than half a million people descended on Byron, Georgia, a tiny, rural community 100 miles south of Atlanta. Coming just months after Woodstock and Altamont, Atlanta Pop stood as the largest counterculture gathering

A deep dive into the BBC’s archives to celebrate one of music’s most triumphant romantic balladeers, Johnny Mathis. Affectionately known as the 'voice of romance', his unique sound had audiences captivated throughout his six-decade career. From early hits like Misty, and Nat King Cole tributes such as Unforgettable and Let There Be Love, to duets with some of music’s biggest names of the day, like Lulu and Natalie Cole, this compilation captures the inimitable Johnny Mathis at his finest.

Documentary revealing the untold stories behind the most controversial music of the 1980s, featuring Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Queen, George Michael, N.W.A, Madonna and others. Told exclusively using archive footage, some of music history’s most shocking stories are revealed as never before, with new light shed on this provocative decade in music that was as high on fun as it was on scandal.

The unique story of a select group of artists who have emerged in recent years to take the country music industry by storm. They're transforming the genre in the modern age, both from within Nashville’s country scene and from the ‘outside’. Told using archive footage and contributions from such artists as Lainey Wilson, Blanco Brown, Lindsay Ell, Frank Ray, Breland and Sam Williams, as well as journalists, historians and musicologists, this documentary explores and celebrates how country music is undergoing a revolution as boundary-pushing rebels challenge the rules of the game.

To help mark 60 years of Asian broadcasting at the BBC, DJ Bobby Friction shares his love and knowledge of South Asian music with a journey back through the archives that celebrates some of the genre’s most important, enduring and spectacular acts from across the decades. With artists ranging from Lata Mangeshkar, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Ravi Shankar right through to Asian Dub Foundation, Naughty Boy and Apache Indian, Bobby’s selection highlights the vast range of musical styles and sounds, as well as the unbridled joy that feels built into so many of the performances that he’s personally selected.

A celebration of some of Pavarotti's finest performances from the BBC archives, capturing how he became the biggest opera star of modern times. He brought the art form to mainstream audiences through appearances on shows like Parkinson and Wogan, his collaborations with some of the biggest names in pop music, and his enduring takes on classic arias like Nessun Dorma

Take a musical trip back in time with 40 essential hits from the year 1975, plucked from the BBC’s archives. The punk explosion was two years away, and disco was only just starting to surface, but these 12 months were still packed with classic songs that remain staples to this day. Key moments include ABBA in Blackpool on Seaside Special, the Bay City Rollers riding the wave of Rollermania, and debut hits from key artists who were pioneers in their individual genres, including Bob Marley, Supertramp and Kraftwerk.

Luminous choral music on the theme of peace, performed by one of the world’s finest choirs and recorded at Peterborough Cathedral. A hymn to tranquillity, the concert features music from across nine centuries, from the medieval abbess Hildegard of Bingen to Anna Clyne with a new work for choir and violin. There are also sumptuous works by John Taverner, Will Todd and Arvo Pärt in his 90th birthday year. The Sixteen is led by conductor Harry Christophers. Presented by Hannah French.