Described by Bono as 'the Noel Coward of our generation’, the singer and songwriter Kirsty MacColl would have turned 65 this year had her life not been tragically cut short in December 2000. Signed at the age of just 19 after being the backing singer for a failed punk band, Kirsty went on to write and record songs that spanned genres, including rockabilly, pop and South American. She had hits like A New England and Days and sang a key part in one of the nation’s favourite Christmas songs, Fairytale of New York. Respected by those who worked alongside her, including Billy Bragg, Johnny Marr, Jools Holland and many others, she has left a legacy that is still valued today. This programme brings together performances that highlight the wit and intelligence of this unique performer
Intimate documentary exploring how Paul O'Grady's creation, Lily Savage, took mainstream TV by storm. Unravel the real story of Lily with insights from Paul's daughter and famous pals.
Filmed on the road during his 2022 Greatest Hit Tour, director Chris Atkins followed James Blunt across Europe and delves into James Blunt's unique backstory. From witnessing the Kosovo War, recording the biggest selling album of the '00s, enduring the backlash that followed his success, and then tweeting his way back to becoming a national treasure, this is an intimate portrait of James Blunt as never seen before – a brutally honest story of a painfully self-aware, endlessly touring musician, for whom persistence eventually prevails.
A compilation of TV appearances from the post-Beatles career of Britain’s most successful singer-songwriter. This playlist shows how the Fab Four’s split didn’t stop the hits and features some of Paul McCartney’s most popular songs and iconic performances on some of the biggest BBC shows of the past five decades, from Top of the Pops to the Electric Proms. Alongside tracks like Band on the Run, Jet, Coming Up and Live and Let Die, there is rarely seen backstage footage, interviews and a range of familiar faces, including a recent encounter with die-hard Beatles fan Bob Mortimer.
Documentary examining the unique connections the singer shared with Britain, and what made the UK such a sanctuary for him. The programme features contributions from some of those who were closest to him, from his own children to friend Elvis Costello, as well as celebrity fans including Jools Holland and Freddie Flintoff.
Jools Holland was born on January 24, 1958 in London, England as Julian Miles Holland. He is known for his work on Later with Jools Holland (1992), The Tube (1982) and Juke Box Jury (1959). He has been married to Christabel McEwen since August 29, 2005. They have one child.