Former Capital and Kiss DJ David Rodigan is to present a 10-part series for Radio 2 featuring reggae, roots, ska and rocksteady music.
The Thursday night show is part of Radio 2’s summer line-up which also includes a Soul special presented by Tony Blackburn and Trevor Nelson.
After starting his radio career in 1978 at BBC Radio London, Rodigan went on to do reggae shows on Capital Radio and Kiss 100 in London and he was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2006.
David says: “I am delighted to be presenting reggae on Radio 2. The series will be a reflection of all that is great in traditional reggae, stretching back across 5 decades to its beginnings as in Jamaica whilst also targeting the very latest and best of the new releases.”
Radio 2’s Summer of Soul season will kick off with a two-part tribute to Aretha Franklin and will also include programmes on the Fame Studios in Alabama, Donny Hathaway, Mavis Staples, Marvin Gaye and Louis Armstrong. On Bank Holiday Monday at the end of August, Trevor Nelson and Tony Blackburn are back together after debuting together on last month’s 2DAY. Tony says: “It’s been my lifetime’s effort to get more soul played on the radio, and it’s fantastic that Trevor and I have been offered another programme.”
To mark the 40th anniversary of the Old Grey Whistle Test, Radio 2 has also commissioned a 16-part series entitled Old Grey Whistle Test 40 hosted by Bob Harris. Bob said: “Making this series for Radio 2 is proving to be a heart-warming and exciting experience. It is wonderful to discover the affection so many of the artists still have for the Old Grey Whistle Test – big name stars whose careers the programme supported in their early days. It’s a massive re-union, featuring superstars of British and American music. We are re-creating the ethos of the original shows, featuring amazing new performances, interviews and archive in a gloriously musical atmosphere. Whether you remember the original programmes or not, Old Grey Whistle Test 40 is simply a must-listen for all serious music fans.”
Starting in August, the programmes will feature classic archive, new performances and interviews with artists who appeared on the original series and will be recorded at the historic Maida Vale studios. Those already confirmed to take part include Elton John, Alice Cooper, Roger Daltrey, Robert Plant and Mark Knopfler.
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Posted on Friday, July 8th, 2011 at 8:25 am by RadioToday Staff