BBC to celebrate the work of Elton John

Following on from the success of BBC Radio 2’s previous Bank Holiday programmes celebrating the Beatles and The Bee Gees, BBC Radio 2 is celebrating the August bank holiday weekend by hosting a season of programmes honouring Sir Elton John, culminating in the rock superstar presenting a two hour show full of his favourite music.

The six time Grammy award winner, who has sold a quarter of a billion records worldwide, has hand-picked a playlist from some of his favourite artists such as The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Amy Winehouse.

Mark Hagen, Executive Producer, BBC Radio 2, says: “Working with Sir Elton John has been a real joy and we are delighted to be hosting such a special season of programmes on BBC Radio 2. Elton is a real core artist for Radio 2, and an absolute favourite with the listeners so to have him host a show is a match made in heaven.”

The Season starts on Wednesday 22 August with The Trevor Nelson Soul Show: Elton Special which delves into the more soulful side of star. On Thursday 23, Jo Whiley presents an In Concert special, giving listeners another chance to hear Sir Elton John’s Red Piano Show, recorded at London’s 02 Arena and packed with hits from the legendary singer-songwriter’s career.

Elton@thebeeb features a compilation of Elton’s performances for the BBC across his career on Friday 24 and on Saturday 25 Paul Gambaccini presents an Elton John-themed America’s Greatest Hits.

On Sunday 26, Terry Wogan is joined by singer Kiki Dee, who will be performing her No.1 hit “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, recorded with Elton back in 1976, live on the show.

Elaine Paige on Sunday then looks back at Elton’s theatrical writing career, with shows including Billy Elliot and The Lion King.

On August bank holiday Monday 27, Elton John stars in The Elton John Show, presenting a show of the music that he grew up with, influenced him and that he admired.  It will also feature work of artists he has identified and showcased to a bigger audience across the world.

And on bank holiday Monday evening hear Johnnie Walker looking back at the recording, making and results of the ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ album in Johnnie Walker’s Long Players.

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