We stand our output on three pillars - credibility, influence and longevity

John Sugar, 6 Music

Presenters lined up include Sean Hughes, Craig Charles, Liz Kershaw, Suggs from Madness and Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden.

Programme Editor of 6 Music John Sugar said: "The Move's Flowers In The Rain has become synonymous with the launch of BBC Radio 1, as Tony Blackburn committed needle to vinyl on Radio 1's opening day in 1967.

"This is a similarly historic moment, but this time we wanted the public to decide who the honour should go to."

Prospective listeners can vote for one of the nominated songs by logging onto the 6 Music website.

Click here to see the nominated songs

The station hopes to discover and champion new musical and broadcasting talent.

Madness singer Suggs is one of the presenters

It will also use the BBC archives of bespoke recording sessions, concerts and otherwise unavailable tracks and interviews.

There will also be re-runs of key BBC music documentaries, revealing the stories behind the music.

6 Music will cover a large range of popular music genres and artists giving a national platform to the more obscure and less commercial tracks that rarely receive airtime on radio.

"We're like BBC Radio 2's stroppy younger brother.

"Our role is to complement Radios 1 and 2 and offer the British public a greater variety on their radio dial," said Mr Sugar.

Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson will host two shows

To receive 6 Music, listeners will need a digital radio - or to subscribe to the appropriate cable or digital TV service. The station can also be streamed online.

The station goes live at 0700 GMT on 11 March, when Phil Jupitus plays the most-requested opening song.

It will join Five Live Sports Extra and two stations which have yet to go on air.

The BBC confirmed on Monday that its black music station - previously known as Network X - will be called 1Xtra. Spun off from Radio 1, it will go on air in the summer.

A speech station - currently known as Network Z - is also waiting to be launched.

The nominated opening songs for 6 Music:

Alanis Morissette Ironic
Ash Burn Baby Burn
Blur Song 2
James Brown Sex Machine
The Clash Rock the Casbah
Coldplay Shiver
Ian Dury Sex & Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll
Led Zeppelin Rock 'n' Roll
Macy Gray I Try
Manic Street Preachers Design for Life
Oasis Don't Look Back in Anger
Iggy Pop The Passenger
Specials Ghost Town