We're fast approaching the end of the first month of The People's Songs and, as ever, what's fascinating is not only the stories told by the people who have taken the time to contribute memories to each show, but also to watch your responses in real time as the programme airs. Last week's show provoked conversations that covered everything from Dandelion & Burdock pop to the chord that begins 'A Hard Day's Night'…
Above all it seems that TPS is essentially fulfilling all the values espoused for the BBC by Lord Reith - i.e: educating, informing and, above all, entertaining you.
Episode three, which looked at The Beatles and the rise of the '60s beat boom in 1963, certainly seemed to helping some of you do your homework as this tweet from @JoeSweeting proves (hope the exam went well, Joe!):
Of course, being a radio show driven by your contributions we'd always like to think that we're stimulating both memories and a lively debate. @Belouise shared a rather lovely snapshot of how her dad wooed her mum!
However @PeterCushing1 took issue with Stuart's description of the Fab Four as 'manufactured':
Interestingly, the concept of acts being fabricated by Machiavellian managers or the appeal of packaged teen acts will be addressed in later episodes of the show. So keep listening!
Finally, a hat tip to @BrimfulofNasha for rather beautifully encapsulating what it is that we're trying to acheive with TPS:
As always, keep those tweets coming and remember that we need your memories to keep making future episodes.
And talking of the future, this week's show looks at the musical craze which brought John Lennon and Paul McCartney together in the first place (in their first group, The Quarrymen): Skiffle.
Stuart Maconie previews episode 4 of The People's Songs - 'Britain's first DIY pop music'.
The show examines the great days of washboard and tea chest rhythm sections and lively reinterpretations of American folk and blues numbers. And, of course, we'll be remembering the man who inspired a generation: Lonnie Donegan.
Often forgotten by subsequent generations, Donegan's importance in galvanising hundreds of future stars to pick up an instrument cannot be understated. And if you're in any doubt, consider the fact that a 1978 tribute album, Putting On The Style, featured artists such as Ringo Starr, Rory Gallagher, Elton John and Brian May, while his memorial concert at the Albert Hall in 2004 saw the likes of Van Morrison, Roger Daltrey and Mark Knopfler all praising the singer.
Now that's a fanbase...
We hope you can join us at 10pm tonight!
