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Peggy Lee's Is That All There Is?
The impact of the song written by Leiber & Stoller, inspired by the writer Thomas Mann and made famous by Peggy Lee.
‘Is That All There Is?’, a Leiber & Stoller song made famous by Peggy Lee, is based upon a short story by Thomas Mann called 'Disillusionment'. But those who know and love it feel it's inspirational rather than a cynical, world weary musical take on existentialism and the futility of life.
‘Soul Music’ uncovers the compelling individual stories behind our collective love of music.
Producer: Maggie Ayre
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2013.
Last on
Wed 8 Sep 202100:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra
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Is That All There Is?
Duration: 00:56
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The parallels between music and life.
Duration: 02:21
Broadcasts
- Tue 5 Feb 201311:30BBC Radio 4
- Sat 9 Feb 201315:30BBC Radio 4
- Fri 31 Mar 201718:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 1 Apr 201700:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 7 Sep 202118:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 8 Sep 202100:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem
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Soul Music
Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact



