2. Protest and Proclaim

Elvis Costello denies his role as a protest singer and David Crosby describes the process by which the song ‘Ohio’ became an anthem for ‘70s American counterculture.

In the second of three programmes, John Wilson looks back over more of his conversations with 45 acclaimed songwriters for BBC Radio 4's series ‘Mastertapes’.

Recorded with an audience of fans at the BBC Maida Vale studios in London, each guest focuses on a key album from their career, describing in detail how dozens of much loved hit songs were written.

Now, the ‘Mastertapes’ guests are brought together to offer a unique how-to guide to writing the perfect song.

Presented and produced by John Wilson.

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in May 2021.