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I Was...

Andrew McGibbon presents a series of interviews analysing great artists from the perspective of someone who knew them.

Radio 4,18 episodes

Episodes

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I Was Sylvia Robinson’s Chief Recording Engineer
Andrew McGibbon talks to Allan Tucker, recording engineer to rap pioneer Sylvia Robinson.
12 Oct 2020,28 mins
Series 7
I Was Basquiat’s Partner in Noise
Andrew McGibbon talks to Michael Holman who formed a band with the artist Basquiat
05 Oct 2020,28 mins
Series 7
I Was Georgia O'Keefe's Five Year Companion
Andrew McGibbon talks to Margaret Wood who worked for the American artist Georgia O'Keeffe
28 Sep 2020,28 mins
Series 6
I Was Stanley Kubrick's Assistant
Andrew McGibbon meets Anthony Frewin who outed two of Stanley Kubrick's impersonators.
07 Oct 2019,28 mins
Series 6
I Was Batman's Catwoman
Andrew McGibbon talks to actress Julie Newmar about being Batman's Catwoman in the 1960s.
07 Jan 2019,28 mins
Series 5
I Was Philip Larkin's Magician
Andrew McGibbon talks to Edwin Dawes, biochemist and beloved magician to Philip Larkin.
02 Jul 2018,28 mins
Series 5
I Was Frank Sinatra's Unwanted Saxophonist
Andrew McGibbon talks to saxophonist Duncan Lamont about Sinatra - and writing Mr Benn.
09 Jul 2018,28 mins
Series 4
I Was John Lennon's Trauma Surgeon
Andrew McGibbon talks to trauma surgeon Dr David Halleran, who tried to save John Lennon.
15 Jun 2017,28 mins
Series 4
I Was Johnny Cash's Tailor
Andrew McGibbon talks to Manuel Cuevas, who created Johnny Cash's black suits.
08 Jun 2017,28 mins
Series 4
I Was Bob Dylan's One-Off Sparring Partner
Andrew McGibbon talks to Daniel Catfish Russ, who went two boxing rounds with Bob Dylan.
01 Jun 2017,28 mins
Series 4
I Was Billie Holliday's Replacement
How singer Annie Ross became Billie Holiday's stand-in at Harlem's Apollo.
25 May 2017,30 mins
Series 3
I Was Philip K Dick's Reluctant Host
Michael Walsh talks about the challenging time when writer Phillip K Dick shared his home.
13 Feb 2017,30 mins
Series 3
Erno Goldfinger's Last Architectural Assistant
Andrew McGibbon talks to James Dunnett about working for the architect Erno Goldfinger.
06 Feb 2017,30 mins
Series 3
Lindsay Kemp's Ballerina
Andrew McGibbon talks to Naomi Sorkin, who was Lindsay Kemp's ballerina.
30 Jan 2017,28 mins
Series 2
George Orwell's Pupil
In 1932 George Orwell taught in a public school. Geoffrey Stevens recalls being his pupil.
14 Sep 2015,30 mins
Series 2
Chet Baker's Last Tour Manager
Jim Coleman managed Chet Baker’s touring schedules for the last four years of his life.
21 Sep 2015,30 mins
Series 2
Tina Turner's Dancer
Anne Behringer was Tina Turner's dancer in her touring band during the 80s and 90s.
28 Sep 2015,30 mins
Series 1
Douglas Adams' Flatmate
Jon Canter shared a flat with Douglas Adams while the latter struggled for success.
16 Dec 2008,30 mins