Tuesday, August 16, 2011

BBC Radio 2 welcomes back legendary broadcaster Sir Jimmy Young CBE to celebrate his 90th birthday

Sir Jimmy Young is set to make a welcome return to BBC Radio 2 in September with a special one-hour programme in celebration of his 90th birthday.

Sir Jimmy Young At 90, to be broadcast on Tuesday 20 September at 10pm, hears him in conversation with his friend and former sparring partner Ken Bruce, where the veteran broadcaster looks back over his extraordinary career. 

The programme spans the decades of his life with Sir Jimmy reminiscing about his childhood, RAF days and how he became the first British singer to have two consecutive No. 1 and all before his broadcasting career had even begun. He went on to broadcast the JY programme on BBC radio for an incredible 35 years. 

On coming back to Radio 2 Sir Jimmy says: "It's great to be making a programme for Radio 2 – especially with my mate Ken Bruce." 

Radio 2 presenter Ken Bruce says: "To be reunited with Sir Jimmy is a pleasure and a privilege. He's a fantastic broadcaster with an amazing story. He's also a great friend, so much so I even bought a car from him! Having him back at Radio 2, if only for an hour, is a treat for us all." 

Bob Shennan, Controller, BBC Radio 2 and Radio 6 Music says: "On behalf of everyone at Radio 2 I'd like to welcome Sir Jimmy, one of the most loved radio presenters of modern times, back to the network." 

Sir Jimmy Young made his debut on BBC Radio in 1949 and went on to present Housewives' Choice in 1960. He then broadcast on Radio Luxembourg for several years, as well as broadcasting regularly on the Light Programme, before becoming part of the original presenting team which launched Radio 1 in 1967. 

Sir Jimmy joined Radio 2 in 1973 where he presented his weekday current affairs show. He interviewed every serving British Prime Minister during his time on air, from Sir Alec Douglas-Home to Tony Blair, as well as a host of world statesmen including Australian PM – Bob Hawke and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, until he left the show in 2002. 

(Source : BBC Press Release)

No comments:

Post a Comment