Music Radio 4's website now has a massive archive of streamable documentaries about music and musicians which will also be released as downloads on a weekly basis here. I'm putting a few of them below so I can find them later.
You Probably Think This Song Is About You: The Wind Cries Mary
Jimi Hendrix's former girlfriend Kathy Mary Etchingham recalls how an argument with Jimi Hendrix about lumpy mashed potatoes sparked the creation of a classic psychedelic ballad.
Conjuring Halie
"Cerys Matthews celebrates the life of one of her musical heroines, the great gospel singer Mahalia ("Halie") Jackson, who died in 1972. Jackson became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world at the height of her popularity, inspiring singers like Aretha Franklin and Mavis Staples. But she was also one of the unsung heroes of the civil rights movement in America, described by the legendary historian and broadcaster Studs Terkel as one of the bravest people he'd ever met."
When the Levee Breaks
"Mark Lamarr looks at the little-known story of Memphis Minnie, known for her guitar skills, her rowdy ways and the song 'When the Levee Breaks' a musical celebration of a key moment in Blues history."
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?
"Tracey McLeod recalls the girl groups of the 1960s, an infectious genre of pop music and a vinyl source of inspiration for teenage girls."
For One Night Only: Benjamin Britten's War Requiem
"Paul Gambaccini goes behind the scenes of the first performance of Britten's masterpiece, performed to mark the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral in 1962. He talks to performers and audience members about that momentous, emotionally charged evening."
The Film Programme: John Williams
"Francine Stock visits Hollywood for a special interview with composer John Williams, whose memorable scores for Stephen Spielberg include Jaws, Star Wars, ET and Schindler's List."
Good Vibrations: The Story of the Theremin
"Bill Bailey tells the story of the remarkable 'hands off' electronic instrument and its enigmatic inventor and charts its use from horror and sci-fi film soundtracks through to contemporary dance music and of course its use on the Beach Boys' iconic 'Good Vibrations'."
The Armstrong Tapes
"Jazz historian Helen Mayhew looks at the remarkable life of Louis Armstrong as told through his archive of tape recordings, covering his personal life as well as his music."
Follow-Up Albums
"Pete Paphides tells the story behind..."
Black Is a Country
"Exploring the underground music of the Black Power movement of the late 60s and early 70s."
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