BRIAN MATTHEW...The Bands That Mattered.

[Lena & Harry Smith]

On Tuesday evening the 1st of March at 10 o'clock PM on BBC Radio 2 Brian Matthew is hosting a programme called The Bands That Mattered, this is about the rise and fall of the BBC Dance Orchestra, Two bands in particular, Henry Hall and Jack Payne, and the introduction of Johnny Mercer, and thoughts from Barry Forgie conductor of the BBC Big Band,
Betty Driver who sang with Henry Hall shares memories.

[Rob H]

I was invited onto Brian's show, twice in the late eighties to photograph him on his Weekly Arts show. I was on a film and television course in Devon at the time. He took me out to a local pub in Portland Place on both occasions. Our conversation focused on Matt and his friend John Barry. Brian loved both of their musical styles! Old school type of gentleman.

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Absolutely, a true gentleman, and may Brian's programmes continue for many years to come.