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Simon McLean on 7 April 2025
Dick Fisher was always a joy to listen to, with a real warmth and love of the music and I shall miss hearing him as I prepare to take the chair. My thoughts with his family, friends and fellow listeners today.
Jeff Gaskell on 7 April 2025
Such sad and unexpected news……a terrific broadcaster who’s enthusiasm and love for the music he played shone through in every show…….mornings wont be the same on Serenade without his cheery presence.
RIP Dick, thanks for bringing me all that stuff I didn’t know, I didn’t know.
Edgar on 7 April 2025
In the States it’s late afternoon. I wish I had listened more. When trying to cut down on my computer time, his show was at the time of day I wouldn’t be listening.
Linda Marskell on 7 April 2025
Oh how sad 😔 I loved Dick Fisher’s show and tried to listen daily – even while at work. My condolences to his friends, family and colleagues at Serenade.
Nicolas Barlow on 7 April 2025
Dreadfully sorry to hear about Dick Fisher. He, like all Serenade Radio presenters, was a delight to listen to. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
David Yarnall on 7 April 2025
I had known Dick for just under fifty years and he offered me valuable guidance in my early days in radio.
I will miss him both on and off the radio and will be saying a few words this afternoon on my programme.
Karen on 7 April 2025
So sorry for your loss David. He always used to call you ‘ my good friend David Yarnall’ , we used to joke here if he dropped the ‘ my good friend ‘ part on occasion then you must have fallen out !! But the bond between you was obvious.
James Pickering on 7 April 2025
So sad to hear of Dick’s passing. He slotted in so well to SR and the station won’t sound the same without him; a true gent and a professional of the old school. Weekday mornings will never be the same. RIP
Paula Myers on 7 April 2025
So sorry to hear the news this morning. I remember Dick well from his days at Beacon Radio and in the early days of Signal Radio. He even read out a couple of requests for me. RIP Dick.
Sandra on 7 April 2025
So saddened to hear the passing of Dick Fisher over the weekend. Such a lovely man, a calming voice with a sense of humour. He will be greatly missed by us all.My condolences to his family and friends.Rest in peace Dick.
Karen on 7 April 2025
Well done Ed Wellman . What a difficult thing to have to do this morning. Your show was lovely. Dick would have been proud.
Nick Hingley on 7 April 2025
What sad news to read this morning. I am thoroughly shocked and saddened. I remember Dick Fisher from Beacon Radio (Wolverhampton) and almost certainly heard his first programme on the station when it started in 1976. When radio was not as siloed as today I remember that many of my parents’ generation enjoyed his ‘Wine & Roses’ Sunday morning show. I also remember us going to one of those exhibition events where the Beacon OB wagon was present and it happened that Dick presenting his show.
Times move on and I gather that Dick went on to do other thngs in the industry and so it has been wonderful to hear him once again over this last couple of years – he slotted in so well so well into Brian Savin’s spot and his voice sounded just as I remember it. He played a good music mix and was excellent company (usually late nights for me).
And so now it seems all those things I don’t know that I don’t know will now remain unknown.
Sincere condolences to Dick’s family and friends.
Rest In Peace Dick Fisher.
Mark Sutherland on 7 April 2025
Sorry to hear of the death of Dick Fisher. Condolences to his family and also his Serenade Radio family. RIP
Tony Lewis on 7 April 2025
My condolences and prayers for Dick’s family and all at Serenade Radio. Dick was an absolute joy to listen to every morning especially when telling us all about ‘the things we didn’t know, we didn’t know’.
Rest in peace Dick.
Vic Groves on 7 April 2025
Like so many others, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dick Fisher. Radio has that ability to unite presenter and listener in a very real way, and via the medium of Serenade Radio I got to enjoy Dick’s undoubted skill as a presenter, and was able to share two hours of his company every weekday. Rest in peace Dick. Condolences to his family ad friends.
Liz Atwell on 7 April 2025
Very sad news this morning. Sending much love and many hugs to everyone at Serenade Radio.
Paul Ruddock on 7 April 2025
It was always a joy to hear Dick Fisher smiling as he entertained us for those two hours each weekday. He will be very sadly missed. Sincere condolences to his wife and all who hold him dear.
Ed Wellman is making today’s show so very poignant, the perfect mix of words and music, thank you.
Gary on 7 April 2025
Like everyone, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Dick Fisher. Hard to believe someone so chirpy on his morning shoe should suddenly no longer be with us. Thank you for sharing your joy in the music we love. R.I.P
Barry Williams on 7 April 2025
Very sorry to hear this. Condolences to his wife and family. He was such a familiar voice, a radio friend who will be sadly missed.
Dave Hilton. on 7 April 2025
So sorry to hear of the death of Dick Fisher. I always enjoyed his programmes. My good wishes go to his family and his colleagues.
Ian on 7 April 2025
Waking up so shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Dick Fisher yesterday. When he joined Serenade, the transition was seemless; his knowledge, easy delivery and cheery disposition were immediately apparent. His programmes were the bed-rock of mid morning broadcasting on your (our) station. One was always assured that he was a much loved member of the Serenade family. Condolences to his wife , family and friends and fellow colleagues. He will be greatly missed.
Stuart Linnell on 7 April 2025
Dick Fisher was an essential part of weekday listening to Serenade Radio. We will all miss him and the delight he took in presenting his shows. My thoughts with his wife and family and close friends. RIP Dick.
Frank on 7 April 2025
So sorry to hear that Dick Fisher has died. I enjoyed his show and learned many things that I didn’t know, I didn’t know. May his gentle soul rest in peace and God Bless his family 🙏🏻
John Walton on 7 April 2025
I’m very saddened to hear of the passing of our dear colleague, Dick Fisher. His friendly voice, intelligent conversation and love of good music epitomised the spirit of Serenade Radio. We’ll miss him enormously. Our thoughts are with Cynthia and their family.
Karen on 7 April 2025
I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of the lovely Dick Fisher. He joined Serenade Radio at the same time that SR became the continuous back drop to my daily life. He always sounded like he was having such a good time, I felt you could hear that he was smiling as he presented. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Thank you for entertaining us Dick and for all the things we didn’t know , we didn’t know. I will miss you.
John McAtasney on 7 April 2025
I was shocked and very saddened to hear of the passing of my fellow SR broadcaster, Dick Fisher. He brought a unique and endearing style to the airwaves and will be dearly missed. My sincere condolences to his family at this sorrowful time.
Nancy on 7 April 2025
Dick Fisher’s death is a tremendous loss to his many listeners and fans. I’m going to miss his very entertaining program. Rest in peace sir. I learned from you many things I didn’t know I didn’t know😟
Maggie mulherine on 7 April 2025
I am shocked and very saddened by your news on Facebook, of the wonderful Dick Fisher’s passing. He was one of the highlights of my daily listening. I loved his bits of trivia and his calm voice. My condolences to his family and friends and of course to all at Serenade radio. Xxxx
Janet Finn on 6 April 2025
I awoke to Ed Wellman’s Dawn Chorus today, and on the day after being reunited with my Granddaughter after three years, I found his voice, choice of music and attitude perfect for the occasion,
I especially enjoyed hearing Nana Mouskouri singing ‘Love Changes Everything’, somehow it seemed particularly apt.
Thank you, Ed, I shall be looking forward to listening to you regularly now.
Also thank you to the whole team for such a special radio station.
David Small on 5 April 2025
Thank you Adrian Jackson for another lovely show with music from the Musicals — Love this programme and Like you I love Les Miserables seen it so many times my top three musicals have to be Les Miserables – Miss Saigon and Cats, But a musical that does not get many plays is Martin Guerre so can I ask you to include some of the music from that show in a future programme , Cheers David
Adrian on 6 April 2025
Hi David, thanks for your feedback and delighted you’re enjoying Showstoppers. I will certainly play pieces from Martin Guerre in future programmes. Thanks for listening
Vanessa-Ann Dowsett on 5 April 2025
I agree with Karen, One Day More is truly magical, may I be cheeky Adrian and suggest , from the same musical Master of the House on a future programme please. Thanks once again for a fabulous programme
Adrian on 6 April 2025
Hi Vanessa-Ann, thanks for your kind comments and I will certainly play Master of the House in a future programme. Thank you for listening to Showstoppers
Karen on 5 April 2025
Thank you Adrian for playing One Day More. I agree the best act one end anywhere… in fact for me it’s my favourite musical tune of all time. The harmonies in the last line on their own are just perfect.
Adrian on 6 April 2025
Thanks Karen, there will certainly be more from Les Miserables in the coming weeks. Thanks for listening
Andrew Hunter on 5 April 2025
Thanks Adrian for hosting this show. Always love listening to Show Stoppers! Am a huge fan of musicals! Listening all the way from Cape Town, South Africa.
Nancy on 5 April 2025
I second Andrew’s comment from Helena Montana. Love Show Stoppers!💖
Adrian on 6 April 2025
Thank you Nancy, much appreciated
Adrian on 6 April 2025
Hi Andrew, thank you for your kind comments and I’m delighted to know you’re listening in Cape Town, hope you’ll join me again next week.
Andrew Hunter on 6 April 2025
Hi Adrian, I shall certainly be tuned in next week as usual. I always enjoy the variety of music you find, some of which I have never heard of before. Have a great week from a sunny CT 🙂
Laura on 5 April 2025
Cindy Kent is spoiling us as usual! Love hearing Julie Andrews followed by Rosemary Clooney. Our 2 favorites!
Cindy Kent on 7 April 2025
You’re welcome! My pleasure.
margaret mulherine on 5 April 2025
Dear Jeff. John Alderton has been married to Pauline Collins for about fifty years. Not Michelle Collins, (who is not in her eighties ). Great Programme and tunes as per usual xxx
Jeff Owen on 5 April 2025
Hello Margaret.
You are of course quite correct! Well done for noticing my confusion. I should perhaps start a “spot the mistake of the week” contest, then you could be a winner every time.
Thanks for listening & glad you’re enjoying it. Tell your friends.
All the best. Jeff.
Nick Hingley on 5 April 2025
Nothing new under the sun – as my old Dad was prone to say.
Way way back in the mists of time and warm glowing valves, when Terry Wogan was presenting an afternoon show on Radio One* (Yes, Wogan on One!) he had a daily ‘spot the deliberate error’ competition.
It really wouldn’t work on some of today’s radio stations unless it was to run a sweep !
.
* Radio One was quite tolerable in those days with Jimmy Young, Tony Brandon and Johnnie Walker!
Martyn Bassey on 5 April 2025
Love the song by Jackie DeShannon. Many thanks to the listener for choosing Helen Reddy. Three great songs. Thanks to Sean Usher and Johnny Mac for two fab shows this morning. 👍👍
Johnny Mac on 5 April 2025
With thanks to Catherine B for nominating Helen Reddy as our artist of the week!
Nancy on 5 April 2025
Got the mystery year from Maria Muldaur’s wonderful ‘Midnight at the Oasis’. Aznavour’s ‘She’ was terrific!
Some Norah Jones would be nice now and then…
Johnny Mac on 5 April 2025
I’ve taken a note re Norah Jones as our artist of the week for a future edition of A Little Night Music!
Randall Riley on 4 April 2025
Thanks to John Darvall for playing Donna Hightower’s “I’m in Love with Love” this morning. She did that in a single take back in 1974. That tenor playing is famous Spanish saxophonist Pedro Iturralde. Appreciate all your good music!
Andy Grahamme on 4 April 2025
Steve James’ morning shows are just amazing…I’ve run out of superlatives…if the whole world listened to Steve at the weekend what a peaceful and joyous place it would be!!
Mike Grant on 4 April 2025
Always a treat at the weekend. Not the same oldies over and over again!
Tony Gilliam on 4 April 2025
Yes have to agree with above comments plays tracks that are often new to me another feather in the cap for Serenade Radio
Andrew Henchy on 5 April 2025
Just heard the Wonderful Jane Morgan on Steve James Programme. More Puleeze !
Karen on 3 April 2025
Another great Latin Lounge with Steve Ashley tonight. This has been a great series.
Barbara Heathcote on 3 April 2025
Hi Andy, thanks for playing the beautiful voice of Vic Damone, Carefree was a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers film. Can I please request Sammy Davies “I Gotta be Me” sometime please.
Brian Reynolds on 3 April 2025
Of course you don’t have to work whilst listening, Kim! I hope you enjoyed ‘Music While You Work’ as much as I did!
It was a real cracker today from Isy Geiger’s orchestra – I met Isy in 1973, when he was in his late eighties , at an open-air evening concert which (typically for him) had overrun – to the point that the musicians had to tell him it was time to go home! He told me afterwards, “If they let me I would willingly play all night – I love music so much!”. Incidentally, when Isy lived in Vienna, he was a personal friend of Franz Lehar!
KIM PHILLIPS on 3 April 2025
It’s 9 am in the morning , got up and made a cup of tea. Decided to go back to bed and listen to serenade radio- lovely and relaxing, glorious music, then 9.30 it’s “music while you work” time, I was thinking “you don’t have to work when your listening do you?
Well I’m staying here in bed and will get up at 10 and carry on Listening all around the house.
Marilyn Woodise on 2 April 2025
A great station. A few years ago I used to listen to Alan Dell on radio 2 on a Sunday afternoon. This set of my interest in easy listening music. Keep up the good work.
Martyn Daye The Doris Day Archive uk on 2 April 2025
Tomorrow, April 3rd would have been 103rd birthday of Doris Day – thank you for playing her songs
Johnny Mac on 3 April 2025
Hi Martyn. I play a ‘Doris of the Day’ song on my show, A Little Night Music, every Saturday morning just around 5.45am.
Martyn Daye on 2 April 2025
Hi – last week Andy played Rosemary Clooney singing Secret Love and I was wondering if there were any details of when bit was recorded or where it appears. I cannot find any trace of her version.
Thanks
Andy Grahamme on 2 April 2025
I love The Quiet Hour…just brilliant. The music is such a delight and Jane a class broadcaster. In a different time and place Jane would have been a Radio 2 regular.
Vanessa-Ann Dowsett on 30 March 2025
I really love the hour of Showstoppers, cannot believe how quickly an hour can disappear. Much to my neighbours chagrin, I sing along for most of the show , thanks to all concerned and long may the show continue
Jackie Newark on 30 March 2025
Dear Mr Marriott
With regard to your request for suggestions for your 8.30 “twaddle” slot, may I respectfully ask that you give due consideration to a week of recordings by one Joyce Grenfell. Thank you for your consideration. I remain your obedient servant. Yours faithfully, Jacqueline Newark (Mrs)
Nicola Timmerman on 30 March 2025
Always such a treat to hear Mark Steyn and marvel at his knowledge and select interviews.
Suit on 29 March 2025
Hello Simon, in your wonderful programme you played music by Kookie Freeman. Helmuth Brandenburg worked in Munich before he went to Berlin. The studio where he recorded was an old cinema in Munich-Freimann – Freimann translated into English is ‘Freeman’. That’s how the name came about. Unfortunately, I don’t know anything more specific about the first name. Best, Suit. from Germany.
Simon McLean on 1 April 2025
Hello Suit, thank you so much for that information, I had no idea that was where the Freeman part of the name came from – very interesting! I am a huge fan of Helmuth Brandenburg under both his real name and his Kookie alias! Simon
Suit on 1 April 2025
Great! If required, I can also provide you with specific information on Hans Ehrlinger, Delle Haensch, Werner Müller, Alfred Hause, Frank Valdor, Peter Thomas, Hubert Deuringer, Georges Delagaye and other German bandleaders or studio musicians.
Simon McLean on 1 April 2025
I would be delighted to hear anything you may have – send an e-mail marked for my attention to the ‘contact us’ page above please, and it’ll be passed on to me. Thank you!
Martyn Bassey on 29 March 2025
Many thanks to Sean Usher and Johnny Mac for the excellent music on The Night Shift 👍🙂
Johnny Mac on 30 March 2025
Thank you, Martyn, and all the GEMS (Great Early Morning Stalwarts) out there.
I have an artist of the week nominated by one of our GEMS for next Saturday. More suggestions always welcome!
Nancy on 29 March 2025
Husband and I were off by 1 and 2 years, respectively, for third mystery year. Such good music this evening Johnny – and next week we’ll be in sync, time wise!
Johnny Mac on 30 March 2025
Thank you, Nancy, and good to see the broken clocks are fixed and ‘summertime’ is here again!
Nancy on 29 March 2025
Second mystery year had three lovely songs. Did not know the Robert Knight or Des O’Connor selections but I did know ‘Son Of a Preacher Man’ and got the correct year from that – thanks Dusty!
Martyn Bassey on 29 March 2025
I got 1968 thanks to Dusty and Des O’Connor. I remember the Robert Knight song was a big hit when it was re-released here in 1973 👍🙂
Edgar on 26 March 2025
My third grade class did a program on stage where we danced to Hawaiian songs, including that one. I had the prestigious job of beating the poi. I didn’t want to dance.
Mark Farlow on 26 March 2025
Listened in to An Hour of Jazz on a Sunday night and really loved.. a good calming hour 😌
Barbara Heathcote on 25 March 2025
Hi Andy, you must be psychic as after hearing Mitch Miller sing the Yellow Rose of Texas the other day I was going to suggest the Stan Freiburg version. Thanks.
Wyatt on 25 March 2025
Today was going along pretty much like most, and then I found Serenade Radio… a very positive moment.
Jim on 24 March 2025
I live in Austin, Texas and listen every morning. I really enjoy SR a lot. Keep up the good work.😎
David Hilton on 24 March 2025
Nana Maskouri is 90 and living in Switzerland
Ian C on 23 March 2025
Great weekend listening yet again from the Steve James breakfast progs ! On a somewhat belated note, Steve asked last Sunday morning whether the song “I just don’t know what to do with myself” was suitable to be performed by Chris Farlowe. Having listened to his characteristically “rusty-voiced” performance and examined the lyrics carefully ( which don’t exclusively apply to female rendition), I thought the song worked quite well for him and the listener. I think Chris was attempting to echo the feeling bereftness from a male perspective when a partnership/ relationship breaks down. Oh, and thanks for playing Paul Jones (of Manfred Mann) once again, this morning !
Steve James on 23 March 2025
Hello Ian and thank you for your kind comments- Yes, I was musing on the fact that I’ve never heard that song sung from the male perspective before and I really rather enjoyed Chris Farlowe’s version. He recorded an extraordinary sitar-infused take on that old standard Moanin’, which I’m rather fond of. More Paul Jones to come- his albums ‘Love Me, Love My Friends’ (1968) and ‘Come Into My Music Box’ (1969) are full of interesting tracks with a distinct theatrical influence.
Ian C on 24 March 2025
Many thanks for your reply and the info supplied, Steve. I shall look out for Chris Farlowe’s version of ‘Moanin’ as well as hearing more of the talented Paul Jones in future programmes. Best wishes !
Tim on 22 March 2025
Just found Serenade Radio from Mark Styen’s X page, just up my street
Johnny Mac on 22 March 2025
The extra hour you have on us is doing you proud, Nancy. Onwards and upwards, GEMS!
Anthony Parkin on 22 March 2025
A bit of a story…Over 50 years ago I was always on holiday with my parents. I’m the Bournemouth and Boscombe area. I’m the latter location there was a roller skating rink on the pier.
Obviously music was played. We were taken by a tune and got it’s details. We never found it. Rarely heard it if ever on the radio.
Long after my parents died I found it on a 78rpm record. I was unable to play it 🤣
It was the “B” side of Zambezi by Lou Busch and his Orchestra. As an aside…he was married to singer Janet Blair then Margaret Whiting. He has an interesting life story if you get the chance to look him up.
He also was known as Joe “Fingers” Carr.
The tune was Rainbow’s End. A few years ago Serenade played it. It rekindled my interest. I finally found a double CD online. Showcasing Carr’s work but it was included. So it took me decades to find it.
Today Cindy Kent plated a song by Dick Haymes and you know songs can share the same titles. It sounded a little familiar. He is credited as writing the lyrics. Yes it is Rainbow’s End once more.
I had no idea a song existed. Unreleased until 2006 as part of a two CD set of his recordings for Capitol.
Serenade does it again.
Cindy Kent on 23 March 2025
Thank you for this. Glad to be if service! Keeep listening and spreading the word!😊
Paul on 22 March 2025
Feeling really rough today with a nasty bug but enjoying Cindy’s show this afternoon. I was hoping to get some sleep but I’m enjoying the music too much
Nancy on 22 March 2025
I was “buggy” last week and thankfully Serenade Radio provided a friendly sound to keep me in good spirits Hope you’re up and at ’em very soon Paul!
Paul on 23 March 2025
Thanks Nancy 🙂
Cindy Kent on 23 March 2025
Sorry you’re not well, Paul. Glad my show cheered you up. That’s what Serenade is here for! Spread the word and hope you feel better soon. 😊
Paul on 23 March 2025
Thank you Cindy 🙂
Matthew on 22 March 2025
It’s worth repeating that Chris Helme’s Friday 9pm Bandstand programme is a joy, education and a destination listen every week. If you haven’t dipped in yet, try and do so; you won’t be disappointed. Five 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Brian Bunn on 26 March 2025
Hi Matthew, agreed 👍 Bandstand is the best 😊
Martyn Bassey on 22 March 2025
Loving You Has Made Me Bananas by Guy Marks. Great fun 😄
Nancy on 22 March 2025
Makes for great twaddle 😂
Anthony Parkin on 22 March 2025
Memories of a 70’s on the seas pirate radio station. I found a copy at the time. I now think it is on a CD somewhere in my massive music collection. Great fun.
Johnny Mac on 22 March 2025
It was one Terry Wogan who introduced me to that classic, during his Fight The Flab years. Along with Where The Lighthouse Shines Across The Bay, by Conrad Veidt, which certainly was a unique piece of twaddle!
Nick Hingley on 22 March 2025
I well-remember Terry Wogan and the late great Ray Moore, who preceded him on the early morning show, playing ‘Loving You has made me Bananas’ regularly early in the spring of 1978. I loved the parody of 1940s American radio live broadcast relay with bonkers lyrics.
When it comes to twaddle, Father Abraham’s ‘Smurf Song’ was out at around the same time – a send-up of which then done by the Barron Knights on one of their novelty singles ‘A Taste of Aggro’. In those days I lived in a difficult area for AM radio reception (all I had) but fortunately Radio 2 was still on 1500m Long Wave and solid.
Heavy plays at that time included John Paul Young’s ‘Love is in the air’ and James Galway’s version of John Denver’s ‘Annie’s Song’. Gerry Rafferty’s ‘Baker Street’ also got an airing. Radio 2 weren’t afraid to play chart material in those days but stayed on the melodic side and, thankfully, well away from anything punk. (Radio 2 was a real mix in those days.) I’d already long grown tired and out of daytime Radio One by that point though I did tune to Caroline from time to time – I suppose I was a strange youth.
Martyn Bassey on 22 March 2025
Three classics from 1972. Fabulous. Many thanks Johnny 🙂
Johnny Mac on 23 March 2025
Thank you, Martyn. You’ve stood by A Little Night Music for nearly three years now! A real gem of a listener!
Nancy on 19 March 2025
Eleven more days for the UK and USA time changes to sync. Don’t get me wrong – anytime is a great time to listen to Serenade Radio, I just didn’t think so much math would be involved🤣
Nick Hingley on 21 March 2025
Yes, I noticed everything had shifted an hour because when I am not listening to Serenade I listen in your direction to NPR stations KKJZ for jazz and WQXR for classical. That’s two lots of maths for me as one in California and the other in NY!
Barbara Heathcote on 19 March 2025
Hi Andy, been enjoying listening to Jonathan and Darleen Edward’s, another version of Tiptoe Through the Tulips is by Tiny Tim. Could be a bit of twaddle sometime in the future.
David Small on 18 March 2025
Not before time Andy that you are playing the Album of the week Johnathan and Darleen Edwards in you Twaddle section on the breakfast show just brilliant and I am enjoying their fantastic and clever recordings . More Please
Vanessa-Ann Dowsett on 17 March 2025
Fabulous to hear Jonathan and Darlene Edwards. It’s so bad that it’s wonderful. They were such a talented couple. I had read that Jo and Paul did this as a party piece and was picked up by someone attending who was in the record business. Thank you Andy loved it to bits
Reg on 16 March 2025
Hello, well I listen to a LOT of radio on different platforms, but I have to say the best 2 hrs recently has been Roger Williams Soft Folkus. Sunday nights. Love it, right up my street, parked in my driveway and unloading the groceries. Thanks for enabling this excellent prog. Fair play to Roger.
Roger Williams on 16 March 2025
Hello Reg,
Thank you so much for your kind comments about Soft Folkus. I love putting the show together and it’s just great when people ‘get’ what I do. As you’ll have gathered I try to feature the best of what can broadly be described as Folk Music from across the decades.
Please feel free to make suggestions about material that might suit the show.
Roger
Anthony Parkin on 22 March 2025
I don’t get out much but Sunday means I usually do miss miss Soft Folkus. But not this week so the bonus is that I can listen in.
Chris Hitchcock. Dublin. on 16 March 2025
Thank you Mark for the tribute to Jimmy Kennedy and for the nugget of information that his brother was a broadcaster on Housewives Choice also for settling the debate as to Victor Herbert’s birthplace. I was impressed as you were by the young lady that sang the final item . I will listen to the repeat as I missed her name. Serenade deserve great credit regarding the Irish performers that they feature such as Val Doonican, Ruby Murray, The Pattersons, The Batchelors etc. Our national station are aiming at a different demographic . Perhaps next St. Patricks day you might think of looking at the work of Richard Farrelly composer of “The Isle of Innisfree” and many other ballads. Hollywood to its shame did not give him composer credit for “The Quiet Man” all of it going to Victor Young who in fairness adapted the tune in the score. Thanks you and all of the presenters who make listening a pleasure.
Mark Steyn on 17 March 2025
Thank you, Chris. The lady whose name you’re seeking is Rhoda Barfoot, and the CD is called “Across the Sea to Ireland”. As for Mr Farrelly, he’s treated pretty appallingly by “The Quiet Man”‘s credits, but it’s good basic advice that one’s billing is something that should always be nailed down well in advance. I do like that very early song of his that was a modest hit for Anne Shelton, so I may dig that out one of these weeks – no need to wait upon any bank holidays or whatever.
Christopher Hitchcock on 17 March 2025
Thanks Mark for the details. Just when I decided to desist from buying any more CDs the search for material that I hear on Serenade continues. By the way I have the Ann Shelton track should you have any problems locating it.
Brian Bunn on 16 March 2025
What a wonderful radio 📻 station 😊
I’m curios what other listeners favourite shows are?
Mine are (in no particular order) Bandstand, Music While You Work, Sing Somerhing Simple, Big Band Special, Tge Dance Band Days, and Andy’s Breakfast Show.
As you can see, I like instrumentals of the 30’s-60’s 😊
We are so lucky to have this superb radio 📻 station – best on the airwaves ever !
Nancy on 16 March 2025
Hi Brian! My own favorites include Steyn’s Song of the Week and On The Town, Johnny Mac’s A Little Night Music, Big Band Special, Dance Band Days, Showstoppers, and Dick Fisher’s and Cindy Kent’s programs. And then there’s whatever’s playing when I turn it on at all hours. 😁
Suzy on 23 March 2025
I’m in my element waking early to Johnny Mac then on into lovely Ed Wellman on weekends. Mark Steyn is always so interesting with amazing anecdotes and info. Andy always starts the weekdays off so well. It’s as much about the presenters as the music for me but all of Serenade is a much-needed safe haven, as radio used to be. It’s on practically 24/7!
Johnny Mac on 1 April 2025
Ah, Suzy, a testimonial to A Little Night Music that I’ve just seen. Welcome to the world of the GEMS (Great Early Morning Stalwarts)!
Fraser Sutherland on 16 March 2025
Re: Mark Steyn’s ‘On the Town’, (Ep. 46).
When the pre Saint Patrick’s Day running order contains Frankie Lane, a brace of ‘Tea for Two’, a truly scandalous justification for the Sinatra sextet: if you stand in Athlone and look south …cue Jimmy Kennedy’s ‘South of the Border, Down Mexico Way’, the exuberant linguistic dexterity of Caterina Valente’s ‘Istanbul not Constantinople’ and sunshine- personified Dino’s ‘Write to me from Naples’ then you truly have the Infectious Joy Edition and the very best yet. All these talents -but for me Melanie Scholtz’s beguiling, bouncing ‘Tea for Two’ ( and the memorable phrasing of ‘sugar’ in the line ‘start to bake a …’) and R. Barfoot’s take on ‘Galway Bay’ ( after which Mark’s ‘hmm’ said it all) crowned this best ever edition. Tremendous.
Mark Steyn on 17 March 2025
Thank you, Fraser. I should, however, correct one misapprehension of yours: if you’re in Athlone and seeking Jimmy Kennedy’s old haunts, you need to go NORTH of the border. I wouldn’t want our Irish listeners to think we redrew the map after the Serenade Christmas knees-up.
Karen on 15 March 2025
Thankyou Adrian for playing tracks from the fabulous and beautiful Les Miserables album. I certainly never tire of hearing them , in fact i wouldn’t mind if you played the whole score but you’d probably need a longer show! 😉
Nancy on 15 March 2025
Karen I had the good fortune to see Les Miserables four times in San Francisco in the late 80’s. It never grows old for me – what a beautiful score!
Karen on 15 March 2025
Two mystery years in the bag. Yes I did have a david Cassidy poster and I was 18 for the second so got it straight away. I usually listen and doze but tonight there is no sleep to be had, so I can say it
is a particularly good show today as I’ve heard every track !
Johnny Mac on 16 March 2025
Thank you, Karen, as always you live up to the motto of the Great Early Morning Stalwarts – be grim but determined!
Martyn Bassey on 15 March 2025
All The Love In The World by Dionne Warwick is a great favourite of mine. Thanks Johnny 👍
Johnny Mac on 16 March 2025
Yes, Martyn, Ms Warwick rarely fails us. Thank you for tuning into A Little Night Music. You’re a gem!
Nancy on 15 March 2025
Art Garfunkel and the Gershwin brothers are an unbeatable combination – great first hour Johnny!
Johnny Mac on 16 March 2025
You’re so right, Nancy. There are a string of more contemporary singers like Art, Carly and Linda Ronstadt who have complemented the Great American Songbook perfectly.
Jeff Gaskell on 13 March 2025
Love Music Box …all the shows on Serenade are excellent….but this in particular represents quintessential easy listening for me….Simon’s choice of instrumentals are a daily treat ❤
Simon McLean on 13 March 2025
Thank you Jeff – lovely to hear you’re enjoying the show!
Barbara Heathcote on 10 March 2025
Hi Andy thank you for playing Vic Damone and also The Purple People Eater, shame I missed it as my telephone went . Wish there was a repeat of the programme. ☹️
John Walsh on 10 March 2025
Serenade radio on here all day as I paint and create my artwork. The perfect companion.
Linda Crooks on 10 March 2025
I’m new to your Website and to Serenade Radio but find the Radio wonderful. Stopped listening to music because modern music doesn’t appeal to me. Your Serenade Station is wonderful. The vocals and the orchestras. So refreshing to find this type of music online. Thanks.
Maria Beets Van Galen on 9 March 2025
I just love listening to Serenade Radio. It makes me so happy.
Wishing you all a beautiful Sunday. Love Maria from the Netherlands 🇳🇱
Alan on 9 March 2025
Hi – Love Steve James’ Late Night Extra but am very disappointed that instead of new shows, they seem to be repeats these days. For example, the show on yesterday (8 March 2025) was first aired the same weekend last year (9 March 2024), the show aired on 1 March 2025 was first aired on 2 March 2024, and the show aired on 22 February 2025 was previously aired on 24 February 2024. Are new shows no longer being made? I can revisit old recordings on my pc, so no new shows means not listening for me.
Andy Marriott on 9 March 2025
Hi Alan,
Steve is taking a break from Late Night Extra at the moment, as indicated on our website.
People are not always able to give their time in order to make free programmes, sometimes life gets in the way.
Sorry to cause you such disappointment.
KIM PHILLIPS on 9 March 2025
What a fantastic radio station, it’s on most of the day and night. I tell anyone who’ll listen. Great presenters and good music, most of which you wouldn’t hear any where else on the radio.
Thanks Andy
John Walsh on 8 March 2025
One of the best radio stations I ever experienced, great professional presentation. I am sending out the vibes to a lot of my friends here in Ireland.
Lindsay Seagrim-Trinder on 8 March 2025
Are there any listeners out there who can help identify a lovely piece of music I’ve only ever heard on Serenade, please? I believe it’s called “The Call Of The West” and it features a lovely harmonica. It’s not on Youtube or Spotify under that name and I’d love to find out the proper name, and who it’s played by!! Thanks in anticipation x
Andy Marriott on 8 March 2025
Hi Lindsay, I was just about to reply to your email about this, but I’ll do it here so anyone else who may be interested can see it. The tune is indeed called “The call of the west”. It is played by Mantovani and his orchestra. It’s the B-side of a single released in 1957. The A-side is the theme to the James Dean movie: “Let me be loved”. Hope that helps.
Lindsay Seagrim-Trinder on 8 March 2025
Hi Andy thank you so much for your swift reply, I’m very grateful to you xx
Andy Grahamme on 8 March 2025
Fabulous breakfast show this morning from Steve James…just brilliant!! Vicki Carr and Noel Harrison just amazing…Without doubt the coolest early show around …and we’ve still got Late Night Extra and Sunday breakfast to come!!!!
Martyn Bassey on 8 March 2025
No luck with the Mystery Years so far. The Dionne Warwick song is my favourite by her. Great music from Peter, Paul, and Mary as well. Thanks Johnny 👍
Johnny Mac on 8 March 2025
Thanks again, Martyn. Dionne is a living legend of ‘our kind of music’.
Martyn Bassey on 7 March 2025
Wonderful Bandstand with Chris Helme this evening. I especially enjoyed the lovely “Memories of the Alhambra” by The Black Dyke Band. Many thanks.
Bernard on 7 March 2025
Just discovered this station and have put it on my iPhone & tablet. Wonderful music and content- just love “Music while you work”
every day. Keep up the good work 👍👍
Barbara Heathcote on 6 March 2025
Hi Andy great programme tonight as usual. Serenade Radio is the best radio station for me. Can you please play The Purple People Eater again by Sheb Woolley as your bit of nonsense slot. Thank you.
Barry Williams on 5 March 2025
Serenade never fails to entertain with great presenters and of course , the wonderful music. Where else could you hear Clint Eastwood singing ‘I Talk to the Trees’ as I did this morning.
Best Wishes to all at Serenade
Frank Leadon on 2 March 2025
Love Kevin Taylor’s show Great variety , thanks
Kevin Taylor on 2 March 2025
Hi Frank,
Thanks so much for the nice compliment, and for supporting Serenade Radio!
Andrew Barker on 2 March 2025
Please consider making programs downloadable, if onky for a week or two. Thanks
Ian Gumbley on 2 March 2025
Enjoying the Dance Band Days programme with Roger.
I’m not sure how your knowledge is of the British Dance Bands. If you need to know anything please get in touch. I am a friend of Clare Teal who played these wonderful records on her Jazz FM show. If you scroll through the posts on Clares Facebook page you will find lots of information from my many write ups which I did every week.
Roger Williams on 2 March 2025
Hello Ian
Thank you for your kind comments about Dance Band Days. I’ve had a look at Clare Teal’s Facebook Page and some of the essays you’ve written about the artists featured. You clearly have a passion for the music and have undertaken a significant amount of scholarship on the genre – maybe you should write a book? Perhaps you already have? Dance Band Days is very much a team effort by Serenade Radio. My interest in the music stems from my Mother’s love of the bands of the era. She was taught guitar by a chap called Ronnie Joynes who for a while was part of a duo called Ron and Des Lane – Des was known as “the penny whistle man”, Ronnie was a dance band guitarist who also played Hawaiian Guitar.
I’ve been very much helped as the presenter of the show by two experts in the field, initially John Wright who used to present a Dance Band Podcast and latterly by Producer Paul who decides the running order and provides my script. Andy Marriot is also involved in putting the show together. Thank you for interest. Jazz FM have been short sighted in dispensing with Clare Teal’s services. An expert and knowledgable presenter.
Roger
Mark on 1 March 2025
I wanted to say thank you to Stuart Linnell for playing The night is filled with music by Neil Richardson, it’s the first time I’ve heard it on Serenade radio, I was going to send a request for it, so thanks Stuart, all the best.
Stuart Linnell on 2 March 2025
My pleasure Mark. Glad you enjoyed it.
Ian on 28 February 2025
Could it be that Andy M is 64 today or sometime this weekend? Signing off with “When I’m 64” this morning got me to thinking that this might be the case (see Presenter profiles). If this is indeed the case, Happy Birthday, Andy !
Jason and Laura Friend on 26 February 2025
What a great day of music! Heard all our favorites today – Rosemary Clooney, Frankie Avalon, Eydie Gorme, selections by Irving Berlin and Sound of Music. What a fun day of listening!
Gay on 26 February 2025
I have only recently heard of Serenade Radio, and I absolutely love it. I have it playing as much as I can. Thank you so much, keep up the great radio station.
Nancy on 25 February 2025
Dick Fisher I’m surprised that you think ‘La Cucaracha’ is the only song celebrating a harmful insect. ‘Tarantella’, for example, celebrates the tarantula. Just telling you what you didn’t know you didn’t know 😊
Dick Fisher on 26 February 2025
I always knew my listeners were far more intelligent than I! Smarty pants.
David Yarnall on 5 March 2025
Im saying nothing about my old mate Dick but ……😂