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  1. Andrew Hunter on 19 April 2025

    Hi Adrian, tuned in and enjoying your show, Really enjoyed The Lullaby of Broadway and Bui Doi, so far! Looking forward to what still follows. Andrew in CT.

  2. Barbara Heathcote on 19 April 2025

    Just listening to Show Stoppers. I never knew Jerry Orbach (baby’s dad ) 💃 could sing, great voice

  3. Ian Hall on 19 April 2025

    Another great selection of music and humour from Jeff Owen! (PS And thankfully Ofcom saw sense over the proposed BBC R2 oldies station.)

  4. Martyn Bassey on 19 April 2025

    No luck with the mystery years. I’ve always liked Mama by Dave Berry. Great songs by Roberta Flack as well. Thanks Johnny 👍

  5. Dave from Doncaster on 18 April 2025

    To all at Serenade Radio, I was so sad to hear of the passing of Dick Fisher my heart felt thoughts go out to his family.
    Dick had a real professionalism in the way he presented his daily morning programmes,I’m sure he will be sadly missed.
    RIP Dick😔

  6. Jackie Newark on 18 April 2025

    Sammes Songs – what a lovely programme. Thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for next week. Thank you.

  7. Karen on 18 April 2025

    Thank you for a great show Paul Ruddock . Lovely spring tunes on this rainy evening.

    • Paul Ruddock on 18 April 2025

      Hello Karen

      Very kind of you to leave a comment here and I’m chuffed you enjoyed the show. Do tune in again in the summer if you can, you never know it might have stopped raining by then…!

      Best wishes
      Paul

  8. Anne Crowcroft on 18 April 2025

    Many thanks Johnny Mac for a lovely Show, this Friday morning. Every song and tune I enjoyed!

    • Johnny Mac on 18 April 2025

      Thank you, Anne. Maybe you’ll drop in on my Saturday morning show, A Little Night Music, from 3am-6am.

  9. David Small on 18 April 2025

    Well done this week Johnny Mac loved all the music you have played this week at 10.00 2 hours of music that you cannot hear anywhere else and on the best radio station Serenade Radio

  10. Edgar on 17 April 2025

    John Fox’s music is the way I’ve always heard it should be.

  11. Martyn Bassey on 17 April 2025

    Fabulous show this morning with Johnny Mac. Thanks also for the shout out. Made my day. Top man 👍

  12. Chris Cobb on 17 April 2025

    I’ve never been up early enough to catch Ed Wellman or Johnny Mac’s shows but having heard them both in the 10 to 12 slot over the last two weeks I realise what I’ve been missing. Two excellent presenters with an excellent mix of music.

    • Johnny Mac on 17 April 2025

      Thank you, Chris. That’s very much appreciated. If you’ve ever got a touch of insomnia, I’m here 3am-6am Saturdays with A Little Night Music.

  13. Barbara Heathcote on 16 April 2025

    Hi Andy, after Vic Damone I could listen to Andy Williams all night. The Hawaiian Wedding Song is one of his best.

  14. Ray Clarke on 16 April 2025

    Lovely show this morning Johnny Mac!

    • Nancy on 16 April 2025

      Johnny’s one of my favorite presenters. Great music and style!

  15. Sandra on 16 April 2025

    Thank you so much for playing, Music while you work, The Banjoliers today.

    Do love to hear the banjos and ukulele’s, the volume goes up of course,my happy music. So pleased to have Serenade Radio to listen to, what would we do without you all.

    • Brian Reynolds on 17 April 2025

      Sandra – I share your enthusiasm for the Banjoliers. In fact I had the pleasure of attending their final broadcast in 1982 ! They were formed in 1932! Originally they were known as Troise and his Banjoliers, but when Pasquale Troise died in 1957 they were taken over by Jack Mandel. They did more Music While You Work shows than any other combination. You can find out more about them on YouTube, under Troise.

  16. Ronnie Lee on 16 April 2025

    Ed Wellman. A beautiful way to wake up in the morning.

  17. Ronnie Lee on 16 April 2025

    Very sad to hear of the death of Dick Fisher a wonderful man

  18. Wim Willems on 16 April 2025

    A message attn Simon McLean. Dear Simon, I always listen to your programme Music Box at 13.00 hrs (12 noon UK time) and I love the instrumental music you’re playing. I was listening yesterday (15 April) when you mentioned you would be celebrating your birthday today the 16 April. I hereby wish you many happy returns of the day and keep on playing this great music and I pledge to listen to your programme. Greetings from Wim Willems, Almere, the Netherlands

    • Simon McLean on 16 April 2025

      Thank you, Wim – I hope you continue to enjoy the show!

  19. Philip Pearce on 16 April 2025

    It was a delight to wake up this morning and listen to Sid Phillips and his band. Rarely heard these days.

  20. Johnny Mac on 16 April 2025

    Happy birthday and many happy returns to Simon McLean. Music Box is a diamond of a show!

    • Simon McLean on 16 April 2025

      Thank you, Johnny!

  21. Nicky on 16 April 2025

    I am so sorry to hear that Dick Fisher has died and send my sincerest condolences to his family.
    His programme was always a joy and his penchant to tell us things that we did not know that we did not know made it seem personal. He will be sadly missed and good luck to his successor.

  22. Nancy on 15 April 2025

    Great Norah Jones story: My husband’s a piano technician and a few years ago we received a call from a venue that was hosting Norah Jones. Husband didn’t know who she was and handed the phone to me to complete the appointment as he had a client waiting. Afterwards I asked him if he knew who she was; he didn’t. So I told him she was Ravi Shankar’s daughter and he really perked up! A few days later I heard him telling some younger friends that he was going to be working for Ravi Shankar’s daughter. They had no idea who Ravi Shankar was…
    I still laugh thinking about that!

  23. Karen on 15 April 2025

    Great show today Johnny. I was indeed dancing around the house. Apparently
    it’s more acceptable at 10.30 than it is at 3.30am. 😉

  24. Ray Clarke on 15 April 2025

    Thanks Johnny for another lovely chilled morning of great music!

  25. Nancy on 14 April 2025

    Great to hear Johnny Mac mid afternoon (Montana time), filling the wonderful Dick Fisher’s spot. Shout out to Johnny’s GEMs who may be listening!

    • Martyn Bassey on 14 April 2025

      I’m enjoying listening to Johnny Mac on the evening repeat. Big shout out to you Nancy 👍

    • Karen on 15 April 2025

      Hi Nancy . Another GEM reporting in . 🙂

    • Johnny Mac on 19 April 2025

      Thank you, dear GEMS, one and all. Hope you heard the Quiet Mentions (QMs) that I gave you. I can’t do a Shout Out! Bad for the vocal chords of honey here!

  26. Catherine B on 14 April 2025

    Thank you Johnny Mac for a lovely programme this morning. A real treat to hear you mid-morning and such beautiful tracks, especially ending with Linda Ronstadt for Dick. Condolences to his family and all at SR.

  27. David Small on 14 April 2025

    What a lovely selection of music this morning from you Johnny Mac and like you I too Willie Nelson such a legend you did well on your first programme of the week got me through some house work this morning and then a nice cuppa

  28. Ray Clarke on 14 April 2025

    What a lovely selection of music by Johnny Mac, a very relaxing morning with a cup of tea. Thank you!

  29. Nick Hingley on 13 April 2025

    Happy Birthday Johnny Beerling!
    I never miss the show – I found a few Ted Heath LPs at a flea market a year or two back icluding one at the BBC. Also fond memories of Sheila Tracy.

  30. Roger Cairns-Berteau on 13 April 2025

    I was shocked and so saddened to learn of Dick’s passing. His sunny outlook and professionalism was such a fitting compliment to the classy music he played. With deep condolences to his family and all colleagues at Serenade.

  31. Andrew Hunter on 12 April 2025

    Hi Adrian. Yes, I am listening in again 🙂 Loved the “Flash, Bang, Wallop” song which was new to me. Enjoyed your referring to Tommy Steele and made me think of “The Fortuosity” song from the Happiest Millionaire featuring Tommy. Please can you play it sometime?
    Regards
    Andrew (in Cape Town, way down South) 🙂

  32. Art Rossi on 12 April 2025

    I use to listen to Serenade Radio without all of the US ads. Even you britts have become caught up in this ad world. It is disappointing.

    • Andy Marriott, Station Manager on 12 April 2025

      Hi Art,
      We do not carry ads of any kind, ever.
      If you are hearing commercials they are being inserted by whatever relay site you are listening to.
      Listen directly from our website or apps and you will not hear ads.
      I’d be interested to learn how you are listening…

  33. Andrew Hunter on 12 April 2025

    Hi Cindy. I am loving your selection this afternoon. Easy, melodic, sing-a-long numbers!
    Have a great weekend
    Andrew in Cape Town

    • Cindy Kent on 18 April 2025

      Thanks Andy. Good to know. Keep listening and alert Happy Easter to you and yours

  34. P. Pennsylvania, USA on 12 April 2025

    So glad I found your station. The best music selections ever. Kudos to the fantastic audio reception. I do not know of any other music source on the internet that brings as much joy! Deep regards,

  35. Stanley Watson on 12 April 2025

    So sorry to hear of Dick Fishers passing.i was a regular listener and loved his choice of music.loved him telling us things you didn’t know you didn’t know.

  36. Catherine /Graham on 12 April 2025

    So sorry to read the sad news about Dick Fisher. We will miss him, he had a nice gentle voice and obviously enjoyed his music.

  37. Martyn Bassey on 12 April 2025

    Got 1976 as soon as I heard Miss You Nights by Cliff Richard. Lovely song by Mary Hopkin. Great music Johnny 👍😊

    • Johnny Mac on 12 April 2025

      Good man, Martyn. You’re a diamond geezer!

  38. Nick Hingley on 11 April 2025

    Well done Ed for stepping so quickly into Dick’s shoes. Enjoyed the shows.

  39. Sandra Hudson on 11 April 2025

    Loving Serenade in Queensland Australia … thank you for the wonderful station

  40. Malcolm Scott on 11 April 2025

    Thanks Ed, very rarely up to hear the Dawn Chorus, which, when I am, is thoroughly enjoyable! Lovely to hear you with my morning coffee ☕! I think Dick would be pleased! M x

  41. Frank on 11 April 2025

    Andy, Bing singing the Isle of Innisfree – you’ve made my day. Frank

  42. Robert Thomson on 11 April 2025

    I am wondering if you have access to any Australian recordings. We had an ABC Big Band and lots of good singers (some imported from the UK!).

    • Simon McLean on 12 April 2025

      Hello! I play some Australian artists on my Music Box show – you can sometimes hear Brian May and the ABC Melbourne Show Band (I ought to play them more often, as they were a great band), as well as Eric Jupp and his Music, and the Melbourne Pops Orchestra. Some excellent music came from Australia, and I’m always open to more suggestions!

  43. Barbara Heathcote on 10 April 2025

    Hi Andy not sure how many remember Elton Hayes but he sang a lot of amusing folk songs such as The Duck and the kangaroo and the Quangles Wangles Hat. A suggestion for the twaddle slot perhaps.

    • Roger Williams on 10 April 2025

      Hello Barbara, excuse me butting in but your mention of Elton Hayes prompted me to include him in Children’s Favourites on Easter Monday at midday. You can probably guess which song it will be, but your message will encourage me to explore his work more widely – an artist that deserves to be remembered more than he is – thank you!
      Roger W

      • Barbara Heathcote on 10 April 2025

        Hi Roger I can guess the song from Robin Hood Riddle de Diddle de Day?

  44. Daren Overington on 10 April 2025

    We are both so saddened to hear of the passing Dick Fisher I always tuned in every morning at 10am for his 2 hours of great music he will be sadly missed.
    Condolences to his family and all his colleagues at Serenade.

  45. Nigel Baines on 9 April 2025

    How pleased I am to have found Serenade radio, after trawling the airways trying to find exactly something like this.
    It is like an aural warm bath ! How nice not to have to be battered with people trying to convince me to get my energy supplied by a squid, or to go on a cruise with Gerty Huiton
    The only thing missing for me is the large stereogram that this music used to emit from either on vinyl or the light program .

  46. Nancy on 8 April 2025

    I’m loving the Joyce Grenfell twaddle, there’s no one like her!

  47. Dave and Sue on 8 April 2025

    Only recently discovered your erstwhile music station. We stay semi permanently here in France in retirement.
    We migrated from South Africa after 50 years, do miss it but quite happy here in the lovely Francaise!
    Carry on the good work with the superb music choices.

  48. Anne W on 7 April 2025

    So sad to hear the passing of Dick Fisher🥲 May he rest with the Angels😇He will be missed🙏🏻❤️

  49. Steve James on 7 April 2025

    Dick’s passing comes as tremendously sad news. He embodied the warmth and friendly familiarity that we all strive for as presenters; the qualities that make Serenade such a very special radio station. Sincere condolences to his family.

  50. Barbara Heathcote on 7 April 2025

    So sorry to hear of the death of Dick Fisher, my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

  51. Chris Cobb on 7 April 2025

    RIP Dick – really loved your show.

  52. Andrew Hewkin on 7 April 2025

    RIP Dick. A consummate pro and an absolute pleasure to work with. Great voice.

  53. Glenda Logan-Reid on 7 April 2025

    I was saddened to hear that Dick Fisher had died. Loved his style of presenting and that lovely voice to go with it. Such a knowledgeable man. He’ll be greatly missed. Big shoes to fill. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP Dick! ❤️

  54. John Walsh on 7 April 2025

    Very sad news this morning that Dick Fisher has passed away. I will miss his great choice of music each morning that he brought in to our lives. Rest in peace Dick.

  55. Sandra on 7 April 2025

    So very well done Ed this morning, a difficult thing to have to do. Your chosen words for Dick at the start were amazing.You certainly did put an arm around the show, thank you.

    • Dave in London on 7 April 2025

      And further thanks here if I may, Sandra, to Ed for the Monday evening edition which he crafted as new. Ed gave us a sensitive and frankly beautiful mix of music and links to help us deal with the loss of Dick Fisher. I had the honour to hear both editions today.

  56. Julia Wilson on 7 April 2025

    What a very moving tribute to Dick Fisher from David Yarnell. Dick will be missed, we loved his programs. RIP Dick

  57. John Hutley on 7 April 2025

    Terrible news today regarding Dick. Sincere condolences to his family and friends, especially his colleagues at Serenade Radio. He was a relative newcomer to the SR family but it felt like he had always been with us.
    Special mention to Ed for taking on such a difficult task today

  58. Charlotte on 7 April 2025

    I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dick Fisher this morning when I tuned into Andy’s show.

    I thought the update to listeners was incredibly well handled and the show presented by Ed Wellman, in Dick’s usual slot, was presented with great care, compassion and respect, it demonstrated the very best way of how to handle such sensitive moments.

  59. Liz on 7 April 2025

    It’s so sad to here the news this morning. Sending much love and hugs to everyone at Serenade.

  60. Patrick Gannon on 7 April 2025

    So sad to hear the sad news will be very much missed love to all his family

  61. Jason Herbert on 7 April 2025

    Very sad news. Much love to all his family and friends. I will miss his voice.

  62. David Small on 7 April 2025

    So very sorry to hear the very sad news this morning my thoughts are with his family RIP We will mis you telling us things that we never knew that we never knew.

  63. Linda Madin Stevens on 7 April 2025

    Sad and sorry to hear this. Loved his shows, he was a pleasure to listen to. He will be sorely missed. Heartfelt condolences. 🕊

  64. Andy Grahamme on 7 April 2025

    I’m so very sorry and sad to read the news about Dick Fisher. A marvellous broadcaster who was a pleasure to listen to. Will miss that friendly warm personality.

  65. Tony Gilliam on 7 April 2025

    So sad to hear about Dick Fisher we loved his shows he’ll be a hard act to follow

  66. Joe Elliott on 7 April 2025

    This is so very sad, we listen to him every weekday. He was such a charming and friendly host. God bless him, he’ll be very missed. 🙏🏻

  67. Barry Alan on 7 April 2025

    Very sad. My wife and I loved listening to Dick at night, especially when he talked about things ‘you didn’t know you didn’t know’.

  68. Mike Grant on 7 April 2025

    Really shocked to hear such sad news. A lovely presenter we so enjoyed spending our mornings with him. RIP Dick Fisher.

  69. 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.

  70. 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.

  71. 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.

  72. 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.

  73. 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.

  74. 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

  75. 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.

  76. 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.

  77. 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.

  78. 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.

  79. 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

  80. 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.

  81. 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.

  82. Liz Atwell on 7 April 2025

    Very sad news this morning. Sending much love and many hugs to everyone at Serenade Radio.

  83. 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.

  84. 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

  85. 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.

  86. 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.

  87. 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.

  88. 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.

  89. 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 🙏🏻

  90. 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.

  91. 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.

  92. 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.

  93. 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😟

  94. 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

  95. 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.

  96. 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

  97. 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

  98. 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

  99. 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 🙂

  100. 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.

  101. 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!

  102. 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!

  103. 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!

  104. 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!

  105. 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 !

  106. Karen on 3 April 2025

    Another great Latin Lounge with Steve Ashley tonight. This has been a great series.

  107. 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.

  108. 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!

  109. 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.

  110. 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.

  111. 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.

  112. 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

  113. 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.

  114. 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

  115. 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)

  116. Nicola Timmerman on 30 March 2025

    Always such a treat to hear Mark Steyn and marvel at his knowledge and select interviews.

  117. 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!

  118. 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!

  119. 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!

  120. 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 👍🙂

  121. 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.

  122. Mark Farlow on 26 March 2025

    Listened in to An Hour of Jazz on a Sunday night and really loved.. a good calming hour 😌

  123. 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.

  124. Wyatt on 25 March 2025

    Today was going along pretty much like most, and then I found Serenade Radio… a very positive moment.

  125. 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.😎

  126. David Hilton on 24 March 2025

    Nana Maskouri is 90 and living in Switzerland

  127. 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 !

  128. Tim on 22 March 2025

    Just found Serenade Radio from Mark Styen’s X page, just up my street

  129. Johnny Mac on 22 March 2025

    The extra hour you have on us is doing you proud, Nancy. Onwards and upwards, GEMS!

  130. 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!😊

  131. 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 🙂

  132. 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 😊

  133. 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.

  134. 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!

  135. 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!

  136. 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.

  137. 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

  138. 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

  139. 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.

  140. 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.

  141. 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)!

  142. 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.

  143. 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!

  144. 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!

  145. 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!

  146. 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.

  147. 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!

  148. 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. ☹️

  149. John Walsh on 10 March 2025

    Serenade radio on here all day as I paint and create my artwork. The perfect companion.

  150. 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.

  151. 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 🇳🇱

  152. 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.

  153. 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

  154. 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.

  155. 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

  156. 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!!!!

  157. 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’.

  158. 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.

  159. 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 👍👍

  160. 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.

  161. 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

  162. 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!

  163. Andrew Barker on 2 March 2025

    Please consider making programs downloadable, if onky for a week or two. Thanks

  164. 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

  165. 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.

  166. 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 !

  167. 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!

  168. 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.

  169. 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 ……😂

  170. Dave in London on 25 February 2025

    Rising to the challenge of Andy’s “what’s it all about” this morning, the song ‘Jesusita en Chihuahua’ is a polka concerning a lady called Jesusita who lived the Mexican town of Chihuahua.

    Over the years since 1916 the tune has sprouted other names. Stanley Black and His Orchestra call it ‘The Cactus Polka’. And at certain times of year Jim Reeves can be persuaded to dress it up as ‘The Merry Christmas Polka’.

  171. Fraser Sutherland on 25 February 2025

    Re: Steyn’s ‘Song of the Week’.
    For a good ten minutes I’m thinking the great Mac Davis ‘In the Ghetto’, ‘Memories’…….. ‘La Vie en Rose’ lyrics……er, surely this can’t be right. But who am I to question Sensei Steyn?Duh! Mack David! All’s well with the world and another touching edition of this great show – also notable ( in minor vein) for the beautiful flow of Patsy Gallant’s speaking voice. Not a question then, in her regard, of ‘A Little Less Conversation’!

    • Mark Steyn on 28 February 2025

      Actually, Fraser, when he was starting out as a songwriter, Mac Davis was so worried about being confused with Mack David he briefly changed his name to Scott Davis. Remind me to play “Oh, Lord, It’s Hard to Be Humble (when you’re perfect in every way)” one week.

      • Mac Sutherland on 28 February 2025

        Any confusion over the Mac(k)s by this music plonker was worth it for the lol reference to ” Oh Lord…” in Ma(r)k’s reply. Mind you, since the dawn of time I thought Mac Davis wrote ‘Suspicious Minds’. What it is it withe M- word? Mack, Mac, Mark ( James) all cleared up by Mark. And my middle name is Macleay (true but utterly inconsequential).

  172. Tyronne Merritt on 25 February 2025

    Great radio station nice to hear Big Ben at 6 am today and the music we like to hear thank you

  173. Nancy on 24 February 2025

    Roberta Flack died today at age 88. RIP dear lady😔

    • Johnny Mac on 2 March 2025

      A true giant of soul, ballads and r’n b. I’ll feature Roberta as my artist of the week in A Little Night Music soon. Glad you enjoyed Steve Tyrell!

  174. Su Roys on 23 February 2025

    Listening to Serenade as is my custom whilst cooking dinner on a Sunday, and I’ve caught Mark Steyn’s Show on “La Vie en Rose” tonight. It’s one of my favourite songs, so you could claim I am somewhat biased, but I wanted to drop a message to say what an outstanding show it has been – I listen to ALOT of radio and it’s one of the most entertaining & well produced I’ve heard in a long time. It has restored my faith in real, crafted radio. Many thanks for making my Sunday evening.

    • Nancy on 24 February 2025

      Mark Steyn’s ‘On The Town’ program and his ‘Song of the Week’ are Must Hear Radio for me. Mark’s a treasure for so many reasons and his music shows are a showcase for his musical knowledge and anecdotes. Bravo.

    • Mark Steyn on 28 February 2025

      Thank you, Su (and Nancy). I like all the ones we pick for Song of the Week, but “La Vie en rose” was a particular pleasure.

  175. David Bownes on 23 February 2025

    Vic Groves asked about “This is my song” it was composed in 1967 by Charlie Chaplin for inclusion in his film “The Countess from Hong Kong” starring Sophia Loren. Chaplin wanted it to be recorded by Al Jolson and was surprised when he was told Jolson had died 17 years earlier. Only the instrumental version was included in the film.
    It was recorded by Petula Clark , arranging the song was turned down by Tony Hatch and several others before Ernie Freeman’s arrangement was accepted , it reached no 1 around the world and was one of Petula Clark’s biggest hits , it was also recorded and provided a big hit for Harry Secombe , surprisingly both singers didn’t like the song , Clark even going as far as to try and stop her record company Pye releasing it. I think the version you played by Morgana King is one of the best recordings of the song
    The Eurovision Song you thought it may have been a version of was a very different song , written 3 years before in 1964 when it won the completion , “No ho l’eta (per amarti) sung by Gigliola Cinquetti

    Great programme Vic!

    • Vic Groves on 23 February 2025

      Hi David,
      Thank you very much for the information re “This Is My Song”. and more especially, thanks for listening. You are quite right, I was thinking of the Gigliola Cinquetti song. I’m pleased you like the programme. Just need to do a bit more research! Onwards and upwards. Regards, Vic

  176. James Pickering on 22 February 2025

    Late Night Extra with Steve James is the perfect way to unwind on a Saturday night. I love Steve’s deep knowledge and appreciation of the music. Thanks to him, I’ve added many titles to my collection.

    • Andy Grahamme on 22 February 2025

      An absolute gem of a programme…each record a revelation!!

    • Steve James on 22 February 2025

      Very kind of you James, I’m so glad you enjoy all hearing all these rare tracks as much as I do finding them. I’m always digging around for more, so stay tuned! And thank you Andy G for your continued support. Much appreciated!

      • Wim de Lang on 23 February 2025

        Steve I am such a big fan of your program. Recently you played John Summers with Looking in Windows. I am so glad you know about this record. I know it from the great cd series Ripples. Your choice in music is outstanding.

        • Steve James on 23 February 2025

          Hi Wim, yes ‘Looking In Windows’ is a terrific record- It really should have been a hit! I’m glad it’s not just me that likes it so much. Like you, I also first heard it on the ‘Ripples’ CD, which is one of my favourite 60s compliations.

  177. “Donny “ Dave on 22 February 2025

    Hi Simon another fabulous choice of instrumental music for a Saturday evening, please do keep it coming.😀👏👍

    • Simon McLean on 23 February 2025

      Thank you, Dave! Lovely to hear you enjoyed it!

  178. Dave (Sunny Donny) on 22 February 2025

    Morning Steve great show as always!
    You played Dusty Springfield “Wish ‘n ‘ Hopi’n’ and you made a comment that it did quite well in the American charts but you said that it was not released in the UK.
    May be because the ‘Mersey Beats ‘ did have some success with this song by Burt Bacharach / Hal David
    Great show as always Steve, super music all the way😀

    • Steve James on 22 February 2025

      Hello Dave- thank you for reminding me of the Merseybeats version of ‘Wishin’ And Hopin’ – I’ve not heard that for ages! I’ll have to see if it’s lurking somewhere in our record library.

  179. Karen on 22 February 2025

    Another great show Johnny. Thankyou for playing Elkie Brooks .. especially lilac wine which is my favourite. One out on each of the mystery years… tut tut .. must try harder next week.

    • Johnny Mac on 23 February 2025

      And a great pick from you, Karen, as our artist of the week on A Little Night Music!

  180. Martyn Bassey on 22 February 2025

    Got the first year thanks to that great song by Vikki Carr. And three songs by Elkie Brooks. Brilliant! Thanks Johnny.

    • Nancy on 22 February 2025

      The Seekers did it for me – got the year as well. Johnny’s got a great show tonight, no?

      • Martyn Bassey on 22 February 2025

        Got the second year as well. I remember the Neil Sedaka song. Yes, great show Nancy 👍🙂

  181. Nancy on 22 February 2025

    Elkie Brooks…I’m recently aware of her – what a talent! This is why I love Serenade Radio. I’d never know about her without you!

    • Johnnny Mac on 23 February 2025

      Thank you, Nancy. Elkie is a national treasure, one of our gems, if you like!

  182. Liz Daniel on 21 February 2025

    Hi Andy for your bit of nonsense slot, how about Don’t jump off the roof dad by Tommy Cooper, or Bernard Cribbins Right said Fred, or Hole in the Ground. Then there is always the weather song by flanders and Swan instead of the hippopotamus song, they have a vast selection of great songs and there is always Noel Murphy and Murphy and the Bricks. Love your programme ❤️

  183. Alan on 19 February 2025

    happy belated brithday, just listening to john darvall now, so much better than the tv!!

  184. Sam on 16 February 2025

    Kevin Taylor! Wake the town and tell the people! Les Baxter! You rock Kevin T! Love that one

    • Kevin Taylor on 16 February 2025

      Thanks Sam! It’s a great song and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Cheers! Kevin

  185. Chris Cobb on 16 February 2025

    Belated Happy Birthday. Been with you the full 10 years and still loving it. As I walk into a room at home the first thing I do is to tell the smart speaker ‘Play Serenade Radio ‘. Particular thanks to Vic Groves for playing Patsy Cline’s ‘Crazy’ today. Brings back so many memories.

    • Vic Groves on 16 February 2025

      Hello Chris. I love Patsy’s voice and coupled with Willie Nelson’s writing, Crazy is a classic. Thaks for getting in touch. Keep listening. Vic

  186. Suzy on 16 February 2025

    Happy Birthday, wonderful Serenade Radio. The only thing left to listen to that sounds sane and rational. Celebrating the very best of all our shared memories and the wonderful musical background to our early lives. Thank you Andy and ALL of you, I’m with you most of the day and night. xxx

  187. David Bownes on 16 February 2025

    Peter Tomlinson , Listening to your perfect Sunday afternoon programme and after playing Irving Berlin’s Always, you mentioned that his first wife died very soon after they were married, he only wrote one song for a while after that, a beautiful moving song called “When I Lost You” there seem to be very few recordings of it but there is a great version by Frank Sinatra , be good to hear it
    Thanks for a very enjoyable show Peter

  188. Martyn Bassey on 16 February 2025

    Great to hear Glenda Collins “Fairground” on Steve James show this morning. I don’t know why it wasn’t a big hit. Fab version by Nancy Sinatra of Earl Grant’s “The End” as well. Many thanks Steve for the brilliant music over the weekend 👍

  189. Laurent on 15 February 2025

    Happy birthday Serenade Radio !🎂🎈🎉
    The best radio station in the world!
    Here’s to many more!🥂

  190. Rita Dove on 15 February 2025

    Many congratulations to all involved in providing the music we oldies love to listen to, my radio is constantly on. The music you and your colleagues play will never die, long live Serenade and all involved

  191. Karen on 15 February 2025

    I just wanted to add my congratulations on your 10th birthday to everyone involved in bringing us the wonderful Serenade Radio and especially to Andy Marriott for making his idea a reality, and for all his hard work making sure that Serenade Radio is always there for us . What would we do without it.

  192. Martyn Bassey on 15 February 2025

    Fabulous show Johnny. My mother met Nat King Cole when he sang in Cardiff in 1963. Great to hear him on your show this morning. Many thanks once again 👍

    • Johnny Mac on 15 February 2025

      Great story, your mum was blessed. Nat was only 45 years young when he tragically left us 60 years ago today.

  193. Martyn Bassey on 15 February 2025

    Three from Nat King Cole. Fantastic. Many thanks Johnny 😊👍

  194. Ryan on 14 February 2025

    Happy Birthday Serenade Radio! Here’s to another fantastic 10 years. 😊

  195. Nancy on 14 February 2025

    Birthday blessings for all the entertainment you give us Serenade Radio🎵❤️

  196. Neil Hewitt on 14 February 2025

    Happy 10th Birthday Serenade! Where would we be without you? A huge Thank You to Andy Marriott and all other wonderful presenters, producers and the people who work behind the scenes to bring us a ray of sunshine each and every day! I’ve been listening every day since the very first morning and have loved every minute. Thank you for broadening my musical knowledge and for introducing me to so many fabulous artists, One small complaint – I have to keep visiting ebay to buy LPs and CDs whenever I hear something I find irresistible, which happens often! Here’s to the next ten years. . .

  197. Vanessa Dowsett on 14 February 2025

    Happy birthday Serenade, thank you so much for being there

  198. Ray Clarke on 14 February 2025

    Happy 10th birthday and a special mention for the Saturday earlys, Sean and Johnny, who help me cope with my insomnia.

  199. Heather Stone on 14 February 2025

    Very many Congratulations Serenade Radio! Thank you to all.the presenters for the memories, the music, the joy, and the laughter. Thank you to Andy for his vision in making Serenade possible, and to each of the presenters for your time, commitment and dedication. In Tina Turner’s words ‘ Simpy the best – better than all the rest’

  200. Daren Overington on 14 February 2025

    Bravo! Happy Birthday Serenade Radio I can’t imagine our life without you being a part of it thank you for all the wonderful years 🎶🎵🥰

  201. Linda Cecil on 14 February 2025

    Happy Birthday!!! So glad you are on the “airwaves”!! I enjoy your music and commentary!🥰

  202. Tom Colmey on 14 February 2025

    In an angry world and strange times, just to turn on Serenade Radio is all the therapy I need! A classy station, no drama, no adverts….. just great music.
    Happy Birthday guys and girls 🎂🎂🎂

  203. Andy Grahamme on 14 February 2025

    Fantastic station…just brilliant. A bright bright beacon in a sea of broadcasting mediocrity. Thanks guys…you are simply far and away the best. Great music…excellent presentation..long may you conrinue. xxxx

  204. Maggie Mulherine on 14 February 2025

    Happy Birthday Serenade Radio. Thank you so much for being there. Here’s to many, many more happy years with you. xxx

  205. Glenn Purland on 14 February 2025

    Happy Birthday and a BIG thanks to everyone at Serenade Radio for bringing us “our kind of music” every day. Here’s to the next ten years! 🎉👏🏻

  206. Barry Alan on 14 February 2025

    Happy Birthday to the best music radio station bar none!

  207. Susie Roys on 14 February 2025

    Many happy returns of the day Team Serenade Radio – thankyou for the music, and especially thankyou to the Dawn Chorus.

  208. Maria Beets Van Galen on 14 February 2025

    Congratulations Serenade Radio. And many more years to come. You’re making my life complete. Love Maria from the Netherlands 🇳🇱

  209. Russell on 14 February 2025

    Happy anniversary – thank you so so much for the lovely music and presentation.

  210. David Small on 14 February 2025

    Happy 10th Birthday Serenade Radio and thank you to all the presenters who bring us all those lovely programmes every day of the week . To Andy and all your team Thank you for the music . The best Radio Station .

  211. Catherine B on 14 February 2025

    Happy 10th Birthday to all at Serenade, wonderful presenters (and listeners). Thank you Andy, our listening has been transformed since you told us about SR. It’s so nice receiving a reply and to read other people’s comments.

  212. Mark Eyre on 14 February 2025

    Happy birthday Serenade Radio, thank you Andy and all your team for creating the best radio station, here’s to many more years 🎉

  213. Maggie on 14 February 2025

    Happy Tenth Birthday to all at Serenade Radio. You have made my days so much better by being there. I adore ‘easy listening’ and my mornings would not be the same without Andy’s ‘bit of nonsense’ 😉 . I love all the programmes and presenters, When I am unable to sleep at night, (most nights) I have your station playing softly in my ear. Thank you Andy for ‘creating’ the best station in the world. Love from Maggie. (total fan of yours) xxx

  214. Chris on 13 February 2025

    Thank you, John Darvell, for playing Frank singing ‘As You Desire Me’. Serenade is on here all day. I’ve listened since the Station started and this is only the third time I’ve heard it played. I first heard it as the closer for Alan Dell’s programme around 1994. Thank you.

  215. Andy Field on 10 February 2025

    Steve James played This is the moment, by The News last Saturday. I was the singer, and keyboard player on the record, made I think in 1966. I didn’t hear it, but I was informed by Eric White, of Out of Time Records, Norwich. Quite a surprise, as it was not exactly well known. Apparently some details he mentioned were not quite accurate. I’d be happy to relate a few details – if he thought it important enough ( which it isn’t, really)

    • Steve James on 14 February 2025

      A great pleasure to speak to you at length on the phone Andy and many thanks for setting the record straight (no pun intended) on the origins of The News. I’m looking forward to playing the band’s other single in a future programme!

  216. Catherine B on 10 February 2025

    Thank you Mark for your fascinating Song of the Week yesterday. Waited all through for Peggy Lee, absolute perfection. Have loved her version all my life, didn’t know that Frank was conducting, always thought it was Nelson Riddle.

    • Mark Steyn on 10 February 2025

      Thank you, Catherine. That is a rare example of a singularly perfect version of a song. Re conducting, several of Sinatra and Riddle’s regular players told me that, by the late Fifties, they thought Frank a better conductor than Nelson. The latter was the genius arranger, of course – but his arrangements were so good he wasn’t always able to conduct them.

      • Suzy on 10 February 2025

        I’m still smiling at ‘Come Back with Me Wife’s Nightie’. Such unusual lyrics but hilariously catchy!

  217. Edgar on 9 February 2025

    Nice to hear “Mr. Lucky” by Henry Mancini, although it doesn’t sound the same as what the morning DJ/station manager on a local radio station used to play. From 1006 to 2015 the station used to play music similar to what Serenade Radio does but has since switched formats twice, first to “oldies” mostly from the 60s and 70s and now to “classic hits” from the 70s and 80s. Until shortly before the first switch, if the regular morning DJ was there, he ended his show with “Mr. Lucky” for years. He changed it to “May Each Day” by Andy Williams. I think he’s still there but haven’t heard how he ends the show now. It would be strange if he still used that song.

    • Edgar on 9 February 2025

      Oops. 2006.

      • Nick Hingley on 10 February 2025

        I notice fewer examples on Serenade but, when listing to a pop oldies station, on hearing records I knew very well ‘back in the day’ I have occasionally noticed subtle differences in the played version and assume that a slightly different mix has made it to the radio station catalogue. With all recordings now stored in digital format, the provenance of a recording will be difficult to establish. I have vinyl and CD collections and I note different mixes of the same song amongst these. I also have a few ancient ‘white label’ demo/disc jockey pressings (with the big red ‘A’ on the ‘plug’ side) of well-known releases and know that some of these are subtly different from the regular releases. If I am only familiar with the DJ version that was played on the radio, perhaps this is why versions played today and which are likely off the general release sound differently to me. A further complication is that an album cut may be different from the single, even if the album track is not an extended version. Also, the cuts that made it onto ‘greatest hits’ compilations were sometimes different from the single release. Some were edited, but also the sound would be tweaked for technical reasons to cram as many tracks onto an LP or CD as possible. I am not in the ‘biz’ or an avid collector, so am certain others of this parish will know better!

        I was listening to the radio in 1006. Those were the days of using a cat’s whisker. The cat wasn’t so happy, though…

  218. David Bownes on 9 February 2025

    Hi Peter (Tomlinson) listening to your wonderful Sunday afternoon programme and heard you mention the Vernon’s Girls , I really liked their record of Lover Please, the flip side was good too “You Know WhatI Mean” haven’t heard either of the songs for so long,
    Thank you for such a great programme

    • Peter Tomlinson on 11 February 2025

      Hi David,
      Ah yes the Vernons Girls football coupons and all that plus some great songs from them. I shall try and see if we have either of those tracks, especially “ You Know What I Mean” As a late teenager in those years they bring back some very good memories for me

  219. Graham on 8 February 2025

    Hi Mark Steyn
    The song you played ‘ February brings the rain’ surely relates to the old saying “February fill dyke”
    Love your show

    • Mark Steyn on 10 February 2025

      Thanks, Graham. I think I prefer that old saying as a painting (by Benjamin Leader) which I saw in Birmingham a zillion years ago. But the saying itself goes “February fills the dyke/Be it black or be it white”, which, aside from keeping its options open (black rain or white snow), is a stinker of an impure rhyme. So I hope that wasn’t Bobby Troup’s inspiration…

  220. Gerry on 8 February 2025

    I can now listen to my old crooner favourites playing standards and a greater variety of songs that other so called easy listening stations don’t play,I listen from 7am until late and can’t get enough of this marvellous music,a big thank you and keep up the good work.

  221. Nancy on 8 February 2025

    Ronstadt’s “Frenesi” was terrific!

    • Johnny Mac on 8 February 2025

      So glad Linda did those standards’ albums with Nelson Riddle for us to savour.

  222. Martyn Bassey on 8 February 2025

    Three fab tunes from 1976. My mum liked Aria by Acker Bilk so the year was easy. Thanks Johnny 😊

    • Johnny Mac on 8 February 2025

      Acker had a long and varied career and was a witty raconteur too. Thank you for tuning in, Martyn, esteemed member of the GEMS on A Little Night Music.

  223. Nancy on 7 February 2025

    Chris Helme I got 6 of the 7 Berlin tunes – couldn’t for the life of me remember the title “We’re A Couple Of Swells” (but I knew the melody)

    • Martyn Bassey on 8 February 2025

      I enjoyed Friday night’s show. I especially liked the Berlin tunes, Jerusalem, Capriccio Espagnol, and The Jarrow Song.

  224. Jackie Newark on 7 February 2025

    I always love Music Box but I have to say you surpassed yourself today Simon. So many wonderful arrangements of my favourite songs – San Francisco, Guantanamara, The Sound of Silence, The Impossible Dream etc etc. I thought I had died and gone to heaven! Thank you sooo much.

    • Simon McLean on 7 February 2025

      Well, that’s my day made, Jackie – thank you!

  225. Ron Oliver on 4 February 2025

    Listening this morning from Bilbao, Spain, and you’ve delighted me by playing Sir Noel Coward’s rendition of his own “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” – just what I needed this morning. Sending a little $$$ to thank you!

  226. Wim de Lang on 3 February 2025

    Every time when i listen to Sing Something Simple on Serenade Radio, i get flashbacks of happy Sundays with Alan Keith and Richard Baker. Here in Holland not many people knew these wonderful broadcasters but i adored them. I still have the very last Alan Keith program on a cassette.
    I m grateful for Serenade Radio for keeping that great Sunday feeling alive……

    • Andy Grahamme on 3 February 2025

      …absolutely buddy. I worked with Jack Emblow when I was at Radio 2. He was part of Sing Something Simple in the original form with the Jack Emblow sextet and the Cliff Adams singers on the Light Programme. Super guy…in his 90s now. I remember Alan Keith on the Light Prog on Sunday with his 100 Best Tunes!

  227. Richard Bush on 3 February 2025

    Have now been listening to Serenade on a daily basis for nearly a year and absolutely love it. Just my type of music. Living in Australia have to be careful of the time signals. Just one minor complaint which has arisen over the last couple of days. According to the information on “what’s playing” we have been listenig to the Mike sammes singers present “if I were a rich man” continuously for more than two days! Hope you can fix it. Thanks. In the meantime keep up the good work please.

    • Nancy on 3 February 2025

      Oh good – I thought it was just me😄

      • Edgar on 11 February 2025

        Me too and now it’s “The Trolley Song” by Stacey Kent.

  228. Tony James on 2 February 2025

    Hi Steve James from Tony ( we are not related!) As always enjoyed your Sunday show on the excellent Serenade. Please, what was the Artist and Title of the very last song..the one you said Wogan liked? Keep it up and greetings front The Isle of Man

    • Steve James on 3 February 2025

      Hi Tony, the record was ‘Take To The Mountains’ by Richard Barnes, a fine song written by the very talented Tony Hazzard, but alas only a minor hit in 1970. Best wishes to the wonderful Isle of Man!

      • Simon McLean on 3 February 2025

        Wonderful song! I bought a copy in a charity shop without hearing it on the basis a single from 1970 with Bill Shepherd arranging would probably have something about it – I put it on and was absolutely blown away! Should have been a huge hit, in a rational world

  229. Ian on 2 February 2025

    Brill ! Another brilliant programme again this sunny Sunday morning, Steve James. The standard you set is so high. Serenade is so lucky to have you !

    • Steve James on 3 February 2025

      Thank you Ian, that’s very kind, although really I consider myself the lucky one, playing a small part in this wonderful station!

  230. Catherine B on 1 February 2025

    Thanks for another great programme and lovely tunes this morning Johnnie. Re. Torn Between Two Lovers – can any of your GEMS remember how Wogan always introduced this – something about Indians? I know it was something funny. Also Many Happy Returns to the great John Williams, what wonderful music he has given us. Have a good week.

    • Johnny Mac on 7 February 2025

      Hi Catherine. I do remember Terry’s little joke about that song! We miss him on the wireless. Hope you can join the GEMS in the wee small hours of Saturday. QMs (Quiet Mentions) to all you Great Early Morning Stalwarts in abundance!

  231. Suzy on 1 February 2025

    Oh, Ed, that was so beautifully said … followed by the perfect Nimrod. Who listening isn’t shedding a tear?

  232. Karen on 1 February 2025

    Thank you for playing Evergreen . I’m not a great Streisand fan. But do love that beautiful song ( and woman in love) . Spot on with the mystery years today… Matt Monro as the artist of the week was also great. What a voice. When I was growing up he used to cause arguments at home over who was best Matt ( my mum”s choice) or Frank (my dad’s) . Great show as always Johnny.

    • Nancy on 1 February 2025

      Hi Karen – I’m not a big fan of Babs either but the song is beautiful. Johnny’s show was really good tonight!

  233. Nancy on 31 January 2025

    Marianne Faithfull died yesterday at 78. Rest in peace dear lady.😔

    • Nick Hingley on 2 February 2025

      I remember seeing Marianne Faithfull on TV. Possibly on Ready Steady Go! as my parents had just acquired a TV that received ITV – the single channel BBC one that my parents had bought for the Coronation – apparently only the second TV in the road – had given up the ghost. I was a very young lad but I noticed even then what a very attractive girl she was with very distinctive eyes.

      I knew she had an association with Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones and there were, let’s say, a few incidents along the way; however, reading some of the obituaries has been a very depressing experience.
      The more I have learned about the operation of pop music industry the more I have realised how beyond the glamour, just murky much of it can be.
      RIP Marianne Faithfull

  234. Helen on 31 January 2025

    Simon’s Music Box. It’s very special. Thankyou for such a delightful programme. I try never to miss it

    • Simon McLean on 1 February 2025

      Thank you, Helen – absolutely delighted to hear that! Long may it continue!

  235. Barbara Heathcote on 30 January 2025

    Hi Andy, great to hear Ronnie Hilton, I don’t think I’ve heard Dennis Lotis on your programme, if I’ve missed him I apologise but if you can play him sometimes please. Thank you.

  236. James Chapman on 28 January 2025

    Hi Guys
    Just made a small donation to the station. It isn’t much but I hope it helps.
    Please keep up the good work as we need alternative radio to main stream media.
    All the best for the future. James.

  237. Hans Rip on 28 January 2025

    Fantastic station run by Andy Marriott. Professional, great music, no advertisements or news. The BBC made a big mistake by changing its format and loose out on the older audience.

  238. Edgar on 26 January 2025

    Isn’t this a lovely day?

  239. Nancy on 25 January 2025

    How nice to see Marni Nixon recognized for her beautiful voice.

    • Johnny Mac on 25 January 2025

      An understated legend. And all we got to see of her was in a wimple in The Sound of Music movie.

  240. Nancy on 25 January 2025

    Marty Robbins and Patsy Cline – love it! Great show Johnny!

  241. Karen on 25 January 2025

    Lovely to hear Elkie Brookes on the mystery year . Has she been artist of the week before? If not I think she would be a good choice one week. Loving the Neil Diamond tracks this week.

    • Johnny Mac on 25 January 2025

      Well! Elkie is 80 on 25 February, so watch this space!

  242. Martyn Bassey on 25 January 2025

    Three fab songs from 1969, especially Cass Elliot. Love her voice. Neil Diamond as well. Thanks Johnny 👍

  243. Martyn Bassey on 24 January 2025

    Thank you Chris Helme for another excellent Bandstand. I loved Lauretta’s Theme, You Raise Me Up, Born Free, and the Paint Your Wagon medley. Fabulous.

    • Matthew on 25 January 2025

      Martyn, you didn’t mention Mr Helme’s piece de resistance, his finale in Brass of the 80s hit “The Final Countdown”. Yet another eclectic and corking show!

      • Martyn Bassey on 25 January 2025

        I couldn’t mention everything Chris played 😀. You are right, Matthew, it was another corking show 👍

  244. Barry Alan on 24 January 2025

    My wife and I really enjoy Steve’s shows, both Latin Lounge and Hot Pipes. He is so knowledgeable!

  245. Karen on 23 January 2025

    I’m loving the Latin Lounge with Steve Ashley. What great music. I could happily listen to this for much longer than 30 minutes. Yet another top class show on Serenade Radio.

  246. Paul Scivier on 23 January 2025

    Hi, stumbled across your great station which has a warmth and professionalism with music often not heard on radio these days. Am I right in thinking your top of the hour instrumental jingle is a PAMS production as used on offshore Britain Radio 355 in 1966?

    • Roger Williams on 30 January 2025

      Hello Paul,

      Some of the Serenade jingles are close relatives of those used by Radio 355. I find myself singing “Hallmark of quality Britain Radio” to one of the jingles!

      Roger

      • Paul Scivier on 30 January 2025

        Dear Roger
        Many thanks for your reply.
        I too sing “Hallmark of Quality” when the instrumental jingle plays !!

        • Roger Williams on 31 January 2025

          Marriot is too young to remember 355 and Britain Radio, but rather thinks he would have liked them!

  247. Sam Watt on 20 January 2025

    The time and effort Dick Fisher must take to prepare each show is evident and very much enjoyed and appreciated. Keep sharing “stuff we didn’t know, we didn’t know” Mr Fisher! Bravo sir!

    • Dickfisher on 20 January 2025

      Hi Sam
      Your wonderful comments lift my spirits. I was going to add that it makes the job worthwhile, until I realised that it is not a job! It’s just the Serenade team doing their best for the sheer pleasure of keeping these artistes and music alive.

  248. Dave in London on 20 January 2025

    Thanks to Simon for giving us something by Ken Moule’s orchestra today.

    Funny how us humans can remember the most obscure things from decades ago. The venerable Keith Skues once played a Ken Moule piece on his Night Ride prog on Radio 2. Must’ve been 1971, that sort of year. Messing about with anagrams of musicians’ names, Mr Skues came up with this beauty: Leo Umken.

    • Michael Scott on 20 January 2025

      I am delighted to say that I am still in touch with dear old ‘Cardboard Shoes’. He did a stint on ‘Mi Amigo’ over the festive season. We hope to get together in Ipswich ere long.

    • Simon McLean on 21 January 2025

      How wonderful! I shall remember that every time I play a Leo Umken record!

  249. Geoff Jones on 19 January 2025

    Thanks Roger a very varied programme. Nina & Frederick ( blimey!), Billy Bragg to the impressice Winter Wilson and much more. See you next week.

  250. Tony Holden on 19 January 2025

    Just enjoyed The Big Band Show by Johnny Beerling, so informative full of insights to the artists background.
    Particularly liked the opening, Riders in the sky given the big band treatment, plus we heard when it was originally composed. Also liked the variation of pace throughout the hour which went far too quickly, one moment the mood was sophoric then awakened with a lively tune . Great balanced programme.

    • Brian Bunn on 19 January 2025

      Tony – thoroughly agree, superb programme 😊

  251. Jackie Newark on 19 January 2025

    Fabulous programme this morning Steve James. I’m singing along to all the songs and keep saying “I bought that record”! Thank you.

    • Steve James on 19 January 2025

      Thank you Jackie, I hope you were singing along! I’m very pleased to bring back the memories for you. I’ll keep them coming!

  252. Catherine B on 19 January 2025

    Thank you Mark for another great programme and that sweet little song about a pink taffeta frock. Loved it.

    • Mark Steyn on 20 January 2025

      Thank you so much, Catherine. I’ve loved that song since the first time I heard it, and every so often try to talk some lady vocalist into recording it. No luck so far. If you find yourself at tea with Taylor Swift, do put in a word.

  253. Suzy on 19 January 2025

    More Ed, please, please, please. Anyone else not mind at all being awake from the early hours thanks to Serenade Radio? Love it all, day or night. My safe haven.

  254. Nancy on 18 January 2025

    Mark Steyn your On The Town delights me weekly with a kaleidoscope of music, styles, anecdotes, and characters. Thank you for an encore of Gwen Verdon – what an astounding talent she was! From Gwen to Frank to Jacques, I’m happily overcome with a surfeit of entertainment! Mille grazie!

    • Mark Steyn on 20 January 2025

      Mille grazie anche a te, Nancy. Gwen-Frank-Jacques is hard to beat, but we’ll do our best next weekend.

  255. Andy Grahamme on 18 January 2025

    Late Night Extra is awesome entertainment…just brilliant music…its what weekends are for!!??

    • John Browne on 18 January 2025

      Just started to listen to Steve’s shows. Great broadcaster and some great music.

  256. Catherine B on 18 January 2025

    Great programme Johnny as usual, no luck with the years though, I must try harder! You asked for suggestions for Artist of the Week – what about Helen Reddy? Always enjoy listening to her. Have a good week.

    • Johnny Mac on 18 January 2025

      Hi Catherine. Thank you for tuning in, and welcome to the Great Early Morning Stalwarts (GEMS)! I’ll add the brilliant Helen to the list.

    • Johnny Mac on 1 April 2025

      Hi Catherine! Finally getting round to celebrating Helen Reddy as my artist of the week this Saturday 5 April on A Little Night Music. Thank you for your worthy nomination.

  257. Martyn Bassey on 18 January 2025

    Two out of three mystery years. Great three hours of music. Thanks Johnny.
    Now it’s time for The Dawn Chorus with Ed Wellman 👍🙂

  258. Martyn Bassey on 18 January 2025

    No luck on the mystery year. Brilliant song by Tony Bennett, and three from Dolly Parton to look forward to. Thanks Johnny 👍

    • Johnny Mac on 18 January 2025

      Many thanks, Martin, as always. Tony Bennett was the maestro.

  259. Nicolas Barlow on 16 January 2025

    Always a pleasure to listen to Serenade Radio, especially Sundays – perfect nostalgia

  260. Lindsay Seagrim-Trinder on 14 January 2025

    How lovely to hear the Ink Spots’ “Someone’s Rocking My Dreamboat” played just now; when I was a small girl I spotted a wind-up gramophone and a pile of 78s at a school jumble sale, and bought the lot for half-a-crown, included in the records was this, and I’ve loved the Ink Spots music ever since!!

  261. Nancy on 13 January 2025

    Vic Groves, thanks for playing “Put It There Pal” by Hope & Crosby! Also, per your question about the Crew Cuts – they were from Toronto.
    Great show, many thanks!

    • Vic Groves on 13 January 2025

      Hi Nancy, It’s always a pleasure to play Bing Crosby songs, and what can go wrong when you team him up with Bob Hope? Thanks for confirming that the Crew Cuts were Canadian. I think they also covered Sh Boom. Very pleased you liked the programme. Keep listening! Regards, Vic.

  262. Geoff Jones on 12 January 2025

    Thanks Roger for a good 2 hours. Didn’t Marty Robbins have a hit with the Alamo in the 1950s? That was one of Sandy’s best tracks also Ella’s.

    • Roger Williams on 18 January 2025

      Hello Geoff, well that got me thinking. Yes, Marty Robbins did have a song about The Alamo, a different one. I’ve just had a listen on YouTube. And Donovan did have a version of the song I played last week – for once my recollection was accurate; that doesn’t happen often these days. Trust you’re keeping well and thank you for your kind comments.

      Roger

  263. Anne W NC on 12 January 2025

    Mark Steyn brilliant show today 👏🏻👏🏻 John Barry information and interviews were awesome!
    Makes me proud to be from Yorkshire 😎your the best Mark😎

    • Mark Steyn on 13 January 2025

      Thank you, Anne. John Barry was without doubt the most Yorkshire bloke in Hollywood. You’re right to be proud.

  264. Fraser Sutherland on 12 January 2025

    After a night of Presbyterian cold, curtains swept open, earbuds in, “and now here’s Mark Steyn with ‘On the Town’….”. They say the best artists create their own, immediately recognisable world; well, welcome to the Steynian universe. Gwen Verdon, ‘Damn Yankees’, ‘Sweet Charity’, Nino Rota, ‘Le Notti di Cabiria’, and Ornella Vanoni’s release of her new album at the age of 100 years! And that’s just the first 20 minutes, with Frank, Elvis and, yes, King Radio to follow. How come Steyn gets all the best gigs? Gwen running through her ‘Damn Yankees’ dance moves for Mark… I’m not bitter. Fantastic.

    • Mark Steyn on 13 January 2025

      Thank you, Fraser. For entirely unrelated reasons, we’ll have a bit of a Gwen Verdon postscript this Saturday/

  265. Stephen on 11 January 2025

    Enjoying this section by the inimitable Mark Steyn. This kind of music radio is precious.

    • Mark Steyn on 14 January 2025

      Thank you, Stephen. Not quite sure what section you’re referring to, but we’ll take a wild guess and try to match it this coming weekend.

  266. Paul Burton on 11 January 2025

    Don’t often get the chance to hear Cindy’s show on a Saturday as I’m usually involved in football somewhere but no chance of that today so its nice to chill out and listen to some relaxing music

    • Cindy Kent on 18 January 2025

      Thank you kind Sir – hope you get the chance to listen in today!

  267. Mark Sutherland on 11 January 2025

    Thoroughly enjoyed Those Academy Years. Congratulations to Peter Tomlinson and producer Neil Anthony for such an entertaining and educational show. I do hope there will be a second series.

    • Peter Tomlinson on 13 January 2025

      Thank you Mark. 13 years covered and what a contrast in the music of those years. This series has been so enjoyable to do and it’s only been possible because of Neil.

  268. Jonathan on 11 January 2025

    Great mix of music, great start to the weekend. Many thanks, Johnny!

    • Johnny Mac on 11 January 2025

      Thank you, Jonathan – welcome to the GEMS club of Great Early Morning Stalwarts!

  269. Nancy on 11 January 2025

    Off by one for last mystery year. Ring of Fire was my favorite of the three. Good show Johnny!

    • Johnny Mac on 18 January 2025

      Thank you, Nancy. Must delve more into old style country music 🤠

  270. Martyn Bassey on 11 January 2025

    Great music Johnny. Not a clue for the second mystery year. That was a tough one 😄

  271. Martyn Bassey on 10 January 2025

    Thank you Chris Helme for a fabulous Bandstand this evening. Especially liked One Moment In Time, Amazing Grace, and Rodrigo’s Concerto. Really enjoyed the show.

    • Matthew on 19 January 2025

      I agree with Martyn. Friday Bandstand is an excellent programme. CH presents such a wide ranging repertoire; this is a man who knows his onions!

    • Brian Bunn on 19 January 2025

      Martin – thoroughly agree, superb programme 😊

  272. Nicola on 10 January 2025

    I really enjoyed the Country Calendar this morning. We love your radio station and listen all day. Thank you to all concerned.

  273. James Pickering on 9 January 2025

    Unmissable. Simon Mclean’s one of the jewels in the Serenade Radio crown.

    • Andy Grahamme on 9 January 2025

      Seriously good radio…great programming and Simons presentation is very cool!

    • Jackie Newark on 9 January 2025

      Love Music Box. Thank you.

  274. Alan on 9 January 2025

    such nice relaxing music, especially in the afternoons, helping so much in this tumultuous month, and 2 elderly relatives now love the station as well!!

    • David Yarnall on 10 January 2025

      Thank you Alan.

  275. Linette Gray on 9 January 2025

    I love Serenade Radio!! xx

  276. Jonathan on 5 January 2025

    Wow! Hurricane Smith… well done Peter Tomlinson. Takes me back to my orientating DofE days in the early 70’s. What a notable career Norman Smith had. Now, if only I could remember what we were supposed to do with the map and compass…

  277. Vanessa-Ann Dowsett on 4 January 2025

    Thanks Adrian for another fabulous Showstoppers. Happy New Year to you and I am looking forward to more Showstoppers in 2025

    • Adrian Jackson on 4 January 2025

      Thank you for your kind comments Vanessa-Ann, I’m delighted you’re enjoying Showstoppers. Happy New Year to you also and I look forward very much to your company next week.

  278. Martyn Bassey on 4 January 2025

    Many thanks to Johnny Mac for a brilliant show. Happy New Year to you and all GEMS wherever you are listening 👍🙂

  279. Karen on 4 January 2025

    Good morning. Lovely to hear yesterday when I was young by Shirley Bassey. I had forgotten that album. When I was young myself ( a little longer ago than yesterday!)my dad wore it out playing it because he loved it so much. Also I don’t usually like cover versions of could it be magic but the one by the Puppini Sisters was rather magical itself. I might have to buy that one. Great show as usual Johnny. Happy New Year to you and all the GEMS out there.

    • Johnny Mac on 5 January 2025

      Yes, Shirley’s Something was a great ‘comeback’ album showing she had the range. More Puppini Sisters to come too, and Harry Connick Jr is always welcome on A Little Night Music. Happy New Year, GEMS!

  280. Nancy on 4 January 2025

    Mmmm – more Harry Connick please.

  281. Martyn Bassey on 4 January 2025

    Three great songs for the first mystery year. I Started A Joke is my favourite Bee Gees song. Thanks Johnny 👍

  282. Vanessa-Ann Dowsett on 3 January 2025

    Listened to the TV show on New Year’s Day, it was fabulous. How can two hours pass so quickly. The very worrying thing is how many of the words I knew to not only the songs but all the words to the advertisements. Thanks Andy, hope there will be another soon

  283. Herb Baker on 2 January 2025

    So good to have you back, Jane! When I didn’t hear you two days running this week I almost panicked but I guessed, hoped, it was just a case of special holiday programming pre-empting The Quiet Hour. I often listen to you, and a bit of Andy’s show, during my lunch hour here in Cat Island (Bahamas). I want you to know that your great music, and your lovely, warm voice mean a lot to me, and to many others I’m sure. Don’t change anything. Will make a donation to station today, in appreciation. Give my regards to Andy. Happy New Year!

  284. Paul Anderson on 2 January 2025

    Happy New Year to you. I hope it is a happy and healthy one. In addition to your usual great programmes l loved the History of the NDO, but sadly, due to the festivities l missed the 3rd and last programme. Is it possible to repeat it again in the future, along with that other superb programme Those Academy Awards. Fingers crossed, and thanks so much for giving us all a wonderful radio station. All the Best, Paul

  285. JimWilson on 1 January 2025

    John Walton’s New Year Cavalcade …..absolutely brilliant

    • John Walton on 4 January 2025

      Thanks, Jim. I’m greatly encouraged!

  286. Alan on 1 January 2025

    Loved the music over the twixmas time and new years, and converted relatives, great presenters, and lots of forgotten musical gems.

    Happy 2025!!

  287. Karen on 1 January 2025

    Thoroughly enjoying the programme by Paul Ruddock. SR has made me interested in the song writers so hearing about the writers of 1925 is fascinating. And ‘don’t bring lulu’… well lulu was my nan’s nickname and my dad used to sing it to her so its given me a bit of a laugh too. !

    • Paul Ruddock on 1 January 2025

      Thanks for listening Karen, really chuffed you enjoyed Songs Of The Century; I certainly loved working on it!

      Full credit for all the fascinating info (like “Don’t Bring Lulu”) goes to superb producer Neil Anthony. Also a big thank you to Andy Marriott for giving us the air time.

      I’ll be putting my producer’s hat back on and will report for duty on Dance Band Days again this weekend, give Roger Williams a listen Saturday at 7pm/Monday at 9pm – it’ll be a good ‘un!

      Paul

  288. Phil Driscoll on 1 January 2025

    I’ve just listened to the third of the Northern Dance Orchestra programmes. It brought back wonderful memories of working in the Playhouse in the era covered by today’s programme. A fantastic band right up until the end. Big thanks to Ian Reed for all the work he’s done in preserving their legacy.

  289. David Small on 1 January 2025

    A very Happy New Year to all the Presenters on Serenade Radio who have given us all those wonderful programmes durring 2024 Can I wish you all a very Happy New Year and say Thank you for the Music .

  290. Andy Grahamme on 1 January 2025

    Thanks for all the great music.. .such brilliant programmes and presentation…long may you continue…good wishes to you all.You make an ageing ex Radio 2 Producer very happy!!!

    • David Yarnall on 1 January 2025

      Thanks Andy and as an ageing ex R2 presenter, I enjoy playing the music. Were you at R2 during the days of Mel House, Chris Morgan, executive producer, John Melloy and Denis O’Keefe?

  291. Barry Alan on 1 January 2025

    It’s the presenters that make Serenade what it is. The music, good as it is, is secondary!

  292. Steve in Worcs. on 1 January 2025

    In concert with other listeners below, may I express my huge thanks and wishes for a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year to anyone connected in any way with broadcasting Serenade Radio? I also extend this greeting to the diaspora of listeners from around the globe – I’ve introduced an expat mate in Bolivia to it!

  293. Karen Gilding on 1 January 2025

    Happy New Year to all at Serenade Radio . My favourite station. Just listening to Tv Themes and thoroughly enjoying the nostalgic trip down memory lane . Love all the presenter’s and programs. Thankyou.x

  294. Sue Woolley on 1 January 2025

    Loved the third NDO programme!
    Nice to hear myself again! They were the best of times! Thank you!!

  295. David Small on 1 January 2025

    A very Happy New Year to you all at Serenade Radio and thank you for all the lovely programmes over the festive season

  296. David Small on 1 January 2025

    Thank you John McAtasney for a lovely programme of Lost in 2024 some lovely memories and recordings of those we lost in 2024 and so well presented . More please this could turn into a series

    • John McAtasney on 1 January 2025

      Thank you, David. I can but ask, but you have just done so already!

  297. Helen on 1 January 2025

    Haapp New Year to everyone at Serenade Radio.. May your 2025 be full of beautiful music, health and happiness.

  298. Malcolm Scott on 1 January 2025

    Morning Ed, fab to hear you, as always! Happy New Year to you and all at Serenade Towers! Keep up the good work and happy hangovers for January first! Much love, Malcolm

  299. Karen on 1 January 2025

    Thoroughly enjoying Roger Williams ‘ New Year show. I was going to go to sleep but I can’t it’s far too entertaining. Happy New Year to all at SR. Thankyou for all you do. Life would be poorer without you.

    • Roger Williams on 1 January 2025

      Thank you Karen, really pleased you enjoyed it. It was fun to do – I admire your stamina!

      Roger

  300. Kevin Vance on 31 December 2024

    I never miss The Dawn Chorus. Ed is one of the most underrated presenters out there imho

  301. Ian on 31 December 2024

    I have just listened to a wonderful hour of tribute and commemoration to those artists and songwriters who have sadly passed away over the last twelve months. Thanks so much to Johnny Mac and Serenade Radio for this fitting compilation.

    • John McAtasney on 1 January 2025

      Thank you, Ian – I will continue to honour the great artists and songwriters on A Little Night Music, early doors, Saturday morn.

  302. Nancy on 31 December 2024

    Thank you for all the music and entertainment your channel provides. Blessed and Happy New Year to all the SR presenters and listeners! 🍾🎉🎇

  303. Nick Hingley on 31 December 2024

    Not strictly Serenade territory, but I am very sad to learn of the passing of Johnnie Walker. Many hours in my formative years listening under the bedclothes to Johnnie on Radio Caroline (South) and, indeed, I was listening when the infamous Marine, etc., Offences Act came in. My first act of rebellion at a very young age!

    In a strange sort of way, I feel that listening to Serenade is a similar experience to those days: listening to a station that provides music and programming that none of the mainstream stations do. And, yes, I still listen under the bedclothes but via an internet radio rather than a transistor set. At least there’s no chance of falling asleep and running the batteries flat!

    Many thanks and a Happy New Year to all at Serenade!

  304. Nick Hingley on 30 December 2024

    Thanks, Andy, for repeating the NDO series. I missed part one when first broadcast. What a great orchestra! Also memories of Sheila Buxton whom I remember was regularly ‘on the wireless’ when I was a child, and Roger Moffat’s tones that would never get you a job on the BBC these days!

  305. Lindsay Seagrim-Trinder on 30 December 2024

    Lovely to hear Don Fardon’s “Indian Reservation” just now! I am reminded of an occasion some 45 years ago now, when I was out for a ride one evening with friends on our motorcycles in the Warwickshire countryside and we stopped at a little country pub – behind the bar was the framed Gold Disc of the record, and Don Fardon himself, behind the bar pulling pints!!

  306. Catherine B on 30 December 2024

    Hi Andy, Great to hear Max Boyce this am, haven’t heard this for years. A good laugh to start the day. Happy New Year to you all at SR and to your listeners.

  307. Martyn Bassey on 28 December 2024

    Many thanks to Cindy Kent. Fabulous show again today. Great to hear John Leyton with Son This Is She. 🙂

    • Cindy Kent on 18 January 2025

      You’re very welcome. Hope your sat was enjoy the show today!

  308. Jonathan on 28 December 2024

    A HUGE thank you to all the Serenade Presenters for making atmospheric Christmas music even MORE atmospheric! 🎶 We know it must have required a lot of hard work behind the scenes, but your professionalism made it seem effortless. Very well worth the extra donation! 💸 As Celts (or maybe Vikings – must check… could invalidate this comment) living on the Isle of Man, we thoroughly enjoyed Sean Usher’s programme on Celtic Christmas Celebrations. Looking forward to the next! In the meantime, may everyone’s New Year be filled with joy, laughter, and January gym visits that last longer than a one-hit wonder! 🎉💪

  309. Martyn Bassey on 28 December 2024

    Thanks to Sean Usher and Johnny Mac for two great shows. Looking forward to your show on New Year’s Eve Johnny 👍

  310. Nancy on 28 December 2024

    Johnny what time is your New Year program again?

    • Johnny Mac on 28 December 2024

      Hi Nancy. I’ll be on New Year’s Eve from 6pm with Lost In 2024. You’ll be very welcome!

  311. Nancy on 28 December 2024

    Your show is a delight this evening Johnny! Really nice variety of music🎵

  312. Randy on 28 December 2024

    All I Think About Is You – Harry Nilsson … beautiful! Anything on the mellow side by Harry is always a treat!

    • Nancy on 28 December 2024

      I agree – Harry Nilsson is a favorite of mine, such a lovely singer!

    • Johnny Mac on 28 December 2024

      Glad you enjoyed the Harry Nilsson song I played on A Little Night Music. He has such a varied and interesting back catalogue. I must feature him as my artist of the week soon.

  313. JimWilson on 27 December 2024

    Thankyou Dick for playing Jr Walker and “What does it take”….one of my all time favourites, haven’t heard it for years.

    • Dick Fisher on 27 December 2024

      Hi Jim
      I must say how surprised I was that it fitted in so well today. Must be down to good planning! Glad you enjoyed it. I shall search for some more Motown tunes to include.

  314. Brian Bunn on 26 December 2024

    Well done Andy and team for continuing the fantastic Christmas retro songs after Christmas Day 😊 Throughly enjoyable at a time when the other radio stations are frightened to play Christmas music after 25 Dec. Really enjoyable Christmas songs and specials throughout the Christmas season.
    Serenade has made radio listening worthwhile again, especially with the rubbish on TV nowadays. Brilliant radio station, good luck for next year

  315. Liza on 26 December 2024

    Thank you so much for such amazing music while David Yarnall was at the helm on Boxing Day 😍🤗

    • David Yarnall on 1 January 2025

      Thank you Liza. I’m glad you enjoyed the programme.

  316. Lindsay Seagrim-Trinder on 26 December 2024

    Oh thank you SO much for playing the extract from “Amahl And The Night Visitors” !! As a teenager at the end of the 1960s I took part in a production of this opera by the St Albans Operatic Society at the city’s Abbey Theatre. We (St Albans and District Youth Choir) provided the chorus. You brought back a lovely memory for me!!

  317. Frank Keogh on 26 December 2024

    Thank you John Walton for Bing’s Christmas Rarities – lovely show and wonderful to hear the greatest singer. Thank to all involved with Serenade Radio.

    • John Walton on 27 December 2024

      Thank you so much for your appreciation, Frank. I’m very pleased you liked the programme and think of Bing as ‘the greatest singer’. Personally, I discovered Bing’s singing when I was only 4 years old (a long time ago!) and have been a fan ever since.

  318. David Small on 26 December 2024

    Thank you for a lovely programme this morning Bing’s Christmas Rarities presented by John Walton and producer Neil Anthony it was lovely to hear all those rare recordings Thank you John and Neil There have been some wonderful programmes over Christmas

    • John Walton on 27 December 2024

      Thanks for your kind words, David. Neil has been a considerable inspiration with his talent for research and ‘programme shaping’. I hope he and I will be able to work together on more programmes and series in 2925.

      • John Walton on 28 December 2024

        Oops! 2025, that is.

  319. John Browne on 25 December 2024

    So glad I found Serenade radio. Play some great music. Such a professional radio station. Great presenters who don’t talk down to the listener.

  320. Lee Tait on 25 December 2024

    Serenade Radio has been this year’s best listening discovery for me. An absolutely fantastic station. Please keep it up. Merry Christmas to you and yours 🌲🎅

  321. Sandra Shofner Florida USA on 25 December 2024

    Merry Christmas from Fort Lauderdale 🙏🏼☦️🕊️🌴☀️👋🏼😁
    THANK YOU for the terrific programming throughout the entire year. Best wishes to each of you for great happiness, health, and safe travels!

  322. Stephen Wassell on 25 December 2024

    Thank you so very much for your programme “The Warm Sounds of Christmas” broadcast today at 9. am. It was a real treat and I thoroughly enjoyed the readings in particular. “The Journey of The Magi” is one of my favourite poems so it was a treat to hear it read so well while I was peeling the sprouts! A Very Happy Christmas to the best Station on radio – you have made an old man extremely happy. Thanks to everyone involved.

  323. Karen on 25 December 2024

    It is only 10am and serenade radio has already been brilliant this Christmas day. First Jane’s lovely show, then Andy who was great as usual even ending up on my new favourite Christmas song by Clannad. But the warm sounds of Christmas was especially lovely. The readings by Gabriel Woolf combined with the music has really put everyone here in the Christmas spirit . Thank you. Wonderful entertainment as ever. Merry Christmas to you all.

  324. Roger Sweet on 25 December 2024

    God bless all your Christian carols
    Especially Jane Markham this morning and every day 6am
    Could this please 🙏 be repeated a little later in the day 8am or 9am perhaps

  325. Edgar on 24 December 2024

    I missed hearing twaddle on Andy’s show today. I’m so glad Dick did it.

  326. Christopher Gidney on 24 December 2024

    Love Andy`s shows, and all the aired content, particularly enjoyed Cindy Kent`s Christmas Special- so interesting to hear all the stories behind the hymns. Keep it all going gang- were loving it! Happy Christmas!

    • Edgar on 24 December 2024

      I must have missed that. She’s been on at 1 Eastern and I was away from the computer then if it was December 23.

  327. Jackie on 23 December 2024

    Best week of music ever! I am now quite hoarse from joining in all these lovely Christmas songs! Thank you everyone.

  328. Lesley on 23 December 2024

    Thanks so much Cindy Kent for your 6:00pm Christmas programme this week, I wanted you to know how much my husband and I have loved it.

    • Cindy Kent on 23 December 2024

      Thank you Lesley. My pleasure. Happy Christmas Blessings to you and yours

    • Edgar on 23 December 2024

      Nothing else like it.

  329. Jason on 23 December 2024

    We love the Christmas music. Thanks Cindy!

    • Cindy Kent on 23 December 2024

      You’re very welcome! Happy Christmas Blessings to you and yours.

  330. Jonathan on 23 December 2024

    Help? General enquiry – thinking ahead, is there a support group or helpline for those will suffer from Serenade Radio Christmas Music withdrawal? Or are we all going cold Christmas turkey this Christmas? Absolutely fantastic! Thank you all.

    • Edgar on 23 December 2024

      I’ll join.

  331. Helen on 23 December 2024

    I’m enjoying every moment of Christmas with Serenade Radio again. Absolutely Beautiful & very Special. Thankyou everyone 🌲

  332. Liz Atwell on 22 December 2024

    Miss Heard Christmas Lyrics.
    Winter Wonderland.
    Later on we’ll perspire as we dream by the fire.
    Last Christmas.
    Crowded room, friends in tie dyes. (Of course it should be friends with tired eyes.)

    Merry Christmas to everyone at Serenade Radio and all its listeners.

  333. Jeff Gaskell on 22 December 2024

    Fantastic show from Kevin as always….sheer class 👌 ….merry Christmas and a happy new year to Kevin and all at the unique Serenade Radio….

    • Kevin Taylor on 22 December 2024

      Thank you Jeff, and for your support of Serenade Radio. Merry Christmas to you and all the best in the New Year!

  334. Steve Shelley on 22 December 2024

    A very Merry Christmas to all involved in making Serenade Radio such a wonderful and uplifting station. So many different Christmas tunes that you wouldn’t hear anywhere else.

  335. Nick Hingley on 22 December 2024

    I’m a big Sinatra fan since I heard one of Dick’s erstwhile colleagues, Munro Jack, play his songs late on Sunday evenings on Beacon Radio nearly fifty years ago (I was a callow youth at the time); and subsequently bought a Music For Pleasure LP ‘Sinatra Swings’ in Woolworths for a quid – utter bargain! (I still have this LP and the other two in the MFP Sinatra series.*)

    Thus, I thoroughly enjoyed Mark Steyn’s On The Town ‘Sinatra Christmas’. Fabulous!

    * I subsequently bought several Sinatra import albums from The Record Centre in Lower Loveday Street, Birmingham. I suspect Mark may be familiar with this establishment.

  336. Karen on 22 December 2024

    I totally agree with you about that lovely Clannad christmas song Steve James . I have always liked them yet didn’t know they had a christmas song till this last week hearing it on SR. Yet another thing that SR has given me. Merry Christmas to you and everyone at SR. Thank you for all the great work you do.

    • Steve James on 22 December 2024

      Hi Karen, ‘Christmas Angels’ is an outstandingly beautiful song isn’t it? It really does give you goosebumps. I don’t remember ever hearing it played on the radio when it was released in 1997 and I only came across it a couple of years ago. It should have been a Christmas number one!

    • Brian Bunn on 24 December 2024

      Try Enya’s version of “O come, O come Emanuel “ also hauntingly beautiful

  337. David Small on 21 December 2024

    Thank you to all the presenters on Serenade Radio , Andy , Roger . Dave , Kevin , Cindy . Jane,Dick ,the two Johns ,Simon , Kevin . Chris , Mark, Johnny . Stuart, Vic , Sean , Peter. Steve , John , Adrian and all those who keep the music coming on the radio for all the wonderful Christmas music you have presented to us, Can I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2025

  338. David Blurton on 21 December 2024

    Loving this Christmas special of musical theatre.
    Thanks Adrian

    • Adrian Jackson on 21 December 2024

      Thank you David, so pleased you enjoyed and I hope you’ll join me next week.

  339. Martyn Bassey on 21 December 2024

    Thanks Johnny. Brilliant show once again. Wonderful to hear Little Donkey by Nina and Frederick. Merry Christmas to all GEMS. Nadolig Llawen i chi gyd 🧑‍🎄🌲❤️

    • Johnny Mac on 24 December 2024

      A very happy Christmas, Martyn. Thank you for all your support on the nightshift throughout 2024.

  340. Karen on 21 December 2024

    Thank you Johnny Mac for a lovely show today ( as usual I hasten to add) . For anyone who has never heard the show before it really is worth waking up early
    for. Wishing you and all my fellow GEMS a very happy Christmas. 🎄

    • Johnny Mac on 21 December 2024

      Thank you, Karen, for all your support throughout the year – have a lovely Christmas 🎄

  341. Nancy on 21 December 2024

    Lovely program Johnny Mac, full of memories and nostalgia (and a few ‘new’ sentimental tunes).
    Nollaig shona dhaoibh to you and all the my fellow GEMS🎄🎄🎄

    • Johnny Mac on 21 December 2024

      Ah, Nancy – thank you for the greetings in Irish no less! Happy holidays, and many thanks for all your support. You’re a GEM!

  342. Martyn Bassey on 21 December 2024

    Yes I got 1975 Johnny. Great song by Greg Lake. Thanks for playing O Come O Come Emmanuel as well 👍🧑‍🎄

    • Johnny Mac on 21 December 2024

      You’re very welcome, Martyn. I will do some more Welsh language prep for St David’s Day, just a few months to go!

  343. Andy Grahamme on 20 December 2024

    Stuart Linnell on Saturday is a fantastic programme…never miss it. Should be a Radio Industry nomination for programme of the year. Sheer class. Radio like it used to be, and indeed radio which now can only be heard on Serenade.

    • Stuart Linnell on 21 December 2024

      Thank you Andy, you are more than kind. I am delighted that you enjoy the show. Thank you for listening, and Merry Christmas.

  344. Greg Petty on 20 December 2024

    I’m absolutely loving your programming this week! The station here in So. Cal. that began playing Christmas music about a month ago, plays what seems to be the same 6 tunes every 20 minutes. Thanks for your music! ❤️

  345. Linda Marskell on 20 December 2024

    Happy Christmas to everyone at Serenade and what a lovely change to hear so many different Christmas songs sung by a wide range of singers and not just the same old dozen tunes from the ’70’s & 80’s played to death. I would have loved to have heard ‘enter the petite seraphins’ sung in French – it’s a beautiful Carol when sung acapella 💕 maybe next year 😉. Well done Serenade for making the run up to Christmas bearable 👏

  346. Jonathan, Isle of Man on 20 December 2024

    Serenade Radio is, without a doubt, the ultimate home of Christmas music! No other station can even hold a festive candle to your festive cheer. To all the wonderful presenters who sprinkle joy throughout the year – thank you! Hoping our donation helps fuel the staff Christmas party, maybe enough for a cocktail stick, party horn plus a newspaper hat each! Merry Christmas to all and a peaceful 2025.

  347. Tom Colmey on 19 December 2024

    Absolutely spiffing! I was wondering if Andy was going to do a TV show this year. Can’t wait! Merry Christmas Serenade and to all………..Goodnight! 🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🧑🏻‍🎄🧑🏻‍🎄🧑🏻‍🎄

  348. Barbara Heathcote on 19 December 2024

    Hi Andy please repeat the TV theme program from New Years Day afternoon as I’m sure lots of us will still be celebrating 🥳 I’d hate to miss it 😢

  349. Sandra from Battle on 19 December 2024

    Hi Andy
    Thank you so much to you and your team for the lovely music throughout the year also for the lovely selection of Christmas music.It really does brighten our days,just to turn the radio on and hear some happy music.Thank you again

  350. Helen on 19 December 2024

    Merry Christmas to everyone at Serenade Radio. Thankyou for the beautiful music 🌲

  351. Neil on 18 December 2024

    Absolutely loving the Christmas music. You are all fantastic!!
    I heard a song my parents had on an old 78 from about 1956. Ruby Murray “ the very first Christmas of all”
    that I had totally forgotten about. It was wonderful to hear it again and I was 12 again, listening to the old 78’s on my mums radiogram. THANK YOU!!

  352. Nick Hingley on 17 December 2024

    Really enjoying the Christmas Carols at 6pm with Cindy.

  353. Jackie Newark on 17 December 2024

    Absolutely LOVING all the Christmas music – and another whole week to look forward to! Yippee! Thank you.

    • Nick Hingley on 17 December 2024

      Christmas starts on Christmas Day (we are currently in Advent) so I hope we get some Christmas music in the days afterwards – like we did when I was a kid and there was sometimes telly on in the daytime! Serenade has no advertisers to please and who want to sell something else on Boxing Day.

      (I have to be honest – I ration myself a bit beforehand so that I don’t get too weary of it come the big day.)

  354. Brian Bunn on 17 December 2024

    Really enjoying the non-stop retro Christmas 🎄 songs, especially Andy’s early show, and Music Box. Thank you so much for keeping the wonderful music alive 😊
    My only gripe is Dick Fisher playing “later” boring stuff that is churned out on loads of other radio stations, instant switch OFF for me when he played Frankie Goes To Hollywood yesterday, and Wham today.
    I know you like feedback, Serenade Radio is fantastic, re-living the special music of the 20’s-60’s, but please keep the 80’s away !!!
    Just my opinion.

    • Dick Fisher on 18 December 2024

      Hi Brian. I knew when I chose them that they could cause a “Marmite” effect among my regulars. But my thought process was that to include them would occupy a very small percentage of the airtime devoted to what we could call more traditional fare. I also wanted to celebrate and highlight the fact that musical tastes are constantly on the move. These two certainly remind us that there is the occasional “swerve” from the norm!

    • Ian on 18 December 2024

      Please, Brian Bunn stop griping and leave Mr. Fisher alone. There are many Christmas songs / carols from various periods. Constant repetition (even by the many different artists aired) over a 2 week period pre- December 25th can become somewhat overwhelming to those who listen throughout the day, everyday. Like Nick Hingley above, I have to ration myself before Christmas Day, so for Dick to slip in a more recent tune adds to the variety. Whilst not wishing or advocating the inclusion of a host of post 80s tunes, please allow Dick some licence to air his daily selection. His well researched and knowledgeable contributions each day are to be welcomed and not griped at ! Please be careful what you wish for !

      • Edgar on 19 December 2024

        I agree with Brian. Plenty of places to hear newer stuff. The 80s and beyond should be limited to people like Linda Ronstadt and Michael Buble (and even Buble has done some contemporary tunes which are out of place on a great station like this).

        • Ian on 19 December 2024

          Dear Edgar,
          I am not advocating that Serenade plays 80s Christmas music repetitively as I have already said above. Far from it. Indeed, I get sick of hearing “Simply having a wonderful Christmas time ” et al, ad infinitum
          often from October onwards ! but then you shoot yourself in the foot by saying Michael Buble and Linda Ronstadt (both of the 80’s) are acceptable on Serenade. So, effectively you seem to want to censure and censor Dick Fisher for playing a “one-off” track of his choosing within a two-week period. May I remind you (and Brian) that it is supposed to be the season of good-will not the season of “griping”. Dick gives his time freely and has been an excellent addition to the Serenade team for the past two years. By the way, I can also get sick of “White Christmas” when it, too, is played ad-infinitum. I wish you both a happy festive season !

          • Edgar on 19 December 2024

            Agreed on most of what he plays and what he means to us, but I just don’t want to hear too much that doesn’t fit. As for griping, you’re forgetting who runs this place and what makes him so appealing.

            • Andy Marriott on 19 December 2024

              OK. Thanks chaps, let’s leave it there shall we. Thanks.

  355. Karen on 16 December 2024

    Dance band days is great tonight. It’s like being at a party at my nan’s house! It is wonderful to hear all these old tunes. Thank you to Roger and Paul and Serenade Radio for making sure they are not lost and we can still hear them. I’m not quite sure how I know the words to the Fairy on the Christmas Tree though given that it’s nearly 30 years older than me. But apparently I do!

    • Paul Ruddock on 16 December 2024

      Thank you so much Karen, really great to know you enjoyed.

      What with Roger’s accordion playing and Ronnie Ronalde’s yodelling it was quite the party!

      There’s another new Christmas edition next week, I reckon you might well know some of the words there too…😉

      Seasons Greetings

      Paul

  356. Dave in London on 16 December 2024

    For Simon: thanks for playing the Holiday Lounge Players and for the opportunity to try and find out who they really were. The orchestra style is Jan Garber – those saxophones harmonising with trumpets. On the full version of the air check recording the announcer says “Roy and the trio” which fortunately confirms Jan Garber’s Orchestra with Roy Cordell and His Trio. Well it’s very likely, I think.

    Searching online for “My Favorite Song (1952) – Roy Cordell” gives us the same names on a song performed in the same jaunty manner.

    Thanks too for the Sammy Kaye number. His habit of singing the title line while the intro gets going is a delight. Probably done to help identify him and his orch in the very competitive US market. A gimmick as our parents would probably have called it.

    All the best to you.

    • Simon McLean on 16 December 2024

      Thank you very much, that seems pretty conclusive to me! There are a couple of Jan Garber tracks in the Christmas Music Box collection, I will try and give them an airing before the 25th if I can, so he gets the credit he’s due. Thanks again!

  357. Martyn Bassey on 15 December 2024

    I’m a big fan of the wonderful Glenda Collins, so it was brilliant to hear her on the Steve James show this morning. “It’s Hard To Believe It” is a Joe Meek classic. Many thanks Steve James once again for playing a song I never expected to hear on the radio 👍

    • Steve James on 16 December 2024

      Hi Martyn, yes it’s a fabulous record isn’t it, although the ‘Telstar’ effects make it sound like it was recorded in 1962, rather than 1966. I believe Glenda Collins recording career came to an abrupt halt with the death of Joe Meek, sadly. I will certainly dig out some more of her records and indeed more Joe Meek productions.

  358. Nancy on 15 December 2024

    Cindy Kent could you please play ‘Once In Royal David’s City’ next week? I appreciate your wonderful stories and show. God bless you and Merry Christmas from Montana!

  359. Walt Smith on 15 December 2024

    Cindy, Love your selection of songs!

  360. Anne W W.NC on 14 December 2024

    My Saturday would not be complete without My girl Cindy she is so uplifting! ❤️
    Cindy On your next show would you play Hark the Herald Angels Sing .
    Merry Christmas you 🎁 to all the wonderful announcers who give of their time to play such wonderful music💽 Thanks🎄

  361. Walt Smith on 14 December 2024

    As a late night listener on the US east coast, I thoroughly enjoy all the presenters who hit my 11 to 1 window of listening. Johnny Mac is my favorite with his intimate way of talking to the listeners. Keep up the great work Serenade!

    • Johnny Mac on 14 December 2024

      Thank you, Walt, for your very kind words, and welcome to the Great Early Morning Stalwarts (Stateside).

  362. Barbara Heathcote on 13 December 2024

    Hi Andy, it’s a shame Deanna Durban doesn’t get played very often, I have several of her films on dvd and it was in one of her films I heard Nessun Dorma for the first time long before Pavarotti made it famous at the World Cup.

  363. Brian Bunn on 12 December 2024

    Hi Andy, really looking forward to your non-stop retro Christmas 🎄 ☃️ songs, last years shows were awesome 🙌 So pleased to hear you will not be playing the awful “Fairy tale from New York” – hoping you don’t play the equally boring Mariah Carey and Band Aid rubbish ! Sticking to the wonderful traditional Christmas 🎄 ☃️ songs from the 40’s , 50’s and 60’s is so inspiring and refreshing, it’s especially nice to hear versions by other artists that I’ve not heard before 👍 Keep up the great work Andy, your wonderful radio station is so appreciated 😊

    • Nick Hingley on 13 December 2024

      ‘Fairytale of New York’: Many thanks, Brian. As my listening to pop radio is restrained – and I especially avoid it at this time of year – I had actually forgotten about that one…

      One December, years ago, I was sitting in the dentist’s chair. Dentist was a nice chap, and sadly no longer with us, but had a habit of playing the radio. Just as the needle went in for some work on a particularly troublesome lower left molar, on came ‘Fairytale of New York’. I class it as my ultimate moment…

  364. Barbara Heathcote on 11 December 2024

    Hi, just sent a small donation to help towards keeping this wonderful station going. So glad I found you a year ago. Wouldn’t be without you now. I’ve been introduced to so many fabulous singers, and of course you play my Vic Damone.

  365. Pierre on 11 December 2024

    Hello, I am listening to your station and find it very pleasant. Thank you from a little frenchy who also brushes up his english by the way ! Congratulations for your radio.

  366. Liz on 11 December 2024

    Christmas Song.
    When she was very young our daughter, now 28, would sing ” Chestnuts roasting on an open fire/ Jack Frost living up your nose.” Happy days.
    Merry Christmas to everyone at Serenade Radio.

  367. Andy Grahamme on 10 December 2024

    Fantastic station…..amazing music…class presentation…its about time the industry recognised the quality and uniqueness of Serenade Radio. A shining light in a sea of broadcasting mediocrity.

  368. Nancy on 8 December 2024

    Cindy Kent, warm get-well wishes from Montana. Your show is a delight!

  369. Andy Grahamme on 7 December 2024

    Absolutely brilliant programme this morning…Just fantastic. Radio 2 should make Steve James Head Of Music….and feature this era of music all day long….there again who cares? Serenade weekend breakfast is just so good!

  370. Jonathan on 7 December 2024

    Johnny Mac’s smooth blend of great music and engaging chat always starts our Saturday Serenade perfectly. He sets the high standard that that flows throughout the whole weekend. Thank you to ALL the presenters at Serenade for such wonderful entertainment.

    • Johnny Mac on 7 December 2024

      Thank you, Jonathan, for your very kind comments, and a warm welcome to the Great Early Morning Stalwarts (GEMS) of A Little Night Music.

  371. Helen on 7 December 2024

    Thankyou Ed for all your Wonderful Dawn Chorus programmes.
    Starting every Saturday and Sunday with such beautiful music and presentation is a pure joy.

    • Suzy on 9 December 2024

      The Dawn Chorus is pure joy, isn’t it, Helen. Whilst cuddled-up under the duvet I keep having to reach for my phone to Shazam a track from Ed’s wonderful choice of music to add to a Special playlist. Plus his quirky anecdotes make me smile. A lovely warm start to the weekend days that we all need.

      • Helen on 10 December 2024

        I totally agree Suzy.
        Merry Christmas 🎄

  372. Nancy on 7 December 2024

    Great show tonight Johnny – wonderful music!

    • Martyn Bassey on 7 December 2024

      Yes you’re right Nancy. Great music as always. Many thanks Johnny 👍

    • Johnny Mac on 13 December 2024

      Thank you, my dear GEMS. We’re now nearing full Christmas mode on Serenade and let’s hope it’s storm-free too!

  373. Nancy on 7 December 2024

    Morning/evening all – late to the party but enjoying the music – George Shearing was such a dear funny man and a great talent!

  374. Karen on 7 December 2024

    Morning all. Always lovely to hear David Cassidy… didn’t help me get it right though. And great artist of the week in Sam Cooke. You are currently helping to drown out the noise of the storm here in Gloucestershire. Hope all is OK in Wales Martyn.

    • Martyn Bassey on 7 December 2024

      Good morning/evening all. Thanks Karen. Hope you are okay in Gloucestershire. I’ve got the music turned up to drown out the sound of the gale force wind as well 🎧😊

      • Nancy on 7 December 2024

        Stay warm and dry friends. Ah winter!

  375. Martyn Bassey on 7 December 2024

    1973. Got that when I heard David Cassidy. Great song by John Denver too. 👍

  376. Martyn Bassey on 7 December 2024

    Many thanks to Sean Usher. Great music for early Saturday morning 👍🙂

  377. Barbara Heathcote on 5 December 2024

    Hi Andy just heard you play Vic Damone but there’s one song I’ve not heard you play yet. All the Things you Are. Lots of different versions have been played but I think his is a beautiful version. Please play sometime. Thank you.

  378. Linda Ellen Price on 4 December 2024

    I wrote a blog on music that is posted on my web site: Linda Ellen Price Fine Art. Your taste reminds me of my own, our parent’s era mostly. Why did it have to end? Music that was beautiful.

    • Simon McLean on 5 December 2024

      I read your blog post about Michel Legrand too, you picked three of my favourites by him!

  379. Adrian Long on 4 December 2024

    Dear Andy
    How nice to hear Ray moore My Father Had a rabbit .
    Yes it’s nice to hear that chuckle at end.
    Brings back memories of the great Radio 2 .
    Radio 2 was the station back in those days.
    But now thank god we have serenade radio to listen too.

  380. Fraser Sutherland on 2 December 2024

    ‘The Quiet Hour’ with Jane Markham (3/12/24):
    I seldom have the chance to listen to SR weekdays but tuning in to this programme for the first time was a real, real pleasure. Sinatra’s ‘Love’s Been Good to Me’ stopped me in my tracks, so to speak and then the almost startling beauty of Jane’s spoken voice. Tremendous listening. Thank you all.

  381. Neil Anthony on 1 December 2024

    Another great On the Town Mark this week and good to hear some nice words about Sigmund Romberg who is all too often maligned. Now I know critics often said of Mr Romberg’s tunes that audiences went into the theatre humming them and the great Benny Green once said that Romberg brought the American musical kicking and screaming into the 17th Century! But there is much pleasure to be had from Mr Romberg and his works. Thanks for another great show.

    • Mark Steyn on 5 December 2024

      I’m not sure Benny was as sour on Romberg as he usually sounded. He had a great fascination, for example, with Princess Flavia, Rommie’s adaptation of The Prisoner of Zenda. But yeah, in those first two days of December 1924, he’s have been a Lady, Be Good man, not a Student Prince man.

  382. Wim de Lang on 1 December 2024

    Thank you again , Steve James, for your more than fantastic weekend morning shows. I hear that we share the admiration for all the Tony Hatch productions. Also your gift for picking these forgotten sixties records is exceptional.
    You must be a fan of the old offshore radio stations from the mid sixties. This month there will be a special broadcast to remember 60 years of Wonderful Radio London.
    I wish your program was available as a listen again version. Is there a mix cloud or something like that to give me the chance to listen to you through the week when i miss something?

    Wim de Lang

    Holland

    • Steve James on 5 December 2024

      Thank you Wim and yes it’s great to be able to play those Tony Hatch productions- there were so many! – plus of course his excellent instrumental LPs for Pye records. Sadly we have no ‘listen again’ facility, so programmes vanish into the ether once they have been aired – just as they did in the 1960s…

  383. Suzy on 30 November 2024

    Wonderfully soothing and yet fun Dawn Chorus as always this weekend. Ed sets me up for the day ahead and some belated dusting now that I’m up … thanks, you! x

  384. Catherine B on 30 November 2024

    Thank you Johnny Mac for waking me with glorious Edith Piaf just now followed by Roger Whittaker (the piano accompanist was great). I heard RW singing What a Wonderful World in French earlier this week, what a treat. Not as sublime as Louis Armstrong’s version, but a good second. Serenade just keeps getting better and better. Looking forward to Christmas tunes.

    • Johnny Mac on 30 November 2024

      Thank you, Catherine, and welcome to the gang of GEMS (Great Early Morning Stalwarts). We’re a merry bunch!

  385. Martyn Bassey on 30 November 2024

    Three great songs for the final year. I love May Each Day by Andy Williams especially. I remember he used to sing it at the end of his TV show every week.

  386. Nancy on 30 November 2024

    Mille grazie for the lovely Cilla Black tune Johnny. Off again by one year. Consistent I am tonight. 😊

  387. Karen on 30 November 2024

    Good morning and evening all. Great tunes as usual Johnny . Same as Nancy for 1961, but I got 1967 . Wonderful to hear the beautiful voice of Judith Durham.

    • Nancy on 30 November 2024

      Howdy Miss Karen. I knew how old I was when I saw ‘Georgy Girl’ and still messed up the year (facepalm)

  388. Nancy on 30 November 2024

    What a gorgeous voice Harry Secombe had! I’m grateful to SR for all the wonderful talent they present.

    • Martyn Bassey on 30 November 2024

      I liked Harry’s duet with Moira Anderson on Stranger In Paradise 🙂

      • Nancy on 30 November 2024

        If not for SR I would only know Secombe from ‘Oliver’.

  389. Martyn Bassey on 30 November 2024

    1961 👍 Michael by The Highwaymen. Fabulous song. Thanks Johnny.

  390. Edgar on 29 November 2024

    That was good but it’s not the Brothers Four version of “The Green Leaves of Summer” that I know/

  391. Dave in London on 27 November 2024

    Andy, I wonder if your lady singer on the Norrie Paramor number today (Wednesday) was Patricia Clark, the Glasgow soprano. She was equally happy to be a voice of light orchestrals and of classical music. If I remember correctly she also worked with the Peter Knight Singers. Lovely voice and well suited to the arrangements of Mr Paramor.

    • Simon McLean on 28 November 2024

      I’ve always assumed it was Patricia – she certainly sang on his ‘London After Dark’ and ‘Lovers In Tokio’ albums, so she was no stranger to the Paramor sound! I must get Lovers In Tokio on Music Box one day…

  392. Catherine B on 27 November 2024

    Dear Andy
    As Christmas approaches, please don’t forget Paddy Roberts’ “Merry Christmas You Suckers”, perhaps on your Bit of Nonsense slot. If you remember I suggested this to you on your other day job, and you thought it would go down better on Serenade.

  393. Andy Grahamme on 26 November 2024

    The Quiet Hour is an absolutely brilliant programme….great music…terrific presentation. Jane would have been amazing on Radio 2 back in the days of Wogan..Moore..etc etc. She is such a class act xx

  394. Barbara Heathcote on 25 November 2024

    Hi Andy. When you start to include Christmas songs on your show can you please add Andy Williams The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Thank you.

  395. Alan Barker on 25 November 2024

    Any chance you might play some of my fifties memories Andy from my childhood as I grew up around 1955 with the wireless as our only entertainment
    Songs like If I give my heart to you .Pickin a chicken .Stranger in paradise Suddenly there’s Valley and many more I was only six but enjoyed those peaceful childhood days.

  396. Fraser Sutherland on 24 November 2024

    Lyricist Carolyn Leigh claims ‘ The Best is Yet to Come’. Well, it has and it’s called Mark Steyn’s ‘On the Town, 30th edition. Defying logic, every minute of the show was a high point in this Puccini Maestri Fest! Musetta’s Walz by the maestra of maestre, Maria Callas and fascinating Fifties takes of the more-or-less the same by Della Reese and Tony Russo. ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’ from a tremendous Sarah Brightman and ‘Nessun Dorma’ from Turandot completed ‘Cafe Continental’. Palm wine Great Ebeneezer Calendar sang ‘Double Decker Bus’ and ‘Go Home and Come Tomorrow’ in a truly fascinating Cafe Imperial. The high points continued with Lillian Raimondo, baritones Lawrence Tibbett and Robert Merrill and the delightful Kathryn Grayson duetting ‘La ci darem la mano’ with Don Giovanni Frank Sinatra! Oh and a bonus masterly throwaway line from Maestro Steyn: ‘ I don’t know if Peter Lawford liked Puccini…’ Delicious. Wicked. Roll on next Saturday and sorry, Carolyn Leigh!

    • Mark Steyn on 29 November 2024

      Too kind, Fraser. When you’re working with Puccini, it’s pretty much just dropping into your lap. But we’ll try to live up to Miss Leigh’s dictum even without him.

  397. Dave Phillips on 23 November 2024

    Hi Kevin
    Thanks for a great show a truly nice mix of songs and orchestral pieces.
    You played a song by Jerry Vale whom is sadly no longer with us he had a great singing voice certainly he was underrated he should have had a place in the Great American Song book along with all those big stars at that time.
    I first heard him on the Late David Jacobs show on radio 2 and then on Don Blacks show on radio2.
    So thanks Kevin for playing such a fine American voice

    • Kevin Taylor on 27 November 2024

      Hi Dave, thanks for your kind comments and acknowledging the music of Jerry Vale. I’m glad to play his music and feature him on Serenade Radio as he didn’t get the recognition as some of the other artists we play. Such a great voice!

  398. Neil Anthony on 23 November 2024

    Nice show marking the 100th anniversary of the death of Puccini, Mark. The first ever opera I saw was Tosca performed by Opera North when I was at university in Leeds. Tickets in the gods with student discount – a fiver – cheaper than the Odeon down the road. You can’t beat a bit of Puccini!

    • Nancy on 23 November 2024

      Mark had me at Puccini (Gee-ackamo that is). Every anecdote and song had me smiling and singing away in my kitchen! One of your best shows Mr. Steyn!

    • Mark Steyn on 29 November 2024

      Thanks, Neil. Tosca for a fiver? Can’t beat that.

  399. Catherine on 23 November 2024

    Jeff Owen’s show this morning was delightful, lots of information on tracks and artists. Keep it up.

  400. Shawn Rannard on 22 November 2024

    Hello Kevin
    Thanks so much for your lovely programme “Home of the Stars”, emanating every weekend from Palm Springs. As I’m writing from the mid-North Coast of New South Wales, we receive that “shot of magic” on Sunday and Monday mornings, and how much of “Home of the Stars” I’m able to listen to, depends on the time of year. Right now I’m able to hear the entire show. The information you pass on to us about various artists is beyond brilliant, and I thank you so much for that. The music from the 1930s right up to the 1960s is the greatest of all time, and we will never again see and hear the like of the artists who brought that music to us. I know that like me, you have a soft spot for Frankie Laine; for not only his music, which is beyond compare, but also for his kind and generous nature which shines out through his voice. I know of a Sydney radio presenter who travelled over to America to meet and interview Frankie (who even welcomed this man into his home) and the resulting tapes he played on his return made me realise just what a great man Frankie Laine was. Thank you so very much, Kevin, and may Christmas be a happy and safe one for you and your family. I’ll look forward to hearing from you in 2025.

  401. Shawn Rannard on 22 November 2024

    Hello Vic
    I’m writing to tell you how much I enjoyed your last programme, listening here in New South Wales, and to thank you for such a well-presented one. I’m a new listener, but am able to tune in only when I can’t sleep! I recall a song you played by Jane Morgan, but, unfortunately, not the title. That song was made famous by Connie Francis, which you did mention. I don’t know whether or not you are aware that on the 3rd May this year, Jane turned one hundred! It’s wonderful to listen to such utterly delightful music and the accompanying commentary. We just don’t get quality programmes like this in Australia, because, unfortunately, there’s nothing like Serenade Radio in Australia! Vic, I do hope Christmas is a happy and safe one for you and your family, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you again in 2025, as I am the other Serenade Radio presenters.

    • Vic Groves on 22 November 2024

      Hello Shawn,
      Thanks for getting in touch and thanks for your very kind comments. Regarding the Connie Francis song, I think you are thinking of “Who’s Sorry Now.” I think the recording I played was by Eydie Gorme, although I do have a soft spot for Jane Morgan and often play her songs. I didn’t know she was still with us! Like you, I love the music that’s played on Serenade Radio. Long may it continue. The singers, writers, bands, and orchestras of those times, and some of our times, are a cut above the norm. Thanks again for getting in touch. Keep listening. May I wish you and very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Regards, Vic

  402. Shawn Rannard on 22 November 2024

    Hello David
    I love listening to your programme, but that occurs only when I can’t sleep, as we get it here at a little place called Tea Gardens, in Port Stephens, New South Wales, from midnight. Thanks for the wonderful music you play, and those thoughtful little comments! Earlier this week you played a song, the title of which escapes me, but it contained only two (2) letters. After the song had finished, you said that that was probably the shortest title of any song ever (or words to that effect), and to let you know if there is a shorter title. Well, there is such a song. Back in 1952, Don Cornell recorded a song entitled “I”. Not a big hit, but…. . In closing, I’ll say that I never knew insomnia had an up side. Well, it does! Of course, it’s listening to your programme! Thanks David, all the best, and I wish you, your family, and other presenters at Serenade, a happy and safe Christmas.

    • David Yarnall on 25 November 2024

      Hello Shawn. Thank you for getting in touch and I’m very pleased you enjoy my programme and the rest of Serenade’s output by the sound of it.
      The song I played was ‘If’ although I’m blessed if I can remember by whom!! It’s an age thing you know!!
      Thanks for the info regarding ‘I’ by Don Cornell. You never know it might be lurking in Serenade’s library somewhere.
      I always try to give a mention to anyone who comments on my programme so I’ll do that – but when?? I’ll do anything to keep people listening!!😀
      Thank you for the Christmas wishes which is my first one for this year and of course, the same to you.

      • Shawn Rannard on 26 November 2024

        Thanks for your reply, David. I understand that in this situation it’s difficult to pin down a time to “give a mention” (as my insomnia comes in “bouts”!) so we’ll assume that you’ve already done that! Thanks once again for your wonderful programme. Shawn.

        • David Yarnall on 4 December 2024

          I got you in this afternoon Shawn. I hope you heard it. Careful how you handle the fame!! 😂

          • Shawn Rannard on 8 December 2024

            Thanks David, I do appreciate that very much. There really is nothing else quite like Serenade Radio! Kind regards, Shawn.

  403. jon on 21 November 2024

    Can you guys remember, was Two Way Family Favourites the BFPO British Forces Post Office??

    • jon on 22 November 2024

      BFPO was British forces post office E.G RAF Akrotiri is BFPO 57 Cyprus

  404. John Temple on 17 November 2024

    Great to hear Anne Shelton. Thank you. I’m currently writing a book about Anne’s life and career, which I hope will be published during the course of 2025. Once again, thank you for reminding us of Annes great vocal talent.

  405. Anne Crowcroft on 17 November 2024

    Hi Mark,
    Love your shows! Yesterday’s was great, especially the Quincy Jones feature. Was reminded that a young Peter Grant recorded an album around 2005. Which was heavily promoted by Michael Parkinson at the time, and did quite well. In this album he recorded “On days like these” and also “Walk away” another collaboration of Don Black’s lyrics and Matt Monroe’s singing. Both I thought Peter Grant did well.

    • Mark Steyn on 20 November 2024

      Peter Grant’s “On Days Like These” isn’t bad, Anne. But, still, over the last half-century-plus I count maybe a dozen vocal versions and slightly fewer instrumentals. If memory serves, David Yarnall picked it as one of his “songs I wish I’d written”. So maybe he’d like to do it…

  406. Mr David Phillips on 16 November 2024

    Hi Adrian
    This is a first for me listening to your SHOWSTOPPERS programme I have thoroughly enjoyed your choice of music and songs.
    Absolutely brill loved your last track Cole Porters Night and Day what a great tune/song.

    • Adrian Jackson on 17 November 2024

      Hi David, thank you for listening, I’m delighted you enjoyed Showstoppers. There will be more Cole Porter in the coming weeks, hope you’ll join me again.

  407. David Blurton on 16 November 2024

    Absolutely loving show stoppers.
    Fantastic choice of theatrical music.
    Much appreciated Adrian.
    Looking forward to next Saturday already

    • Adrian Jackson on 16 November 2024

      Thank you David, there will be more at 6pm next Saturday, and thank you for listening

  408. Vanessa-Ann Dowsett on 16 November 2024

    I love Showstoppers , sixty minutes of pure pleasure. Thank you Adrian

    • Adrian Jackson on 16 November 2024

      Hello Vanessa-Ann, thank you so much for your kind comments, I’m thrilled you’re enjoying showstoppers

  409. Steven Wall on 16 November 2024

    Dear Stuart Linnell,

    I enjoyed the music, you played on your programme this Sunday morning.
    Thank you, particularly for your mention of Coventry, and the Elgar music. It is so vital to continue to teach our children and grandchildren. The history of our great Country, and the sacrifices made by previous generations, made for our freedom in two World Wars. My Maternal Grandfather, served, as a private in the British Army, in both World Wars, and “lived to tell the tale”. Although he never spoke of his ordeal. May God continue to bless you, and your family.

    • Stuart Linnell on 16 November 2024

      Steven, thank you for your kind words. Remembrance means a lot to me personally too. My Dad served in the Second World War and his Dad in World War 1. Both thankfully came home, my Granddad after winning the Military Cross at Passchendaele. You are quite right. It is so important to continue to pass on the importance of what their generation went through and fought for. The words “lest we forget” sum it up don’t they? Thank you again, and thank you for listening.

  410. Wim de Lang on 16 November 2024

    Dear Steve James, I hope you can see this message because i want to tell you that your weekend program is the radio highlight of the week for me.
    Your choice in records is so fantastic. Your program feels like coming home for me.
    We share the same taste. Your choice in music takes me back to a period in my youth(60 s and 70 s) that brought so much melody and harmony.
    Thank you so much, you are my hero…..

    Warm regards from Holland.

    • Steve James on 16 November 2024

      Hello Wim and many thanks for your kind comments. The music I play on ‘Late Night Extra’ in particular is very special to me and I’m so glad it resonates with you too. It’s lovely to able to share these neglected tracks with like-minded listeners on Serenade. Best wishes to you in Holland!

  411. Billy Bonner on 16 November 2024

    This has to be the greatest music station in the world.

  412. Nancy on 16 November 2024

    Got the last mystery year – thanks to Olivia Newton-John. A good evening of music Mr. Mac.🎵 G’nite all!

    • Martyn Bassey on 16 November 2024

      Yes. Fabulous songs by Olivia, and Crystal Gayle. Goodnight all 😊👍

    • Johnny Mac on 17 November 2024

      Thank you, stalwarts of A Little Night Music. You’re all GEMS 😉

  413. Nancy on 16 November 2024

    I wish we’d heard more of Cilla Black in the States back in the day. I love her sound.

  414. Karen on 16 November 2024

    Good morning all. I didn’t know Catherina Vallente was a guitarist as well as speaking all those languages and being a great singer. What an amazing talent. Good choice for the artist of the week.

    • Nancy on 16 November 2024

      Mark Steyn’s On The Town was all about her some weeks ago. She was terrific.

    • Johnny Mac on 17 November 2024

      Thank you, Karen.

      Caterina Valente has been a guilty pleasure of mine for years since my pirate radio days. Sad we lost here in September aged 93, but we remember her unique talent on Serenade.

  415. Martyn Bassey on 16 November 2024

    Good morning / evening everyone. Great songs from 1972. Thanks Johnny 👍

    • Nancy on 16 November 2024

      Mornin’ Martyn! Great songs indeed.

  416. Barbara Heathcote on 13 November 2024

    Hi Andy. Michael Bentines Football Pools took me back to Saturday teatime in the 1960s dad sat at kitchen table next to the radio taking down the draws etc then saying better luck next week. 😞

  417. peter paul mangan on 13 November 2024

    Andy Marriott played comedy track of Michael Bentine reading the football results.It made me wonder how many Serenade listeners still do the football pools,i do and have had the same numbers for 50 years,i wonder if any other listeners have been loyal (patient) like i have.

  418. Geoff Jones on 10 November 2024

    Thanks Roger for another good Soft Fokus. Tom Paxton sounded present day and The Shadows singing! The Linda Thompson track was written by Linda and comes from her Proxy music album. She has that problems with her singing voice. So all tracks are sung by people she has chosen. The one you played is sung by Martha Wainwright. Sister of Rufus and daughter of Louden Wainwright and the late Kate McGarrigle. Catch you again next week. Look forward to it.

    • Nick Hingley on 10 November 2024

      And the incomparable Jake Thackray to finish. Funny and yet so poignant.

  419. Suzy on 10 November 2024

    Each weekend morning at c. 6.20am I smile at Ed’s music to dust by/not dust by as I’m lying there snuggled up under the duvet enjoying his wonderful, wonderful Dawn Chorus. Especially this morning with the beautifully multi-layered and so moving Nimrod by Amici Forever on ‘Forget-Me-Not’ day.

    • Bren on 16 November 2024

      Hi Suzy, I really loved that Nimrod version too, really moving. Great choice by Ed

  420. Wendy on 10 November 2024

    I have been reading a book about Harold Arlen and I just got to a chapter called ‘ we’re off to see the wizard ‘ as this week’s ‘Song of the Week’ started ! It was great to hear Harold Arlen singing during the program as apparently he originally wanted to be a singer not a composer so it was good to actually hear his voice. And I can skip the chapter too because Mark Steyn always tells the stories so much better. 😉

    • Mark Steyn on 16 November 2024

      Too kind of you, Wendy. But, if skipping that chapter frees up some reading time, Ernie Harburg has an insightful book about his dad (and Harold’s lyricist) Yip Harburg.

      • Wendy on 16 November 2024

        Thank you for the tip off. I’ve ordered it.

  421. Karen on 10 November 2024

    Great to hear ‘you rascal, you’ by the Ink Spots on Jane’s show today. Always makes me laugh and brings back lots of happy memories.

  422. Nick Hingley on 9 November 2024

    Late Night Extra: I’m Just a Drifter – Long John Baldry
    What a great version! I only knew the Ray Pollard which is a Northern Soul classic.
    Also great to hear the Fairport Convention track.

    • Steve James on 10 November 2024

      Hi Nick, yes ‘The Drifter’ is terrific isn’t it? I’ll try to dig out some more LJB tracks as you only ever tend to hear ‘Let The Heartaches Begin’ (which is great) but there’s a lot more to him than that, including his recordings with The Steampacket.

  423. Martyn Bassey on 9 November 2024

    The Cowsills. Absolutely love this song. Nice one Johnny 👍

    • Johnny Mac on 10 November 2024

      Thank you, Martyn. And all the GEMS 💎 out there! [Great Early Morning Stalwarts]

      • Nancy on 11 November 2024

        Don’t forget the FELF (Friday Evening Listening Faithful)

  424. Andy Grahamme on 8 November 2024

    The Saturday/Sunday morning Steve james show is just so very good. It deserves an award for being innovative unique and original. So refreshing and entertaining especially the choice of music…what was that phrase?….reaches the parts that other..etc etc…

    • Guy Taylor on 8 November 2024

      Wow ! 😳😀 I never knew of this ! Glad to have found it on Facebook❤️👍

    • Steve James on 10 November 2024

      Thanks Andy, that’s extremely kind of you. You’ll have me blushing! I’m glad you enjoy listening to the programmes as much as I enjoy putting them together.

      • Andy on 11 November 2024

        …..cheers Steve….keep well..and keep on doing it!!!

    • Bren on 16 November 2024

      You are spot on Andy, couldn’t agree more. Another example of Serenade being pretty unique, not just the type of music played, but the quality of the music and the passion of the presenters. Steve’s show is brilliant.

      • Steve James on 16 November 2024

        Hi Bren, really glad you enjoy the Consortium tracks. You mentioned ‘House Upon The Hill’ and that’s a favourite of mine too. Hopefully I’ll remember to give it a spin for you (and me!) next weekend.

  425. Adrian Long on 8 November 2024

    Good Afternoon Simon
    Nice to hear the Tokyo Melody one of the actual instrumentals which got to like instrumental music, your programme always stir my memories of the hey of instrumental music.
    There so many fantastic orchestral recordings its hard to pick which ones are good.
    Tell you another favourite of mind Angel in blue by General Lafayette.
    Please keep the programme going it shame that more people don’t listen to this kind of music.
    There while others were listening to the stones the beatles jimi hendrix I was listening to Friday night is music night and similar programmes on the good old light programme or BBC radio 2.
    You never hear any one whilsting the top tunes like they use to back in the day.
    I think it was the orchestral music that use to make people whistle.

  426. Karen on 5 November 2024

    Great to hear the lumberjack song this morning. I haven’t heard that in absolutely ages. Brilliant.

  427. Robert Thomson on 3 November 2024

    Another most enjoyable (is that an oxymoron?) session from Mark Steyn. Thank you.

  428. Nancy on 2 November 2024

    I’ve been looking for the lyrics of ‘She Got It Last Night’ (suggestive lyrics about a young girl getting a permanent wave) that I’d heard a street musician sing in the 70’s to no avail. Just heard ‘She Had to Go and Lose It at the Astor’ and giggled all through it. Good enough😂

    • Paul Ruddock on 3 November 2024

      Very glad Harry Roy gave you a giggle Nancy, after all, it was risqué enough by 1940 standards for the BBC to ban it!

      If there’s a particular artist you’d like Roger and I to feature in a future Dance Band Days, do let us know and we’ll try our best to include them.

      • Nick Hingley on 5 November 2024

        I would suggest that Harry Roy etc., are banned by the BBC today, though perhaps for other reasons.

        I thoroughly enjoy Dance Band Days despite the content being of my parents’, era. Perhaps ‘She Had to Go and Lose It at the Astor’ reached British ears whistling out from Captain Plugge’s Radio Normandie?

    • Percy Unwalla on 3 November 2024

      Hey Nancy, have you tried googling for the song lyrics you want?
      may be that might help you!
      Percy (from Mumbai, India)

      • Nancy on 3 November 2024

        Hi Percy! I have exhausted my IT skills searching for these lyrics – I even shut down and restarted my laptop to no avail.
        Thanks for the suggestion!

  429. Vanessa-Ann Dowsett on 2 November 2024

    Showstoppers, fabulous programme absolutely loving it. Thank you all

  430. Nancy on 2 November 2024

    Mark Steyn: Eleanor Roosevelt singing (sorta) ‘High Hopes’? What next – RFK JR singing ‘My Way’? You are so cool sir.

    • Mark Steyn on 8 November 2024

      Thank you, Nancy. We might introduce a weekly Eleanor Roosevelt triple-play. You’ll love it.

  431. Martyn Bassey on 2 November 2024

    Thanks Johnny for the three tracks from Sergio Mendes. I enjoyed them very much.

  432. Nancy on 2 November 2024

    G’nite to the Johnny Mac’s early morning listeners. It’s 11 PM here in the land of mountains and I’s tired. Our clocks change tomorrow so it’ll go easier next week…Val Doonican’s Stardust is like a lullaby. God bless all😴

  433. Karen on 2 November 2024

    Roger Whittaker followed by Eva Cassidy, a perfect calming sound for this time of day. Thank you Johnny . Roger Whittaker was my first favourite singer which was perhaps an odd choice for a 10 year old when all my friends were listening to Donny or David. Jogging round the back garden?…. staggering would be more like it. 🤣🤣

    • Nancy on 2 November 2024

      😂😂😂

  434. Martyn Bassey on 2 November 2024

    Thanks Johnny for playing You Don’t Know by Helen Shapiro. I’ve always liked that song. 👍😊

  435. Nancy on 2 November 2024

    Saw Brubeck’s quartet in the 1980’s, heard the long form of Take Five (which was superb). Big fan of Roy Orbison (my license plate is a variation of Blue Bayou). Great stuff Johnny!

  436. David Hilton on 1 November 2024

    What if I don’t like sherry trifle. 😉 thanks, great programme as always.

  437. Nancy on 31 October 2024

    I hoped to hear Louie Prima’s Old Black Magic today – thanks Andy!
    Boo👻

  438. Julia Wilson on 30 October 2024

    Where have you gone. Can’t get Alexa to play Serenade?? 🙁

  439. Liz Atwell on 30 October 2024

    I’m in love with my radio all over again🩵
    Thank you Serenade.