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Fifty Years Around the Clock

Tony Wilson traces the story of the first rock 'n' roll song to reach number 1. Featuring Sir Cliff Richard. From March 2005.

Tony Wilson traces the story of the first rock 'n' roll song to reach number 1 in 1955.

It was hastily recorded in a converted ballroom in Manhattan and first released as an obscure B-side

But 'Rock around the Clock' only found its moment of glory when it was included in the 50s film 'Blackboard Jungle' as the sound of teenage rebellion and an antidote to the jazz of Bix Beiderbecke.

With:

Virtuosa guitarist, Vini Reilley
Ex-rocker, Sir Cliff Richard
Broadcasting impresario, Michael Grade

Producer: Jane Lewis.

First broadcast on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 in March 2005.

30 minutes

Last on

Sat 21 May 2022 02:30

Broadcasts

  • Sat 11 Apr 2009 09:00
  • Sat 11 Apr 2009 19:00
  • Tue 15 Feb 2011 14:30
  • Sat 7 Apr 2012 07:30
  • Sat 1 Feb 2014 07:30
  • Mon 12 Mar 2018 06:30
  • Mon 12 Mar 2018 13:30
  • Mon 12 Mar 2018 20:30
  • Tue 13 Mar 2018 01:30
  • Fri 20 May 2022 14:30
  • Sat 21 May 2022 02:30