Russell Davies - 02/08/2009

Every Sunday Russell Davies presents the history of popular song, spotlighting its greatest exponents. Russell notes the obscurity of Cecil Mack (d. 65 years ago) despite the fact he was one of the men behind The Charleston, which had a huge influence on popular music. Exploring this, he introduces 20s songs Runnin' Wild (as played by Les Paul & Mary Ford), Let's All Go To Mary's House, (The Savoy Orpheans), Somebody Stole My Gal (Ted Lewis) and Shine (Ry Cooder's version). Returning to Cecil Mack, we then explore 'old-fashioned' motifs in song (Cecil Mack's Old-Fashioned Love being the start of seven tunes with 'old-fashioned' in the title). Finally, reminding listeners of the 95th anniversary of the start of the First World War, Russell plays There's A Long, Long Trail A-Winding.