Russell Davies - 11/07/2010

Russell Davies celebrates the art, craft & inspiration of the popular song. This week, he explores different interpretations of Rodgers & Hammerstein's famous show tunes, from The King and I and Oklahoma. Memories of songwriter Buddy DeSylva (who died on this day 50 years ago) produce a little nonsensical rarity, as well as a more serious one. And the recent death of playwright, author and jazz-lover Alan Plater inspires the next couple of songs. Russell discovers The Ponce Sisters and Fit As A Fiddle, leading to a composition by Phil Ponce, father of the sisters, before a perfect reading of Some Enchanted Evening concludes the proceedings.