Tim Rice's American Pie - Washington

Sir Tim Rice has always been fascinated by the history and geography of the United States, even before he became obsessed with its music: "The sheer romanticism of the names of the fifty states is poetry to my ears and the opportunity to explore every state of the union through its music, musicians, composers, lyricists and performers is irresistible for me." Each week, Tim looks at the music and musicians of one of the fifty states in the Union. Some, like New York and Tennessee, have a well-known musical history and heritage; others, like Alaska and Delaware, do not have instantly recognisable musical traditions or narrative. But every one of the States has a wonderful and individual tale to tell through its songs, tunes, words, music, performers and writers. Sir Tim begins his trek in the top left hand corner of the US map, in Washington State, and features artists including Jimi Hendrix, Kenny Loggins, Bing Crosby, Nirvana, Fleet Foxes and Oleta Adams. He progresses snake-like, up and down the mighty nation from the Pacific to the Atlantic, taking a break from the 48 mainland states somewhere along the way to touch down in Alaska and Hawaii "I hope each broadcast, through music old and new, familiar and unexpected, proves an enjoyable slice of American Pie, none quite like the forty-nine others.".