The DVD Collection - Music Documentaries

SUSAN BOYLE: AN UNLIKELY SUPERSTAR

Susan Boyle: An Unlikely Superstar gives a revealing insight into the life of the woman who achieved world wide acclaim and became the most incredible success story of our time. This one off special, reveals an intimate portrait of Susan Boyle and discovers the real woman behind the singing sensation who took the world by storm. This emotional documentary follows Susan around the world from China to New York. It charts Susan’s life, from her local Scottish community, to working on her new album in the recording studio, international performances and sees Susan discussing her latest album Someone To Watch Over Me with her boss and mentor Simon Cowell. 

ITV1 2011 60 MINS

I DREAMED A DREAM: THE SUSAN BOYLE STORY 

Join Susan Boyle for an evening to celebrate her love of music in an hour long special for ITV1, I Dreamed A Dream – The Susan Boyle Story. Featuring tracks from her album, including Wild Horses, Cry me a River and I Dreamed a Dream the show is packed with special guests and surprises. Few could have predicted the record breaking, international success following her inspiring performance on Britain's Got Talent. The Susan Boyle story candidly charts her journey from the small Scottish village of Blackburn to superstardom. Including exclusive interviews with Susan, friends and celebrity fans, the real Susan Boyle story is told alongside spectacular performances.

ITV1 2009 60 MINS 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LULU - SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT 

Lulu arrived on Top Of The Pops in 1964 with her raucous, belting rendition of Shout when she was just 15 years old. She is the only female artist who has had a UK Top 20 hit in every one of the last five decades. It's been almost 50 years since her first public performance as a schoolgirl in Scotland, named Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie. Since then, she's notched up 66 singles and 21 albums. She's enjoyed No.1 hits on both sides of the Atlantic, and also won a Eurovision Song Contest. Now 62 years old, Lulu opens the doors to her life - looking back across five decades at her remarkable career. This is also very much the story of Lulu now - following her into the studio with Jools Holland; rehearsing for shows; choreographing new dance routines; and exclusive access as Lulu prepares and performs for a huge concert on the banks of the River Clyde in her old home town of Glasgow. Featuring contributions from Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Cliff Richard, Robin Gibb, Barry Manilow, Bobby Womack and Jools Holland, along with family members, such as Lulu's brother and sister. 

BBC 2011     90 MINUTES       DIGITAL TV

 

GILBERT O'SULLIVAN: OUT ON HIS OWN 

Gilbert O'Sullivan was Ireland's first international pop star. Filmed throughout 2009 on Jersey and in London, Nashville and Israel, this is a fascinating and witty journey through the personal and creative highs and lows of this unconventional, complex, unwavering and often difficult soloist. This is the first time O'Sullivan has given access to a documentary crew, allowing a rare insight into the private world of a single-minded and often pugnacious music man. 

2010 52 MINUTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

BURT BACHARACH: THIS IS NOW 

Dusty Springfield narrates a documentary profile of the songwriter who won an Oscar for the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid score, enjoyed stage success with Promises, Promises and whose classic songs continue to influence modern music. Featuring interviews with Dionne Warwick, Noel Gallager, Hal David, Herb Alpert, Elvis Costello, Cilla Black, Richard Carpenter, Carol Bayer Sager and Gillian Lynne. 

1996 50 Mins DIGITAL TV (2011) 

EASY LISTENING HITS AT THE BBC

Compilation of easy listening tracks that offers the perfect soundtrack for your cocktail party. There's music to please every lounge lizard, with unique BBC performances from the greatest easy listening artists of the 60s and 70s, including Burt Bacharach, Andy Williams, Perry Como, Barry Manilow, Johnny Mathis, Glenn Campbell, Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66, the Carpenters and many more. 

2011 1 HOUR DIGITAL TV

BOTH ON SAME DISC 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

THE JOY OF EASY LISTENING

In-depth documentary investigation into the story of a popular music that is often said to be made to be heard, but not listened to. The film looks at easy listening's architects and practitioners, its dangers and delights, and the mark it has left on modern life. From its emergence in the 50s to its heyday in the 60s, through its survival in the 70s and 80s and its revival in the 90s and beyond, the film traces the hidden history of a music that has reflected society every bit as much as pop and rock - just in a more relaxed way. Contributors include Richard Carpenter, Herb Alpert, Richard Clayderman, Engelbert Humperdinck, Jimmy Webb, Mike Flowers, James Last and others.

BBC  2011  90 MINUTES     DIGITAL TV

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TOP OF THE POPS - THE TRUE STORY

Jamie Theakston presents the history of Britain's best-loved music show, spanning four decades of great music and including archive footage of classic performances and backstage antics. As well as interviews with former presenters, such as Jimmy Savile and John Peel, there are also contributions from artists who have appeared on the show, including Pan's People, Robin Gibb, Noddy Holder, Blondie, Holly Johnson, Suggs, Noel Gallagher, Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams. 

2001 60 MINS   DIGITAL TV 

TOP OF THE POPS - THE STORY OF 1976

The nation grew up with Top of the Pops and it was always a talking point, but 35 years ago a particular kind of Top of the Pops programme and tone held sway. This documentary explores Top of the Pops in 1976 - as a barometer of the state of pop and light entertainment TV. It celebrates the power of the programme and observes British society of the mid 70s, British TV and the British pop scene. In 1976, glam was over and nothing had replaced it - the charts belonged to Showaddywaddy, Brotherhood of Man and the Wurzels, all to be found on Top of the Pops hosted by the Radio 1 DJs. If you wanted rock you looked to the Old Grey Whistle Test, while outside the charts a new scene was rumbling. Contributors include Tony Blackburn, David 'Diddy' Hamilton, Paul Morley, Toyah Willcox, Showaddywaddy, Brotherhood of Man, the Wurzels and Dave Haslam. 

2011 50 MINS   DIGITAL TV      BOTH ON SAME DISC

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

NEIL DIAMOND - SOLITARY MAN

A 60-minute documentary including an interview and exclusive location filming with Neil Diamond in New York and Los Angeles. Robbie Robertson, Jeff Barry, Mickey Dolenz and other contributors track Neil from his childhood in Brooklyn to his early days in the Brill Building, his nascent solo career and superstardom in the early 70s, the lean years of the 80s, his career reboot via Rick Rubin in the noughties and his Glastonbury success. 

2010 60 MINS DIGITAL TV 

NEIL DIAMOND - BBC ELECTRIC PROMS 2010 

After a career spanning five decades, over 128 million worldwide record sales, three dozen Top Forty hits, a Grammy and a Golden Globe, Neil Diamond was just getting started. The legendary singer-songwriter was then lined up to create his very own new moments in music at the closing night of the Radio 2 Electric Proms 2010.

The very special gig showcased this incredible performer as he revisited the songs he loves and his own classic back catalogue of music in the intimate surroundings of the Roundhouse. Best known for writing and performing classic songs like I'm A Believer, Sweet Caroline and I Am... I Said, his performance featured a journey through some glittering hits plus, for the first time, live tracks from his forthcoming album, Dreams. Dreams features some of the greatest songs of the rock era, including tracks from The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, The Eagles and Randy Newman. 

2010 60 MINS DIGITAL TV 

BOTH ON SAME DISC

 

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

BBC LEGENDS: THE MOTOWN INVASION 

Documentary revealing what made Motown special in Britain through the lens of two decisive moments in 1965 - the Motown Revue UK tour and the Sounds of Motown Ready Steady Go! television special. Arriving in London in March 1965, the Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder were bussed across Britain on a tough but crucial tour. The television special, recorded during the tour, kicked open the door, thrusting Motown's slick routines and magical music into front rooms across the nation. 

BBC 2011 1 HOUR DIGITAL TV

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT

Michael Jackson's This Is It is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts at London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June 2009, this film was produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson’s This Is It captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his planned final London shows. 

2009 Run Time: 107 minutes 

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

AMERICAN MASTERS: SAM COOKE - CROSSING OVER

American Masters celebrates the wonderful world of music game-changer and definitive soul singer Sam Cooke. Narrated by Danny Glover, the film features archival footage and interviews with Cooke’s family and intimates including Muhammad Ali, Herb Albert, James Brown, Dick Clark, Smokey Robinson, Jerry Wexler, and more. Sam Cooke put the spirit of the Black church into popular music, creating a new American sound and setting into motion a chain of events that forever altered the course of popular music and race relations in America.

PBS 2010 1 HOUR DIGITAL TV

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BBC ARENA:  MY NAME IS CELIA CRUZ

The queen of salsa, Celia Cruz has been the most adored and dynamic singer in Latin America for more than four decades. Since she left Cuba at the time of the 1959 revolution with her band Sonora Matancera, she lived in New York and rose to international fame with the legendary Latin bands of Tito Puente and Johnny Pacheco, the creators of salsa.  This profile includes testimony from friends, fans, fellow professionals and a stunning performance at New York's world-famous Apollo Theatre.

BBC FOUR (FIRST AIRED 1988)  2010  65 MINS DIGITAL TV 

 

RHYTHMS OF THE WORLD:  CELIA CRUZ

Concert footage of Cuban salsa singer Celia Cruz with Tito Puente and his orchestra and special guest Johnny Pacheco, filmed at the Apollo Theatre in New York.

2010 (FIRST AIRED 1988)  45 MINS  DIGITAL TV 

BOTH ON ONE DISC

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYNTH BRITANNIA 

Documentary following a generation of post-punk musicians who took the synthesiser from the experimental fringes to the centre of the pop stage. In the late 1970s, small pockets of electronic artists including the Human League, Daniel Miller and Cabaret Volatire were inspired by Kraftwerk and JG Ballard and dreamt of the sound of the future against the backdrop of bleak, high-rise Britain. The crossover moment came in 1979 when Gary Numan's appearance on Top of the Pops with Tubeway Army's Are Friends Electric heralded the arrival of synthpop. Four lads from Basildon known as Depeche Mode would come to own the new sound whilst post-punk bands like Ultravox, Soft Cell, OMD and Yazoo took the synth out of the pages of the NME and onto the front page of Smash Hits. By 1983, acts like Pet Shop Boys and New Order were showing that the future of electronic music would lie in dance music. Contributors include Philip Oakey, Vince Clarke, Martin Gore, Bernard Sumner, Gary Numan and Neil Tennant.

BBC FOUR 2009 90 MINUTES DIGITAL TV

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUEENS OF BRITISH POP

Queens of British Pop and narrator Liza Tarbuck offer a celebration of female pop stars, singers and icons that lit us up from the early 60s to the late 70s. Programme one tells the story of Dusty Springfield, Sandie Shaw, Marianne Faithfull, Suzi Quatro, Siouxsie Sioux and Kate Bush - some of the female artists that emerged alongside some of Britain's defining musical movements, from the swinging sixties through to glam rock and punk. Programme two profiles Annie Lennox, Alison Moyet, Kylie Minogue, Geri Halliwell, Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis. These female stars take us from post-punk to The X Factor, with a slice of girl power along the way.

Narrated by Lisa Tarbuck, with contributors including Annie Lennox, Dawn French, Dave Stewart, Alison Moyet, Pete Waterman, Alexandra Burke, Leona Lewis, Lily Allen, Adele, Marc Almond and more. Includes new interviews with Sandie Shaw, Marianne Faithfull, Suzi Quatro, Siouxsie Sioux and contributions from Tom Jones, Lulu, Burt Bacharach, John Lydon, Martha Reeves, Nancy Sinatra, Mark Radcliffe, Henry Winkler, Marc Almond, Peter Gabriel, Claire Grogan, Jarvis Cocker, Kiki Dee, Nigel Havers, Lily Allen and Adele, to name but a few. 

BBC 2009   2 hours     HQ Iplayer Download 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POP BRITANNIA

3 - Part BBC Documentary series on the emergence of British music and culture since the 1950s. Pop Britannia explores Britain's flair for pop, the fascination with finding its own pop voice and the obsession with style and the imagery of empire and nationhood.

Episode 1: Move It  In the early 60s, British pop music ruled the world. Even America had to admit defeat. For the first time since the war, Britain was the best at something.
Episode 2: A Well Respected Man  In 1963, Britain went pop. The architects of this revolution were a group of managers and producers - starmakers who turned the world upside down.
Episode 3: Two Tribes  For the last 30 years British pop has been locked in a constant struggle between the forces of art and commerce. That struggle has both fuelled and crippled British pop artists. 

3 HOURS APPROX      2009 HQ I-PLAYER DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
2 DISCS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BLUE SUEDE SHOES 

U.K. documentary about the British rockabilly revival and a rock and roll weekend pilgrimage of Teds,Rockabilly Rebels and Rockers. Bands performing include Bill Haley and the Comets, Crazy Cavan & the Rhythm Rockers, Matchbox, Flying Saucers, Freddie Fingers Lee, Ray Campi and his Rockabilly Rebels. Rare footage of Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury, Cliff Richard and others! 

1979  92 MINS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

DURAN DURAN     CLASSIC ALBUMS - RIO  

This programme tells the story behind the writing, recording and subsequent success of Rio through interviews, musical demonstrations and archive footage. Original band members Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Roger Taylor are interviewed along with director Russell Mulcahy, former manager Paul Berrow, journalist Beverley Glick, designer Anthony Price and Bob Geldof amongst others. Rio captures Duran Duran at the height of their powers, with wall-to-wall hits and great videos. 

BBC 50 MINS DIGITAL TV

WILD BOYS: THE STORY OF DURAN DURAN

Documentary charting the rise and fall of the pop group synonymous with 1980s glamour. They enjoyed an unprecedented run of hits in the UK, with songs such as 'Girls on Film', 'Rio', 'Hungry like the Wolf' and 'Is There Something I Should Know'. But with success came excess, drugs, fast living and a change in social conscience after Live Aid saw them fall out of favour.

BBC 2000 50 MINUTES DIGITAL TV      BOTH ON ONE DISC

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BLONDIE:  ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

Mark Radcliffe narrates a documentary about New York band Blondie, from their Bowery beginnings at CBGB's in 1974 to their controversial induction into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year. With exclusive backstage and performance footage from their recent UK tour, plus in-depth interviews with both current and ex band members, plus friends Iggy Pop, Shirley Manson, Tommy Ramone, Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth. 

2007   BBC4  85 MINS  DIGITAL TV 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELVIS: THAT'S THE WAY IT IS 

An engaging documentary containing over thirty songs and featuring Elvis offstage and preparing for his 1970 tour, culminating in his opening night performance in Las Vegas. 

1970 109 MINUTES

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELVIS BY THE PRESLEYS

Hosted by Priscilla Presley contains home movies, interviews, clips from the '68 comeback special, Aloha from Hawaii, outtakes, Elvis: That's the Way it is, his films - in short, everything you could possibly want to see in an Elvis tribute. Priscilla, Lisa Marie, Priscilla's parents, Elvis' cousin, and Jerry Schilling give the audience great insight into Elvis' personality, Priscilla's life with him, his differences with Colonel Tom Parker, his artistic frustrations, his drug problems, and his spiritual quest.
ITV  2005 48 MINS

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELVIS IN VEGAS  

The untold story of how Elvis Presley transformed Las Vegas, but how the same city helped to destroy him.  Based in 1970s Vegas and featuring some of Elvis's finest performances, home movies and rare archive footage, the documentary reveals a bizarre tale of intrigue and excess, recounted by those closest to him. It shows how the Vegas experience impacted on Elvis's spectacular shows, his chart-topping recordings, his volatile relationship with Parker and his unusual private life - all set against the glamorous backdrop of a 'Sin City' that would never be the same again.  Featuring interviews with Priscilla Presley, Colonel Parker's wife Loanne, the Memphis Mafia, Tom Jones, Nancy Sinatra, songwriters Leiber and Stoller and many more.

PLUS:  ELVIS:  ALOHA FROM HAWAII

Colourful concert performance by 'the King' including hits such as Burning Love, I Can't Stop Loving You, Suspicious Minds and Can't Help Falling In Love.

BBC2  2010  TOTAL RUNNING TIME : 2 HOURS  DIGITAL TV

  

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

ELVIS PRESLEY'S GRACELAND 

A documentary special structured around a visit to the legendary Graceland and its related attractions, plus nearby Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel and Elvis Presley’s Memphis restaurant/nightclub on Beale Street. An entertaining and informative tour of these properties, featuring Elvis photography and home movies, interviews with friends, fans and Graceland staff. It includes a behind-the-scenes look at EPE with a special focus on the work of the archival staff, including a visit to the archival storage facilities where all the Elvis treasures not currently displayed are cared for. Footage from Elvis Week 2000 is also included. On the same disc is an Elvis classic albums episode.

47 Mins Each  DIGITAL TV

 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

ARENA: THE BURGER AND THE KING: THE LIFE & CUISINE OF ELVIS PRESLEY 

Documentary discussing Elvis Presley's appetite for fast food and his eating habits from childhood onwards.

PLUS:  "Death By Excess -Elvis" (SkyOne). Documentary Suggesting three basic reasons contributing to Elvis' death - genetics; addiction and obsession.

BBC  1996 (broadcast 2005) Total run time approx 2 hours  DIGITAL TV 

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ENDLESS HARMONY - THE BEACH BOYS STORY 

Intelligently assembled with over 40 songs dispersed throughout, ENDLESS HARMONY works not just as a rockumentary but as an important historical document of American music. It was obviously a labor of love for director Alan Boyd, who has also produced several other works about the Beach Boys. Carl Wilson died just a few months after filming was completed, making this an especially poignant journey for the group's many fans. This refreshingly down-to-earth film gives plenty of attention to the drug and psychological problems of brothers Dennis and Brian Wilson and their sufferings at the hands of their abusive dad and manager Murray. All of the surviving members (including Brian) tell their stories themselves, from the early surf days to their experimental PET SOUNDS sessions, leading up to and beyond their controversial gig at Ronald Reagan's 1985 presidential inauguration. There are testimonials from Sean Lennon, Elvis Costello, Glenn Frey, Jackson Browne, and Barry Gibb; along with lots of concert footage and rare home-movie-style promo films of the boys goofing around in pools, parks, and European cities. This film also provides a rare chance to hear alternate versions of classic songs, including very different renditions of "God Only Knows," "Good Vibrations," and "California Girls." 

1998  1 Hour 44 Mins

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEIL SEDAKA: ALL YOU NEED IS THE MUSIC

During a career which was originally designed to make him a classical pianist, the musical achievements and statistics of singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka have made him a compelling figure in contemporary music, with 600 songs written and 20 million records sold. The hits from his early rock 'n' roll days to his later, more lyrical age are all included in this special one-man TV Special from 1982

BBC FOUR 2010 45 MINS DIGITAL TV

ON SAME DISC AS NEIL SEDAKA: THAT'S WHEN THE MUSIC TAKES ME (BBC LEGENDS DOCUMENTARY)

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

QUEENS OF HEARTACHE

A look at female singers of the 20th century, who tragically died young and became cultural icons. The singers featured include Edith Piaf, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Maria Callas and Janis Joplin.  With contributions from Mickey Rooney, Charles Aznavour, Country Joe McDonald, KT Tunstall, Katie Melua and Corinne Bailey-Rae.

BBC 2010   1 HOUR   DIGITAL TV

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE NOLANS:  IN THE MOOD FOR DANCING  

About to embark on a sellout concert tour, they invite the cameras backstage to follow their preparations, and they talk about their extraordinary story.  Like many other performers, they started out in working men's clubs, where they where known as Blackpool's very own Von Trapps. They went on to sell 25 million albums and to share a stage with Frank Sinatra.Taking a trip down memory lane, the girls return to the three-bedroomed house in Blackpool where they grew up - the eight brothers and sisters in all - and they talk about those early days as well as the highs and lows they have encountered since they last sang together. The film also interviews their two brothers, who talk about growing up with famous sisters, and Cliff Richard, who reveals how they got their first break on his show. 

ITV  2009  50 MINS  DIGITAL TV 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  

TINY TIM:  E-TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY

The full story of this enigmatic eccentric entertainer who shot to overnight stardom in 1968 with “Tiptoe through the Tulips” follows the ups and downs of his career, marriages and life from this initial extraordinary worldwide success - compelling story

 

2000   42Mins 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

AMERICAN MASTERS   HANK WILLIAMS:  HONKY TONK BLUES 

The authoritative documentary on Country Music's most influential figure. 

PBS  2004   1 HOUR APPROX  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELLA FITZGERALD - SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR 

Documentary on Ella Fitzgerald's life and career, directed by Charlotte Zwerin, highlights aspects of her private life and combines that personal story with extensive footage of some of her early performances. Narrated by Tony Bennett, and containing excerpts from her long interview with Andre Previn, the bio ranges widely in time and place, filling in important biographical information, at the same time that it focuses on her development as a singer. 

1999  88 MINS  

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

PERRY COMO 

PERRY COMO BIOGRAPHY Elaborate knitted cardigans and a penchant for merry Christmas music - from barber shop boy to showbiz legend he sold in excess of 100 million records in a spectacular 50 year career. 

SINGING AT HIS BEST features 18 of Como's classic performances from his 1950s television series. 

BOTH ON ONE DISC    DIGITAL TV

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

BOBBY DARIN:  I WANT TO BE A LEGEND 

A singer, songwriter and Oscar nominated actor, he aimed at the American dream. He married a teen movie queen, but then found out that his sister was really his mother, and died young. 

BIOGRAPHY CHANNEL  50 MINS   DIGITAL TV

 

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE RAT PACK: A Conference Of Cool

For a glittering five-year period Frank Sinatra and a group of Hollywood stars became the bad boys of fame - and the unofficial rulers of American society. Sammy Davis Jnr, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop and Sinatra himself. This film shows the heyday of the Rat Pack, from the parties with John F. Kennedy to the intrigues with the sinister forces of the Mafia. Hollywood stars Angie Dickinson and Janet Leigh and music great Buddy Greco are just some of the interviewees who talk about the fun, the fame and the frenzy of the golden years of the Rat Pack. 

PBS TV    2000 50 MINS 

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COMEDY SONGS: THE POP YEARS 

Documentary which traces the modern history of the comedy pop song from the birth of the charts in 1952 to its reinvention in the new millennium. We discover that George Martin was the missing link between the Goons and the Beatles, that the Barron Knights invented the parody song and that the Two Ronnies were not big fans of Not the Nine O'Clock News. 

BBC FOUR 2008 90 MINS DIGITAL TV 

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

THE BEATLES: THE FIRST US VISIT 

The inside story of two remarkable weeks in 1964, when Beatlemania first ignited in America.  From airport to hotel to TV studio, the pioneering Maysles brothers were at The Beatles' shoulders on their first US visit. Granted all areas access, the siblings filmed The Beatles off guard and off duty, in hotel rooms and nightclubs, at photo shoots, press conferences, in limos and on trains. The footage includes a performance on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964, when The Beatles played to 73 million television viewers, and their debut concert at the Washington Coliseum.

BBC FOUR 69 MINUTES DIGITAL TV

FILMING THE BEATLES' FIRST US VISIT: ALBERT MAYSLES

Director Albert Maysles (Grey Gardens, Salesmen) discusses the unique access he and his brother enjoyed to The Beatles on their first US Tour at the dawn of Beatlemania. The siblings filmed The Beatles off guard and off duty, in nightclubs, at photo shoots, press conferences, in limos and on trains.

BBC FOUR 30 MINS DIGITAL TV

BOTH ON 1 DISC 

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TIMEWATCH:  BEATLEMANIA

Documentary which tells the inside story of the rise and fall of Beatlemania, using previously unseen archive footage and interviews with those who accompanied the Fabs on tour. By 1966 the Beatles had played over 1,400 gigs, toured the world four times and sold the equivalent of 200 million records. At the height of their popularity, and without warning, they pulled the plug and never toured again.

BBC2  50 MINUTES  DIGITAL TV

THE BEATLES ON RECORD

In 1962 an unknown group from Liverpool entered Abbey Road Studios to record their debut single. During the next eight years they created what is arguably regarded as the greatest collection of studio recordings of the 20th century.

This film charts The Beatles' extraordinary journey from Please Please Me to Abbey Road and reflects how they developed as musicians, matured as songwriters and created a body of work that sounds as fresh now as the time it was recorded. Narrated entirely by John, Paul, George and Ringo and Sir George Martin, the documentary features rare footage and photos from The Beatles' archives and never heard before out-takes of music and studio chat from the Abbey Road recording sessions.

BBC2  59 MINUTES  DIGITAL TV

BOTH ON 1 DISC

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE CARPENTERS STORY: ONLY YESTERDAY 

The Carpenters were one of the biggest selling pop artists of the 1970s, but what seemed on the surface as the perfect, wholesome brother and sister duo hid a destructive complex truth that was unknown to the world. Featuring behind the scenes footage, interviews with brother Richard, family and friends we trace the story that ended in tragedy with sister Karen's untimely death aged just 32.

BBC Transmitted: Mon 9 Apr 2007   Run Time: 60mins  DIGITAL TV

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------        

JOHNNY MERCER - THE DREAM'S ON ME 

“Hooray for Hollywood”; “Jeepers Creepers”; “That Old Black Magic”; “On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe”; “Skylark”; “Blues in the Night”; “Moon River”; “The Days of Wine and Roses.” Some of the most beloved songs of the 20th century came from the pen of a gap-toothed, Georgia-born lyricist, singer and composer named Johnny Mercer, whose solo and collaborative efforts have kept the world singing for more than eight decades.  Executive-produced by Oscar®-winning filmmaker Clint Eastwood. The 100-minute special features countless performances of Mercer’s work and an abundance of new and archival interviews detailing his life and career. 

2009  90 MINUTES  DIGITAL TV 

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KINGS OF COOL : THE CROONERS 

Honor Blackman narrates a celebration of some of the most stylish musical icons of the last century, the crooners such as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett and Andy Williams. Features interviews with friends, family members and the new breed of crooners such as Michael Buble and Jamie Cullum. 

2008  50 MINS  DIGITAL TV 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

TONY BENNETT'S NEW YORK 

A fascinating look at the eventful life and career of the man who Frank Sinatra named as his favourite singer and who is now considered ‘The King of Cool’ by a new generation of admirers. This programme features the golden voiced Tony Bennett performing live in Atlantic City and interview clips in and around New York City in 1996. Also included are archive footage clips and contributions from many of his entertainment friends. 

BBC TV RECORDING 1996    RUN TIME APPROX 80 MINUTES

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TONY BENNETT:  THE MUSIC NEVER ENDS 

Clint Eastwood presents a documentary on the extraordinary career of one of music's greats: Tony Bennett. The film weaves archival footage with contemporary clips of Bennett performing live throughout his career including interviews with celebrities reminiscing about their favorite moments with the legendary singer. 

BBC   2007     90 MINS APPROX  DIGITAL TV

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

MATT MONRO  "THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN VOICE" 

It's over 20 years since the death of the singer they called "English Sinatra" but his voice still draws millions of fans across the world. The story of how young Londoner Terry Parsons became a sophisticated ballad singer provides fascinating insights into working-class life and popular culture after the Second World War. 

BBC   2005  60 MINUTES  DIGITAL TV

 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

*JOE LONGTHORNE  - IF I NEVER SING ANOTHER SONG 

 DOCUMENTARY 

Capturing Joe Longthorne on and off stage, the documentary follows Joe through his 2004 Spring Tour and then on to his 9 week Summer Spectacular in Blackpool catalogueing the highs and lows in what turned out to be an incredible series of events. No sooner as we began filming in March 2004 Joe was put on a 12 week experimental course of treatment to combat his 17 year battle against cancer. Electing not to cancel the spring tour Joe granted us unfettered access as we followed him on a roller coaster of a ride which saw him returning to Blackpool 3 times a week to undergo 8 hours of treatment at a time whilst desperately trying to accomodate the grueling schedule of 37 dates in just 50 days all over the UK. The Summer Season in Blackpool proved to be just as dramatic as the Spring Tour and having secured unfettered access throughout the years filming we recorded many great and often touching moments. If I Never Sing Another Song pays testament to Joe's courageous struggle with his illness and his consumate passion to carry on performing in the face of so many obstacles.

Running time: 64 minutes

Tracks on the DVD include:

As If We Never Said Goodbye / I've Got You Under My Skin / An American Trilogy / Hello Again / As I Love You / My Way / My Mothers Eyes / Somewhere / I Believe I'm Gonna Love You / You're The Best Thing / Mary In The Morning / Woman / Sir Duke / Lately / Can You Feel The Love Tonight / That's What Friends Are For / If I Never Sing Another Song 

 64 MINUTES   

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  

*JOE LONGTHORNE A YEAR IN HIS LIFE    2 DISC SET  PART 1&2    DOCUMENTARY 

A two part documentary filmed over the last turbulent twelve months, this film follows Joe’s extraordinary life and work.
Part 1 - 148 minutes
Joe’s stunning 30 minute rehersal at Sheffield City Hall. / Unseen performance footage from the Sheffield City Hall concert. / Joe’s Birthday Party, at the Hilton Hotel 2004. / Interviews with Joe's Mum and Fans at the City Varieties / 30 minutes of Joe’s Birthday performance at the Leeds City Varieties.
Part 2 - 162 minutes
The much requested 2004 summer season promotional video which was running on screens around Blackpool through the summer. / An exclusive onstage performance video filmed exclusively for television and now shown in full. / An introduction to the Summer Season by Alan Hardwick. / The touching television news story, Alexander - "The Miracle Baby" meets Joe Longthone. / A full dressing room interview with Joe during the summer season. / Unseen television performance footage during the Summer. / 'At Joe's Bedside' television interviews with Joe, including Dr Kelsey and Theresa Longthorne (30 minutes). / Interviews with fans in Blackpool at Joe's final performance of 2004. / Joe's moving final performance of the 2004 Summer Season (all 53 minutes with unique remixed stereo sound). / All of Joe's short television interview after the final show. / The whole of Joe's wonderful first interview of 2005 after receiving the all-clear (20 minutes), he talks in depth about his health, faith and his fans. / Excerpts of Joe's rehersals at the Paradise Room 2005. / Joe's entrance onstage on his first night at the Paradise Room, Easter 2005. 

 2005             4 HOURS 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

BING CROSBY  "GOING MY WAY"                 

KSPS BIOGRAPHY 2003 60 MINUTES

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

YOU'RE THE TOP - THE COLE PORTER STORY

Biographical portrait of one of Broadway's most brilliant songwriters. Told through the use of archival material and interviews with the rich and famous that knew him, this portrait concentrates on his career and his public life events. Host & narrator, Bobby Short.  Performers: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Ethel Merman, Bob Hope, Shirley MacLaine, Mary Martin, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, Alfred Drake, Patricia Morison. 

1990         60 MINUTES 

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMERICAN MASTERS - GEORGE GERSHWIN REMEMBERED  

In the Roaring Twenties, all of America hummed the tunes of one man. Born in a humble Brooklyn neighborhood in 1898, George Gershwin quickly rose to dazzling heights in the entertainment world. Before his life was tragically cut short at the age of 38, the young composer had reshaped popular music into a uniquely American sound. He fused the exuberant refrains of Tin Pan Alley with the lush orchestrations of classical music and the complex rhythms of jazz in compositions like Funny Face, Porgy and Bess and Rhapsody in Blue. Featuring performances of Gershwin classics by the renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and interviews with celebrities, family members and friends, this award-winning documentary offers an intimate look at the troubled life of an incomparable American artist. 

BIOGRAPHY        1987 90 MINUTES

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*PETER ALLEN: THE BOY FROM OZ 

The Boy From Oz tells the story through Allen's own words and interviews with his family, friends, and famous colleagues, such as Carole Bayer Sager, Bernadette Peters, Lily Tomlin, and Ann-Margret. The film is packed with footage of Allen performing his signature songs, including the joyous I Go to Rio, the Oscar®-winning Best That You Can Do from the movie Arthur, and the movingly autobiographical Tenterfield Saddler. 

1995   1 HOUR WITH BONUS FEATURES 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MAKING THE MONKEES 

Making The Monkees charts the rise and fall of this unlikely pop group, telling the inside story of four young men who were hand-picked to become overnight superstars, melting the hearts of teenyboppers around the globe and earning their creators huge record sales. 

CHANNEL 4  2007  60 MINS   DIGITAL TV 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS:  STRAIGHT SHOOTER 

This documentary charts the roller coaster career of the quintessential sixties group - from the folk scene to international stardom, and to drugs and despair when the '60s dream turned to '70s nightmare. 

Run Time:  81 mins

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A&E BIOGRAPHY - SAMMY DAVIS JR.: Mr. Entertainment 

Saga of one of show biz's most talented and popular performers. Traces his long career from tap-dancing days in vaudeville--he was a smash at the tender age of 3--to his many triumphs in nightclubs, movies, and on Broadway. Covers the story of the auto accident which cost him an eye, and his sensational marriage to May Britt. Recorded from the UK's History Channel with an introduction by Bob Friend.. 

1994     RUN TIME: APPROX 50 MINUTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAMMY DAVIS JR.: One Cool Cat 

Through the use of rarely-seen archival footage and photos, as well as interviews with those who knew him best and performance clips, Sammy Davis Jr. is in the spotlight once again. Throughout his illustrious career, he was recognized as "the world's greatest living entertainer". 

PBS  TV 2004   57 MINS 

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEAN MARTIN: The One and Only 

This film is a loving and moving tribute to one of the most admired, idolized and accomplished entertainers the world has ever known. No other entertainer in history so thoroughly conquered the fields of recording, live performances, television and movies as did Dino....not even his good friend Frank Sinatra. Features superb footage and photos of Dino from throughout his life and career, as well as rare interview segments with Dean himself. 

PBS  TV 2004  55 MINS 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MICHAEL JACKSON - THE MAKING OF THRILLER 

VIDEO & DOCUMENTARY 1983 60 MINUTES

Plus extra videos.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MICHAEL JACKSON: HIS STORY 

A Channel 4 documentary looking back at Michael Jackson's Incredible story from child star with the Jackson Five to solo stardom as the King Of Pop. With amazing archive and a selection of his classic tracks.

Channel 4 2009 50 mins...no ads DIGITAL TV 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE MICHAEL JACKSON STORY

Documentary on the life of Michael Jackson. Produced by ITV it includes interviews with his mother, brothers and sisters and other famous performers who worked with Jackson. The documentary had just been completed, to screen ahead of his comeback tour in the UK.

UK ITV 2009 46 MINS...no ads DIGITAL TV

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ORIGINALS: TAMMY WYNETTE - TIL I CAN MAKE IT ON MY OWN 

Profile of the late country legend, whose best-known song Stand By Your Man was loved by fans and criticised by feminists. Includes performances of many of Tammy's greatest songs. With contributions from her daughters and two of her five former husbands - singer George Jones and songwriter George Richey, Elvis Costello, Allison Moorer, Bill Drummond of the KLF and actress Anna Chancellor.

BBC Four Fri, Feb 15 2008 1 Hour  DIGITAL TV 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DOLLY PARTON: PLATINUM BLONDE 

Profile of the singer and actress filmed as she was about to return to the concert stage in the UK after an absence of 20 years. With contributions from friends, family and colleagues, including Lily Tomlin, Kenny Rogers, Billy Connolly, Dabney Coleman and Alison Krauss. There are also appearances from Sinead O'Connor, Norah Jones, Jonathan Ross and Terry Wogan. 

BBC2 2003 (RECORDED 2010) 1 HOUR DIGITAL TV 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------