Bob Harris At 80: A Life In Music

Radio 2 raise a very stylish, very rock ’n’ roll glass to broadcasting legend, Bob Harris, at 80. Zoe Ball leads the celebration with Bob, delving into the voice, the passion, the stories, the sheer love of music… through the milestones and music in Bob’s career and life.

Zoe explores significant milestones alongside the wonderful musical moments that accompanied them, including how Bob co-founded the listings magazine Time Out, launching his first Radio 1 show on 19 August 1970, touring with T Rex, and presenting the Old Grey Whistle Test in September 1972. We’ll hear about his OGWT adventures, including his legendary interviews with John Lennon and others. We’ll hear about his return to Radio 1 in the 1990s, joining BBC Greater London Radio, and launching Bob Harris Country on Radio 2 in 1999. Bob and Zoe discuss his major health issues, as well as receiving his OBE in 2011. Bob will tell us about how he felt when took over as the Sounds of the 70s host in November 2024, following the death of beloved Radio 2 presenter, Johnnie Walker.

Produced by Listen for BBC Radio 2.