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Mott the Hoople

Simon Mayo Drivetime Simon presents the drivetime show, joined by Mott the Hoople's Ian Hunter.

Image for Neil Sedaka: The Music of My Life

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Last on

Tue 28 Dec 2010 12:00 BBC Radio 2

Duration:
2 hours
First broadcast:
Tuesday 28 December 2010

Another chance to hear Neil Sedaka, recorded in conversation with Johnnie Walker at the BBC Radio Theatre. In a documentary, that was originally broadcast in two-parts earlier this year, the American singer-songwriter charts his life story with anecdotes and music.

Playing many of his hits at the piano, Neil remembers studying at the world famous Juilliard School in New York; signing to Atlantic Records; working at The Brill Building with songwriting greats like Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman; and enjoying ten US top ten hits in a row.

With the British Invasion of the American music charts, Neil's homespun style of songwriting proved less popular, so he decided to reverse the invasion and try his luck in England, where he signed to Elton John's Rocket Record label and produced the aptly-titled album Sedaka's Back. The story is brought up-to-date with details of Neil's latest projects, including his first symphonic piece, Joie de Vivre, and his plans for the future.

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