Synopsis

Paul Gambaccini explores the history of Reprise Records - the label set up and owned by Frank Sinatra - 50 years after his first song was released on it.

Throughout the programme, we look back on their impressive roster - which as well as Frank himself - included acts as varied as Sammy Davis Jnr, Dean Martin, Jimi Hendrix, Nancy Sinatra, Trini Lopez, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Eric Clapton, Randy Newman, Ry Cooder, Josh Groban, Green Day, Stevie Nicks and Michael Bublé.

With original interviews, The Reprise Story gives a personal insight into a label which was regarded by many as having the best artist development programme there has ever been. We'll hear from Michael Buble (current Reprise artist), Stevie Nicks (current Reprise artist), Josh Groban (current Reprise artist), Trini Lopez (former Reprise artist), Charles Pignone (President of Sinatra Enterprises), Stan Cornyn (former Vice President of Warner Bros. Records), and Rob Cavallo (current Chairman of Warner Bros. Records).

Throughout this documentary, Paul Gambaccini plays music from the Reprise back catalogue, spanning 50 years and many wildly differing genres. We'll also hear stories from behind the scenes, including how Frank Sinatra beat Jack Jones to the release of Strangers In The Night - thanks to the insight and genius of the producer, Jimmy Bowen; and also how Vice President of Media Relations, Bill Bentley, bumped in to Josh Groban in the Gents, and assumed he was an intern. Groban went on to sell over 24 million albums worldwide, and he's still doing the business for them to this day!

This programme first broadcast in September 2011 and is repeated to complement yesterday's documentary, Ol' Blue Eyes of Bayswater.