Radio 2 - 1970s Programme Themes: Jimmy Young

At the time of writing (2020), only Steve Wright carries on the older Radio 2 (and Light Programme) tradition of having a theme tune for a weekday/daytime show. But, back in the '70s, everyone had one... and John Dunn had two!

In my early teens, growing up in Oxfordshire where Radio 1's appalling 247 metre frequency was virtually un-usable, I was more familiar with Radio 2's output at that time - particularly as Mum's kitchen radio never strayed from the network's crystal clear VHF frequency. Mind you, David Hamilton's Radio 1 afternoon show - simulcast on Radio 2 - was the highlight of weekday listening, along with weekend Radio 1 simulcast treats on VHF like Junior Choice and the Top 20.

And so, these Radio 2 programme theme tunes gradually permeated my sub-conscience and, even today, bring back some very clear memories.

Among the most iconic was "Town Talk" by Ken Woodman and his Piccadilly Brass - partly, perhaps, because it outlasted nearly all the other programme themes. It's a favourite of many - including me - although I remember thinking it sounded dated, even by the late '70's!

See how J.Y. fits into the schedule for the week beginning Monday October 3rd 1977:
06.00 Colin Berry (simulcast with Radio 1)
07.00 Terry Wogan
09.00 Pete Murray
11.30 Jimmy Young
14.00 David Hamilton (simulcast from Radio 1)
16.30 Waggoners' Walk
16.45 John Dunn
See: https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio2/1977-10-03

Check out other iconic themes in my 1970s Radio 2 Programme Themes playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDDqWXrHlieyl3AdL3uMS8PVOWLLn7mi4

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