UPCOMING EPISODES

We celebrate the three tracks that showcase the fabulous rise of pop, disco and soul sensation Diana Ross. We hear from legendary Motown songwriters and session musicians, music video directors, choreographers, arrangers and film composers and the journalists and biographers who watched it all happen. Diana Ross & The Supremes were Motown’s most commercially successful act to date; captivating mainstream America and conquering worldwide charts. Prolific Motown songwriters Brian and Eddie Holland were responsible for 10 out of 12 Supremes US number 1 singles including 1964’s classic hit ‘Baby Love’ and they share intimate details on how this classic song was created and recorded. After a phenomenal decade and unimaginable success, it was time for Diana Ross to dazzle as a solo artist. ‘Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)’ proved Diana Ross- the singer and now actress- could be a hit at the box office whilst also topping the Billboard chart. Film composer and arranger Lee Holdridge shares his story of taking a simple song and helping Diana Ross turn it into an absolutely astonishing success. This run of hits continued into the 1980’s with Diana Ross teaming up with pop heavyweights The Bee Gees to release ‘Chain Reaction’ to great critical and commercial acclaim. Esteemed director David Mallet and celebrated choreographer Arlene Phillips share how they recreated Diana’s 60s Motown past in the spectacular cinematic video. Relive Diana Ross’s journey across three incredible decades and the story of the three songs which saw her become one of the most powerful artists in pop.

We celebrate the three tracks that cemented the great Aretha Franklin as the indomitable Queen of Soul. We hear from legendary session musicians, producers, journalists and industry experts who witnessed the rise of one of ground-breaking artists of all time. Starting with Franklin’s trademark hit, of an Otis Redding classic, ‘Respect’, which transformed her into a superstar. We hear first-hand from Redding’s right-hand man and world-renowned guitarist Steve Cropper who recalls how Aretha flipped and claimed their original in true defiant style, delivering and anthemic soundtrack signalling a time of great cultural change in 1960s America. Only a year later in 1968, Aretha would effortlessly build on her gospel foundation and cross over into soul, with her sublime rendition of ‘I Say A Little Prayer.’ Organist and Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section royalty, Spooner Oldham shares how he helped Aretha find her groove as she secured her 9th consecutive top 10 hit with Atlantic and continued to dominate the Billboard chart. The 1980’s marked a significant change for Franklin’s sound, starting the decade with a bang this time with an empowering feminist pop classic ‘Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves.’ We hear from Multi Grammy award winning producer Narada Michael Walden who was enlisted to work his magic on Aretha’s 1985 comeback, putting her right back on top where she belonged. Reliving these celebrated and signature Aretha Franklin anthems we showcase her powerful, raw and uncompromising gift as one of the most influential and pioneering artists the world has ever seen.

We delve into the three tracks that cemented Whitney Houston as an indisputable music icon who redefined and changed pop music forever. We hear from the producers, songwriters, back-up singers, session musicians, choreographers, journalists and industry experts who witnessed it all. Whitney burst onto the mainstream scene in 1987 with up-tempo pop smash hit ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’. Legendary Grammy awarding winning producer and trusted friend of Houston, Narada Michael Walden recalls how effortlessly Whitney broke down barriers to dominate the worldwide charts with her signature smash. Next, showcasing her breadth and brilliance once again, Houston takes on the jaw dropping power ballad ‘One Moment in Time’ hitting the high notes to secure the anthem for the prestigious 1988 Olympic Games to define her status as America’s sweetheart. Back-up vocalist Jeanie Tracy takes us through the recording session for this iconic and compelling hit. Hit record producer and songwriter of Whitney Houston’s 1999 reggae influenced comeback ‘My Love is Your Love’ Jerry Wonda unpicks the track as a celebration of Whitney’s motherhood and a reconnection with own community. Reliving these celebrated and much-beloved Whitney Houston classics unveils the undeniable unforgotten legacy of a songstress who possessed the greatest voice of her generation.

We dig deep into the creation of six classic tracks, spanning the stellar career of rock titans Van Halen - from their early days, playing parties in Pasadena to becoming the biggest rock act in America. We hear how the band announced their arrival with pounding rocker Runnin’ with the Devil; hit their commercial peak with synth heavy chart topper Jump; and reinvented themselves not once, but twice, as singer David Lee Roth was replaced by Sammy Hagar, who then made way for Gary Cherone. The creator of the sleeve for the band’s debut album, Elliot Gilbert, recalls the photo session that left him deaf for a fortnight. The producer of the Jump video, Robert Lombard, reveals the dilemma that eventually got him fired. Dweezil Zappa, son of music legend Frank, remembers the time when Eddie van Halen let him into some of his guitar playing secrets. Nuno Bettencourt quizzes his band mate Gary Cherone about the former Extreme singer’s stint as Van Halen’s front man. While cinematographer Daniel Court explains the real reason for the band’s notorious ‘no brown M and Ms’ rider request.

We dig deep into the creation of six classic tracks, spanning the stellar career of rock titans Van Halen - from their early days, playing parties in Pasadena to becoming the biggest rock act in America. We hear how the band announced their arrival with pounding rocker Runnin’ with the Devil; hit their commercial peak with synth heavy chart topper Jump; and reinvented themselves not once, but twice, as singer David Lee Roth was replaced by Sammy Hagar, who then made way for Gary Cherone. The creator of the sleeve for the band’s debut album, Elliot Gilbert, recalls the photo session that left him deaf for a fortnight. The producer of the Jump video, Robert Lombard, reveals the dilemma that eventually got him fired. Dweezil Zappa, son of music legend Frank, remembers the time when Eddie van Halen let him into some of his guitar playing secrets. Nuno Bettencourt quizzes his band mate Gary Cherone about the former Extreme singer’s stint as Van Halen’s front man. While cinematographer Daniel Court explains the real reason for the band’s notorious ‘no brown M and Ms’ rider request.

We lift the lid on the making of six epic tracks, that helped take Def Leppard from teenaged Sheffield hopefuls to the top of the rock world. We hear how the band’s early embrace of the video age kick-started their career in America and how the catchy ‘Photograph’ gave them their big US breakthrough, while success back home in the UK remained more elusive. Key insiders within the Def Leppard camp recall how the band bounced back from the dual blows of drummer Rick Allen losing an arm and the tragic death of guitarist Steve Clark. Recording engineer Craig Thomson remembers the taxing sessions in the studio, where perfectionist producer, 'Mutt' Lange, pushed the band’s members to breaking point. Director of the ‘Photograph’ and ‘Rock of Ages’ videos, David Mallet reveals the gang mentality and can-do attitude behind the band’s success. While the ‘Animal’ video director, Jean Pellerin, tells the tale of singer Joe Elliott’s ordeal at the hands of a circus knife thrower. We also uncover the secrets of the legendary ‘in the round’ live shows, with testimony from video director Wayne Isham and band confidante, writer Paul Elliott.

We delve into the six songs that saw British Blues rockers Whitesnake become global rock icons. From their early origins in England though to their 80s US chart-topping smash hit, ‘Here I Go Again’. We hear from current & former band members, the Emmy award winning video director & industry experts who witnessed it all. Original members, Guitarist Bernie Marsden & Bass player Neil Murray recall the groups early days and the drive that saw lead singer David Coverdale consistently change the bands line-up. Blues Guitarist Joe Bonamassa offers his unique appraisal of what makes the band’s music so memorable. Recording engineer Mike Fraser unpacks the sonics of Whitesnake’s multi-platinum breakthrough US album '1987'. Emmy winning director Marty Callner talks us through Whitesnake’s iconic videos, and how model & actress Tawny Kitaen became a vital influence in the band’s huge success. Whilst Whitesnake’s six string legends Adrian Vandenberg & Steve Vai give the low down on their part in helping Whitesnake become one of the biggest rock acts on the planet.