The Golden Age of Radio by Roger Browne

Roger is a professional pianist, raconteur and singer. He has been pianist with the internationally renowned band, Manchester Jazz, since 1995, having started his jazz career in 1958. He has accompanied the likes of Marion Montgomery, Stephane Grappelli, Humphrey Lyttleton, George Melly and George Chisholm.

In April 2025 he entertained us with a wonderful performance of music from the Great American Songbook. His show was so well received that we have invited him back to give another talk and some renditions from his repertoire, covering various aspects of early 20^th century American popular music.

In his talk he will reminisce about the popular radio programs before television took over in our living rooms. These include “Take it From Here” to “Round the Horne” to “Letter From America” to “Journey into Space”, “Family Favourites”, “In Town Tonight”, “Down Your Way”, “Music While You Work” “Dick Barton – Special Agent” many, many others, and how Radio enriched our post war lives. His talk will include plenty of humorous anecdotes and music from these shows.