logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2023
6m 17s

Rufus Wainwright

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

In this edition of Inheritance Tracks Rufus Wainwright reveals the stories behind the music that continues to inspire him; from the highlands of Scotland to a powerful song gifted to his peers and contemporary gay men.

Rufus will be performing at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival on April 29th.

Music: Inherited: Wild Mountain Thyme - Judy Collins Pass on: Heading for Home by Peggy Seeger

Up next
Nov 22
Jason Donovan
<p>Jason Donovan first captured hearts our hearts in Neighbours, becoming a household name worldwide, before breaking into the charts and onto the West End stage.</p><p>What then will he choose as his Inheritance tracks?</p><p>Inherited: It's Still Rock and Roll to Me by Billy Jo ... Show More
4m 58s
Nov 15
Richard E. Grant
<p>Richard E. Grant is an the academy award nominated actor and Barbra Streisand obsessive.</p><p>Growing up in Southern Africa, he harboured a desire to become and actor having seen a resemblance of himself in Donald Sutherland... ...that is until he first saw Barbra in a cinema ... Show More
6m 5s
Nov 8
Peter and Dan Snow
Two wonderful broadcasters - the Snows, Peter and Dan. Peter's peerless work on general election nights popularised the infamous swingometer, and Dan's infectious fascination with history has inspired countless others...and together they’ve enjoyed many an adventure. What then wi ... Show More
7m 12s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2013
Peggy Lee's Is That All There Is?
‘Is That All There Is?’, a Leiber & Stoller song made famous by Peggy Lee, is based upon a short story by Thomas Mann called 'Disillusionment'. But those who know and love it feel it's inspirational rather than a cynical, world weary musical take on existentialism and the futilit ... Show More
27m 41s
Oct 2012
The Skye Boat Song
The Skye Boat Song brings back a wealth of childhood memories for many.The words "Speed Bonnie Boat Like a Bird on the Wing" tell the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape to the Isle of Skye - dressed as a maid - after defeat at the battle of Culloden.Originally written by Sir ... Show More
27m 43s
May 2021
American Music
President Obama and Bruce sit down to talk popular music, their early musical influences and memories, and the inspiration behind Springsteen’s Broadway show. They share some of their favorite artists (think: Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Joni Mitchell, and more).--Archival clips c ... Show More
41m 16s
Jun 2024
Begging songs and basketball's musicality (with Hanif Abdurraqib)
There's no music writer like the essayist and poet Hanif Abdurraqib: whether he's narrating the beautiful awkwardness of a Carly Rae Jepsen concert or talking jazz and eastern spirituality with Andre 3000, he manages to coax stories and insights out of songs in a way that never f ... Show More
29m 46s
May 2020
How To Soundtrack A Villain: Killing Eve
When BBC America reached out to do a piece about the music of Killing Eve, we jumped at the opportunity. The series antagonist, Villanelle, is an unpredictable assassin. On a dime she shifts from cold and calculating to child-like and jocular. Her personality swings are accompani ... Show More
38m 36s
Mar 2010
Dido's Lament
Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.Dido's Lament is a popular name for a famous aria, 'When I am laid in earth', from the opera Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell, with the libretto by Nahum Tate. Mezzo soprano Sarah Connolly talks about why she find ... Show More
27m 48s
May 2015
Scarborough Fair
"Tomorrow we're going in search of a song and in search of a dream of England which has travelled right around the world" - Will ParsonsNo one can be sure of the true origins of the song Scarborough Fair. It's a melody of mystery, of voices of old, of ancient days. It's travelled ... Show More
27m 34s
Jun 2023
Great Stories For Southern Rock Lovers
This one is for the Southern Rock lovers out there. In this episode, we have Eddie Stone from Doc Holliday and Wet Willie, with stories of life on the road, playing for 350,000 people and sharing a stage with some of the biggest names in the business.  Rob Walker from Stillwater ... Show More
34m 49s
Feb 2010
Praise My Soul
Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.Based on Psalm 103, this hymn was written by Henry Francis Lyte, who also penned Abide With Me, and is most asssociated with the tune by John Goss - even though the two men never met. Their hymn has become one of ... Show More
27m 42s
Jan 2021
Bonus Episode: Dana Gillespie Remembers Her Teenage Romance with Bowie and Life as a Swinging Sixties 'It Girl'
Our latest chapter followed young David Bowie as he struggled to find his place in the Mod music scene of swinging sixties London. It was an exciting yet frustrating time for him as he fronted a lengthy list of doomed R&B bands — so close, yet so far from headliners like the Beat ... Show More
45m 30s