Who is the biggest Diva of them all? The U.S. National Anthem, which borrows its melody from a historic British drinking song, has undergone enormous musical change in the hands of pop music vocalists. Famously, José Feliciano, Marvin Gaye and Whitney Houston each changed the meaning of "The Star Spangled Banner" by finding new approaches to the performance. ... Show More
Yesterday
IV. Take It to the Bridge (ft. Tayla Parx)
Bridges open up the world of a song: they're a breath of fresh air and a point of contrast, typically delivered right before the final chorus. But sometimes they accomplish even more, changing the whole meaning of a song by introducing a note of doubt, or even defiance. This is w ... Show More
42m 16s
Jul 21
II. Justice for the verse (ft. Audrey Hobert)
Everybody sings the chorus, but superfans quote the verse. On this episode of Switched on Pop, Charlie and Nate trace the verse from Shakespeare through opera to TikTok, and songwriter Audrey Hobert shares her philosophy of specific verses and anthemic choruses: you can't have th ... Show More
33m 44s
Mar 2023
The Voice: Frank Sinatra, Elvis and Doris Day
Who is the finest singer of all time? And what makes a legendary voice? Is it technique, style, phrasing or simply magic? This week Joanna and Stephen discuss their favourite singers, find out why do we fall in love with certain voices, and (the burning question) what does Joanna ... Show More
36m 47s
Apr 2024
Female Singers of 1939
Singers include: Judy Garland, Billie Holiday, Louise Tobin, Vera Lynn, Ella Fitzgerald, Helen Forest, the Andrews Sisters, Carmen Miranda, and Kate Smith. Songs include: We'll Meet Again, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Beer Barrel Polka, Undecided, What's New, Strange Fruit and God ... Show More
42m 55s
