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Soul Music

What a Wonderful World

Soul Music

BBC

Music, Music Commentary

4.7831 Ratings

🗓️ 14 October 2008

⏱️ 28 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Louis Armstrong recorded the classic 'What a Wonderful World' in 1967, amidst civil rights demonstrations and protests against the Vietnam War.

It was a song written for him. Was it naïve or a powerful anthem for peace?

Featuring:

Prof. Peter Ling Laurence Bergreen Simon Weston Katie Melua Troy Andrews Milan Bertosa

Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.

Producer: Sara Conkey

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2008.

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

The Traitors is back, and so is that mysterious cloaked figure with the familiar fringe.

0:06.6

Yeah, it's me.

0:07.8

And when you've watched Claudia in the castle, join me, Ed Gamble, for the official visualised companion podcast.

0:13.6

And remember, I'll be listening.

0:15.8

Okay?

0:16.6

No, seriously, I love it.

0:18.4

What a faithful.

0:19.7

We'll unpack betrayals and spill scandalous secrets

0:22.2

with celeb guests, traitors' legends,

0:25.0

and murdered and banished players.

0:27.0

The Traitors Uncloaked.

0:28.3

Watch on EyePlayer, listen for more on BBC Sounds.

0:32.1

You're listening to a download of soul music from BBC Radio 4.

1:14.4

Music download of soul music from BBC Radio 4. Now is the time. Now is the time To make real the promises of democracy

1:18.2

Now is the time

1:21.2

To rise from the dark and desolate valley

1:25.1

Of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice.

1:29.5

Now is the time.

1:34.8

I'm Professor Peter Ling and I'm Professor American Studies at the University of Nottingham.

1:43.6

In America in 1967, there was a climate of mistrust and disillusionment.

1:49.5

Old, didn't trust young, black didn't trust white.

1:53.0

The world seemed to be a far more dangerous place.

...

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