Pictured (L-R): Lee Thomas Miller, Brad Paisley, Kelley Lovelace, Chris DuBois. Photo By: Ben Enos
Several Country music-focused programs are among the BBC’s offerings slated for later this year as part of the organization’s new music strategy under the banner BBC Music. BBC Music’s wide-ranging programming will include the inaugural BBC Music Awards, as well as new programming and partnerships. BBC director general Tony Hall and new director of music Bob Shennan unveiled the music initiatives on Monday.
This fall, BBC Four and Radio 2 will present Country Legends: Nashville and Beyond, a series of programming that will consider Country music’s storied history. Coverage will include three programs focusing on Nashville, Kenny Rogers, and a previously announced one-hour special concert featuring Brad Paisley and songwriters Lee Thomas Miller, Chris DuBois and Kelley Lovelace. The concert will be introduced by Bob Harris, a previous winner of the CMA International Country Broadcaster Award and the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement award.
Among other TV plans, BBC Two is working on a series with the working title The Soundtrack of the Twentieth Century for 2016. It will chronicle the rise of popular music across the 20th century, including the music of Taylor Swift, The Beatles, Eminem, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson and more.
The new BBC Music Awards on BBC One is another key part of the new music strategy. The awards show will offer live performances and awards in categories including British Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and International Artist of the Year. A full-length documentary focusing on the band Genesis is also in the works, and promises to reunite all original members of the band, including Phil Collins, Tony Banks, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford for the first time since 1975.
“Today’s the start of something very special for everyone who loves music,” Hall said. “BBC Music is a celebration of the brilliant musical talent across our country. We’ll be joining up music on television, radio, [digital player] iPlayer and online like never before. There’ll be new shows, new partnerships and whole new ways to enjoy music on the BBC.”
The broadcaster promises more music overall on the country’s most-watched network.
About the Author
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
