Radio 2 - 1970s Programme Themes: Jimmy Young

At the time of writing (2020), only Steve Wright carries on the older Radio 2 (and Light Programme) tradition of having a theme tune for a weekday/daytime show. But, back in the '70s, everyone had one... and John Dunn had two!
In my early teens, growing up in Oxfordshire where Radio 1's appalling 247 metre frequency was virtually un-usable, I was more familiar with Radio 2's output at that time - particularly as Mum's kitchen radio never strayed from the network's crystal clear VHF frequency. Mind you, David Hamilton's Radio 1 afternoon show - simulcast on Radio 2 - was the highlight of weekday listening, along with weekend Radio 1 simulcast treats on VHF like Junior Choice and the Top 20.
And so, these Radio 2 programme theme tunes gradually permeated my sub-conscience and, even today, bring back some very clear memories.
Among the most iconic was "Town Talk" by Ken Woodman and his Piccadilly Brass - partly, perhaps, because it outlasted nearly all the other programme themes. It's a favourite of many - including me - although I remember thinking it sounded dated, even by the late '70's!
See how J.Y. fits into the schedule for the week beginning Monday October 3rd 1977:
06.00 Colin Berry (simulcast with Radio 1)
07.00 Terry Wogan
09.00 Pete Murray
11.30 Jimmy Young
14.00 David Hamilton (simulcast from Radio 1)
16.30 Waggoners' Walk
16.45 John Dunn
See: genome.ch.bbc....
Check out other iconic themes in my 1970s Radio 2 Programme Themes playlist:
• BBC Radio 2 - 1970s Pr...
Thanks for subscribing to the Retro Radio channel!

[@tonyjones.1909]

Woke up a few days ago with this tune in my head, couldnt fiind it anywhere, then i remembered it was something to do with jimmy young and radio. Dont know where it came from but: ive found it right here. Im a kid all over again!! 😀😎

[@davidlloyd14]

Ah. Brilliant. Happy childhood memories flooding back.

[@ianmclaughlan]

I remember Jimmy Young from 1967 and in 1973 moved to radio 2 his style never changed

[@stepheng8779]

Happy memories, BFN Jim and Raymondo

[@simonfarnham-8820]

Excellent presenter, very much missed. Taken off the airwaves cruelly and before his time.

[@johnking5174]

Well he had been on BBC Radio from 1967 to 2002, that is a long tenure.

[@steve61098]

@@johnking5174 how long has Steve Wright been on the radio?....

[@RetroRadioUK]

Steve is certainly a survivor - nearly 13 years on afternoons with Radio 1 and continuous afternoons on Radio 2 since 1999: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Wright_(DJ)

[@steve61098]

@@RetroRadioUK I think he goes back a lot earlier than that with weekend shows in the 80’s at least......

[@RetroRadioUK]

@@steve61098 Indeed - but his continuous run(s) in the same timeslot make him (almost?) unique...

[@fluxington]

Superb.

[@bobhellier]

hope there is a special programme about jimmy young this year it is 50 years since joined radio 2 in july 1973

[@br377jono9]

What's the recipe today Jim?

[@RetroRadioUK]

"... well, Raymondo..." :-)

[@colincarroll7954]

Ken Woodman and his Piccadilly brass Walkabout. Jimmy used this first on radio one then two

[@markpunt9638]

Oh yes - arguably, the best thing about his entire program!

[@grahamsmith7513]

BFN Bye for now

[@colincarroll7954]

,it was ttfn ta ta for now.