Al Bowlly: Britain's First Pop Star: Al the Solo Singer and a Move to America

Series profiling 30s singer Al Bowlly, the first to step out from behind the band and into the spotlight, presented by Clare Teal. With anecdotes about his fascinating life, and playing some of his huge catalogue of songs, the series recreates the dance band era. Bowlly was the voice of the 1930s. His iconic recordings of Pennies from Heaven, The Very Thought of You and Goodnight Sweetheart reflected the dreams, aspirations and style of the decade leading up to the Second World War. After his death during the London Blitz in 1941, his name could have easily slipped into obscurity. But instead, Al's stylish singing and early death have inspired many other musicians, film-makers and writers, including Stanley Kubrick, Ray Davies, Bryan Ferry, Richard E Grant and Richard Thompson