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Jordan Mooney (pictured), Jack Higgins, Robert Ashe, David McKee

John Wilson on punk icon Jordan Mooney, thriller writer Jack Higgins, aid worker Robert Ashe and author and illustrator David McKee.

John Wilson remembers the lives of those who have recently died including Jordan Mooney the punk icon known as ‘the original Sex Pistol’ who ended up as a veterinary nurse.

Jack Higgins, the thriller writer who hit the jackpot with The Eagle Has Landed, and sold more than 250 million books.

Robert Ashe, an aid worker who spent most of his working life supporting refugees all over the world.

And David McKee - author and illustrator who created timeless childhood favourites including Mr Benn and Elmer the multi-coloured elephant.

Producer: Neil George

Archive Clips Used: ´óÏó´«Ã½ 6Music, Three Minute Epiphany - The Essence of Punk and Defiance 05/06/2019; ´óÏó´«Ã½ TWO, The Culture Show - Jordan Mooney interview 01/07/2014; Megalovision/ Whaley-Malin Productions, Jubilee - trailer (1978); ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 2, The John Dunn Show 01/07/1992; Audible Audiobook/Harper Collins Publishers Ltd, The Savage Day by Jack Higgins 2019; ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4, Desert Island Discs - Jack Higgins 12/12/1981; Associated General Films/ ITC Entertainment, The Eagle Has Landed - trailer (1976); ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4, Profile - Jack Higgins 27/04/1984; ThamesTV/ Freemantle, The Killing Fields - Cambodia VT50536 18/01/1990; ´óÏó´«Ã½ News, 29/06/1980; ´óÏó´«Ã½ News, 23/10/1999; ´óÏó´«Ã½ Breakfast News, interview with David McKee 25/05/2019; BookTrust, David McKee reads Elmer 25/05/2022; Books Alive! YouTube Channel, Not Now Bernard by David McKee 08/11/2017; ´óÏó´«Ã½ TWO, Mr Benn - Pirate 31/03/1972; Made in Me - YouTube Channel, Me Books - David McKee interview 10/01/2013.

Available now

28 minutes

Jordan Mooney (Pamela Rooke)

Born 23 June 1955; died 3 April 2022 aged 66. 

Last Word spoke to broadcaster and journalist Jon Savage.

Jack Higgins (Harry Patterson)

Born 27 July 1929; died 9 April 2022 aged 92. 

In his own words.

Robert Ashe

Born 11 February 1953; died 19 February 2022 aged 69. 

Last Word spoke to his twin brother John Ashe.

David McKee

Born 2 January 1935; died 6 April 2022 aged 87. 

Last Word spoke to journalist Julia Eccleshare.

Broadcasts

  • Fri 15 Apr 2022 16:00
  • Sun 17 Apr 2022 20:30

Podcast