Main content
This programme is not currently available on ´óÏó´«Ã½ iPlayer

The Man who Brought the Blues to Britain: Big Bill Broonzy

Biography of the bluesman Big Bill Broonzy, who would inspire a generation of musicians yet was not the man they believed him to be. Broonzy's own words are read by Clarke Peters.

Big Bill Broonzy would inspire a generation of musicians, yet he was not the man they believed him to be. This first, very intimate, biography of the pioneering bluesman uncovers the mystery of who Broonzy really was and follows his remarkable and colourful journey from the racist Deep South to the clubs of Chicago and all across the world. With contributions from: Pete Seeger, Ray Davies, Keith Richards, Martin Carthy, John Renbourn and members of the Broonzy family. Broonzy's own words are read by Clarke Peters.

1 hour

Last on

Sun 8 Apr 2018 00:30

Music Played

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    When Did You Leave Heaven?

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Just A Dream

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    House Rent Stomp

  • Big Bill Broonzy & Graeme Bell

    I Feel So Good

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Hey Hey

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Trouble in Mind

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Slow Blues

  • Andrew & Jim Baxter

    Kansas City Railroad Blues

  • Andrew & Jim Baxter

    G Rag

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Caribbean Rag

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Plow Hand Blues

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Backwater Blues

  • Peg Leg Howell

    Moanin' and Groanin' Blues

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    In The Army Now

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    When Will I Get To Be Called A Man?

  • Booker Orchestra

    Camp Nelson Blues

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Married Life's A Pain

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Southbound Train

  • Duke Ellington and His Orchestra

    The Jeep is Jumpin'

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    I Can't Be Satisfied

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Stovepipe Stomp

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Pneumonia Blues

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Bricks In My Pillow

  • Guy Davis

    Good Liquor Gonna Carry Me Down

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    I Want You By My Side

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    My Big Money

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Just A Dream

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Trucking Little Woman

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Going Back to Arkansas

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Black Brown & White Blues

  • Guy Davis

    Black Brown & White Blues

  • Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee

    Key to the Highway

  • Hollie Dew

    Don't You Hear Po' Mother Callin'?

  • Johnny Cash

    Going to Memphis

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    You Changed

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Leavin' Day

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Jacqueline

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Careless Love

  • Wizz Jones

    The Glory of Love

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Joe Turner Blues

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Guitar Rag

  • Howlin’ Wolf

    The Wolf Is At Your Door

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    Worried Man Blues

  • Big Bill Broonzy

    In The Evening (When The Sun Goes Down)

Credits

Role Contributor
Executive Producer Mark Cooper
Producer Jeremy Marre
Director Jeremy Marre

Broadcasts

´óÏó´«Ã½ Four Blues Collection

Discover more ´óÏó´«Ã½ programmes featuring influential blues musicians