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John Humphrys

Kirsty Young's castaway is broadcaster and journalist John Humphrys.

Kirsty Young's castaway this week is the broadcaster and journalist John Humphrys. For 21 years he has been at the helm of Today, Radio 4's flagship news and current affairs programme. Millions of devoted listeners enjoy his tenacious interviewing style - and it's won him a healthy respect from politicians too. Not all are supporters though; Jonathan Aitken accused him of "poisoning the well of democratic debate" - an attack which he initially thought would cost him his career.

Now, his life is dominated not only by the alarm bell - which is set for 3.58am - but by his youngest son, Owen. When John Humphrys describes the joy and warmth the seven-year-old has brought him, he becomes, if only temporarily, lost for words.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Opening of Cello Concerto by Edward Elgar
Book: Biggest poetry anthology possible
Luxury: A cello.

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Fri 11 Jan 2008 09:00
麻豆社 Radio 4

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Music Played

  • Ella Fitzgerald

    Manhattan

    • Forever Ella.
    • Universal.

  • Pendyrus Male Choir

    Myfanwy

    • The World of the Great Welsh Choirs.
    • Decca.

  • Duke Ellington

    Take the A Train

    • Duke Ellington: Classics 1940-41.
    • Classics Classic.

  • Don McLean

    Vincent

    • American Pie.
    • EMI America.

  • Teal Choir

    Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika

    • South African Gospel According to Earthworks.
    • Earthworks.

  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Violin Concerto in D major - 2nd movement

    • Beethoven: Violin Concerto.
    • EMI.

  • Castaway's Favourite

    • Edward Elgar

      Cello Concerto in E minor - 1st movement

      • Elgar, Respighi, Milhaud: Works for Cello & Orchestra.
      • Russian Disc.

  • Jerry Lee Lewis

    Great Balls of Fire

    • Great Balls of Fire.
    • Charly.

  • Book Choice

    • Biggest poetry anthology possible

  • Luxury Choice

    • A cello

Credits

Presenter Kirsty Young
Interviewed Guest John Humphrys

Broadcasts

  • Sun 6 Jan 2008 11:15
    麻豆社 Radio 4
  • Fri 11 Jan 2008 09:00
    麻豆社 Radio 4

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