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FT Life of a Song

Each month FT music critics and contributors discuss the story of a song, from its origins and early recordings through cover versions good and bad. Formerly called FT Arts.<p style="color:grey; font-size:0.75em;"> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:grey;" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Financial Times

From the unstoppable rise of hip-hop to the 'millennial whoop', what does today's new music sound like? And how has social media changed the relationship between artists and fans?Harriet Fitch Little, India Ross and Griselda Murray Brown discuss Drake, Cardi B and DJ Khaled - in particular 'Wild Thoughts' ft. Rihanna and Bryson Tiller from 2017, which leans heavily on the melody and mood of Santana's 1999 hit 'Maria Maria', the coming-of-age soundtrack for the oldest cohort of millennials. Warning: this podcast contains a live 'millennial whoop'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sincerity or self-branding: what defines millennial music?

When "Wuthering Heights" was released 40 years ago this year, it became the first song written and performed by a woman to reach number one in the UK charts. What was the song's — and Bush's — special appeal? Why have there been more parodies than straight covers? And why is it so popular now, with re-enactments of the music video taking place around the world? FT music writers Jude Rogers, Helen Brown and David Cheal discuss the song and its afterlife. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights

Set against a backdrop of protest and upheaval, the songs released in 1968 represent a turning point in music. FT pop writers David Cheal and Peter Aspden are joined by author Tot Taylor to debate the year's most important songs and artists, from Tyrannosaurus Rex, The Beatles and Pink Floyd to Joni Mitchell and Tim Buckley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1968: The Year that Music Changed

What makes a good Christmas song? Should it be cheesy or serious?  And why do millennials love them? FT pop writers discuss festive classics old and new - from carols to Mariah Carey, Greg Lake to Phil Spector, Sufjan Stevens to Run-DMC. Plus, which 2017's best Christmas song: Gwen Stefani's 'You Make it Feel Like Christmas' or Sia's 'Santa's Coming for Us'? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The best Christmas music: a definitive guide

Billie Holiday’s 1939 'Strange Fruit' was called 'the first significant protest in words and music, the first unmuted cry against racism'. Other singers attempted it, from Nina Simone and Diana Ross to Jeff Buckley and Kanye West. But could any match the power of the impassioned original? FT pop writers David Cheal, Fiona Sturges and Helen Brown discuss the song's origins and afterlife. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Strange Fruit

From Bob Dylan to Adele, the song that was first called 'a spare ballad undermined by greetingcard lyrics' is now a karaoke tearjerker. FT pop writers David Cheal and Helen Brown debate the origins, meanings and cover versions of 'Make You Feel My Love'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Make You Feel My Love

In a special episode to mark the publication of The Life of a Song book, FT pop critics Helen Brown, David Cheal and Ludovic Hunter-Tilney debate whether a song can really change the world. Hear the stories behind the hits, from Bowie's 'Starman' to Jay-Z's 'Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Hits that Shook the World

It achieved distinction in an era of elemental riffs, and journeyed effortlessly to and fro across the Atlantic. It also marked a turning point in the career of the greatest guitarist who ever lived: Jimi Hendrix. FT pop writers Peter Aspden and David Cheal discuss "Wild Thing" 50 years after Hendrix's groundbreaking performance at the Monterey Pop festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Wild Thing

The singer’s old label boss called the song ‘a morbid mess’, but it shot to number one in the US. Ahead of the 40th anniversary of Elvis’s death in August, FT pop writers Peter Apsden and David Cheal discuss the song's origins, dark appeal and afterlife.Credits: 104pro Media, Legacy Recordings, Entertain Me Ltd, Spectrum, Omnivore Recordings, Vengeance Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel

Twenty years after they headlined Glastonbury, Radiohead return to the British music festival. FT pop writers Ludovic Hunter-Tilney and David Cheal discuss the band's lullaby of despair 'No Surprises' from their 1997 album OK Computer.Credits: Sire/Warner Bros, mudhutdigital.com, XL Recordings, Easy Star, SKIP Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Radiohead's No Surprises

David Honigmann looks at how a sleeping Keith Richards dreamt up a riff that would later develop into a number one hit for Rolling Stones and become one of the most recognisable rock anthems of all times. Credits: ABKCO Records Inc, Universal International Music B.V, Rhino Atlantic,  Virgin Records Ltd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

David Cheal looks at how Bob Dylan took inspiration from an old Scottish border ballad while writing this era-defining apocalyptic vision of what he saw as the violent, ignorant and hypocritical socio-political landscape of 1960s America. Credits: Sony Music Entertainment Inc, A Wing & A Prayer Ltd, Vanguard Records, Virgin Records. Patti Smith Nobel ceremony recording courtesy of: Nobelprize.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall

Helen Brown looks at how Serge Gainsbourg's infamously salacious love song originally written for Brigitte Bardot would become a hit for the French composer and his English girlfriend Jane Birkin, despite facing widespread bans and condemnation. Credits: Mercury France,  Mercury Music Group, Rarity Music, Parlophone UK, Barclay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Je T'aime... Moi Non Plus

Ian McCann takes a look at one of the greatest and most culturally influential rap songs by genre pioneers Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five. A hit urban anthem, it almost wasn't recorded... Credits:  Castle Communications, Warner Bros, Wagram Music, The Island Def Jam Music Group, Atlantic Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: The Message

Ian McCann looks at how a turn-of-the-century Neopolitan ballad was adapted into a hit for Elvis, before becoming an anthem for ice cream lovers and football fans alike.  Credits: Bongiovanni, Delta, AP Music Ltd, Nuova Canaria, Randy's Group, Inc, Autarc Media GmbH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: O Sole Mio

Sue Norris explores how a B-side by a little known American singer, Gloria Jones became a cult hit on the 1970s English northern soul scene, before being turned into one of the most recognizable pop songs of all time by Soft Cell. Credits: Universal Music TV, Universal Music Enterprises, Parlophone UK, Interscope Records, The Island Def Jam Music Group, Tacca Musique Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Tainted Love

Helen Brown looks at how the most successful Disney song of all time became an unlikely favourite among prisoners and a "coming out anthem" for the LGBT community. Credits:  Walt Disney Records, Black Crow Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Let It Go

Peter Aspen looks at how The Eagles turned a few improvised chords into one of the most iconic, and enigmatic, rock songs of the 1970s. Credits: Rhino/Elektra, Parlophone UK, UMG Recordings, Elemental Records, Sony Music Entertainment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Hotel California

Sue Norris on how Cissy Houston and Gladys Knight respectively transformed the sound, and meaning, of Jim Weatherly's country number. Credits: X5 Music Group, Jim Weatherly, Carinco AG, Capitol Records LLC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Midnight Train to Georgia

Harriet Fitch Little on how Dolly Parton's anti-work anthem went from the movies to the White House to a muddy field in Glastonbury. Credits: Sony Music Entertainment, Capitol Steps, Pumpin' UK Records, Dolly Records, BBC/Glastonbury Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: 9 to 5

Amy Walker on how a saccharine love song was transformed by Otis Redding into a provocative and impassioned soul classic. Credits: Baierle Records, Cool Note, 104pro Media, Daxa production, Digital Remasterings, ABKCO Music & Records Inc., Rhino Atlantic, Universal Island Records,  Roc-A-Fella Records, LLC/Shawn Carter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Try A Little Tenderness

David Cheal traces the song's journey from a forgotten 1950s melodrama to an enduring love ballad covered by Nina Simone, David Bowie and George Michael. Credits: Old Style, Blooming Jazz Records, Rhino/Warner Bros., Parlophone UK, One Little Indian Ltd, Lakeshore Records, Sony Music Entertainment UK Ltd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Wild is the Wind

The Japanese hit has been renamed and redefined by western artists from the Gipsy Kings to Snoop Dogg. Credits: JB Production, K-Tel, New Jersey, 2012 Carinco Neue Medien AG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Sukiyaki

Paul Anka originally wrote the song for, and in the persona of, Frank Sinatra, claiming he'd "never written something so chauvinistic, narcissistic, in-your-face and grandiose." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: My Way

For more than 50 years, this ballad's haunting charms have proved irresistible to many of the world's leading musicians. Credits: Firefly Entertainment, Black Sheep Music, X5 Music Group, Manhattan Records, UMC, Mute/BMG, Sony Music Classical, RCA Records Label Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: The Long Black Veil

Songs can be mixed blessings. Screamin' Jay Hawkins' most famous one brought bliss to all who touched it - except its composer. Credits: AP MUSIC LTD, Universal Music International Ltda., Rhino Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: I Put a Spell on You

The song crystallises a moment in time between the optimism of the Summer of Love and the darkness on the desert horizon. Cathi Unsworth explores its history. Credits: Boots Enterprises, Inc., 4AD, Columbia, Ever Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Some Velvet Morning

Joy Division's stripped-down sound signaled a new direction for music in 1978, but the lyrics to this song would prove horribly portentous. Credits: WM UK, London Records, Universal Music International Ltda, Palare, BBE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: She's Lost Control

Ian McCann charts the transformation of UB40’s number one hit, from Neil Diamond’s country ballad to iconic reggae ditty. Credits: Virgin Records, Universal Music International Ltda, Sanctuary, Capitol Records, Authentic Jamaican Music, K-Licious Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Red Red Wine

The song that defined Fleetwood Mac's high water mark went on to be covered by country-folk and hip-hop artistsCredits: Rhino/Warner Bros, Charly Digital, Universal Music International Ltda, S4DK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: The Chain

David Honigmann follows Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway' from its origins in a Welsh cottage to 'Wayne's World', the White House and bedrooms everywhere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Stairway to Heaven

Prince wrote his song about partying in the face of nuclear threat during the cold war but it gets heavy rotation to this day Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: '1999'

This 1853 Christmas Carol, set to the melody of a 13th-century Nordic Hymn, has since fallen into the hands of Joan Baez, Tom Jones and Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Good King Wenceslas

Greg Lake died this week, and this track remains an enduring Christmas classic.Credit: Syco Music, Universal, Decca, Symphonia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: I Believe in Father Christmas

Buddy Holly's 1958 London performance of the song inspired the young Mick Jagger to form his own band.  Credits: Universal, Not Now Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Not Fade Away

It's been the theme tune for the BBC's review series 'Film' since 1971, but Nina Simone's cover turned it into a civil rights anthem.Credits: Universal, Eagle Records, Rhino Atlantic, Decca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free

Gene Wilder died Listening to Ella Fitzgerald’s cover, but it was Judy Garland who brought “Over the Rainbow” to fame.Credits: Spectra Records, Warner Bros, Blackbird, Documents 2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Over the Rainbow

Leonard Cohen's most famous song nearly wasn't released after being rejected by his record label. It is now among the most covered songs, with notable contributions from Jeff Buckley, John Cale and Rufus Wainwright. Credits: Sony Music, UMOD, Syco Music, Columbia, Nonesuch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Hallelujah

“Yesterday” came to Paul McCartney in a dream one night in 1963. It’s now among the most covered songs in history, with efforts from the likes of Elvis, Marianne Faithful and Marvin Gaye.Credits: EMI, TNA Records, RCA Legacy, Universal Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Yesterday

Snippets of Isaac Hayes' classic were used by trip-hop pioneers Portishead and Tricky. Richard Clayton tells the life of a sample. Credits: Decca, Universal Music, Virgin EMI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: 'Ike's Rap II'

The origin of Deep Purple's 1971 hit is almost as famous as its instantly recognisable guitar riff.Credits: Parlophone UK, Thompson Music P/L Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Smoke on the Water

Peter Aspden deconstructs the creation of Bob Dylan's legendary song over the course of a single day in the studio. This podcast was originally published in November 2015; it is republished in celebration of Bob Dylan's Nobel Prize for Literature.Credits: Columbia/Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Like a Rolling Stone

Originally sung by slaves, the spiritual became a jazz and blues hit in the 1960s, with a cover by the British blues-rock musician Graham Bond.Credits: Repertoire Records, Isis, Edition Ahorn, UMC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Wade in the Water

Fiona Sturges follows Patti Smith's lustful 1970s song of youthful abandon.Credits: Arista, Columbia, Coqueiro Verde Records, Stun Volume Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Because the Night

Richard Clayton on how Tracy Chapman's searing ballad of low income life carried her to global acclaim.Credits: Elektra, King Tubby's Music, Virgin EMI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Fast Car

Boney M's unlikely disco ballad was a hit on both sides of the iron curtain but was banned by Soviet authorities. Harriet Fitch-Little explores its indestructible appeal. Credits: Ariola Express, Century Media, Super Cassettes Industries, MCI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Rasputin

Bruce Springsteen's bleak ballad of American life has been  promoted by politicians from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump. David Honigmann examines the song's fraught relationship with power.   Credit: Columbia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Born in the USA

Janis Joplin achieved a posthumous No.1 hit with a rueful tale of love and loss, written by her old flame, Kris Kristofferson, which in turn helped launch him to stardom. Richard Clayton follows the song's bittersweet success. Credits: Columbia/Legacy, UMC, Top Town Records, Rhino/Warner Bros, Play Digital, Ricordi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Me and Bobby McGee

Billy Holiday's secular hymn was born out of a blazing family row and its swaying melody went on to become a jazz standard, with versions by Tony Bennett and Sonny Rollins. Mike Hobart follows its history. Credits: Jazz Moon, Saga, Columbia/Legacy, Island, Geffen Gold Mine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: God Bless the Child

Kate Bush retreated to a farmhouse to craft her richly layered song of love and insecurity. It reaffirmed her place as a pre-eminent songwriter and went on to feature in the London Olympics closing ceremony. Richard Clayton follows its history. Credits: Noble & Brite, Beams, Frontiers Records, Elevator Lady, Italians Do It Better, Obsolete Media Objects Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Running Up That Hill

Before Julie Andrews' famous film performance, John Coltrane had turned this Broadway number into an off-kilter jazz classic. Mike Hobart charts its history. Credits: RCA, FourMatt, Hallmark, EMI, Decca, Universal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: My Favourite Things

Rising above personal tragedy, Edith Piaf wrote a defining classic for post war France.Helen Brown follows its path, as read by Anna Metcalfe.Credits: The Restoration Project, Marianne Melodie, Universal Music Group International, Thousand Mile Inc, Naïve Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: La Vie en Rose

It took Wilbert Harrison a long time to get traction with his ode to fidelity, but it became a hit for him, Canned Heat and later Bryan Ferry. Richard Clayton traces its progress. Credits: The Restoration Project, Marianne Melodie, Universal Music Group International, Thousand Mile Inc, Naïve Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Let's Stick Together

Bob Dylan’s cryptic number is one of the signature songs of the 1960s, signalling a shift in his career. It helped launch The Byrds to stardom and was pivotal in the development of indie rock. Richard Clayton follows its history. Credits: Columbia, Legacy, Spectrum, Naxos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Mr Tambourine Man

The grand hymn of redemption took a long path to its current stature in American spirituality, from John Newton’s original lyric to the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Ian McCann follows its turbulent history. Credits: Rhino Atlantic, Marathon, Ameritz Music, Bandleader Recordings, UMC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Amazing Grace

Sam Cooke's political lament, released after his untimely death, went on to become a civil rights anthem. Sue Norris charts its history.Credit: Universal Music Group International, Rhino Atlantic, Time Life Music, RCA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: A Change is Gonna Come

What drew jazz musicians like Miles Davis and Chet Baker to a twinkly tune from Disney's 'Snow White'? And what became of the child star who first sang it? Lilian Pizzichini traces its history Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Someday My Prince Will Come

Bobbie Gentry's understated ballad was reworked by jazz musicians, the 'rebel-country' movement and Motown - and even parodied by Bob Dylan. Ian McCann traces its history Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Ode to Billie Joe

Written for The Shirelles in 1960, Carole King and Gerry Goffin's song nailed the insecurities of a new generation of women. Helen Brown looks at a classic of the female singer-songwriter canon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Will You Love Me Tomorrow

Jimmy Webb's mournful ballad became one of the most-covered songs of the 20th century. Sue Norris explores its appeal for artists from Nick Cave to Isaac Hayes.Credit: Imperial, Capitol, Mute, Enterprise Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of A Song: By The Time I Get To Phoenix

Before becoming one of the most sampled tunes in music history, "Apache" was an unexpected UK number 1. Richard Clayton tracks its journey.Credits: Wrasse Records, EMI, Puzzle Productions, Open Records, Sepia, Sanctuary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Apache

How is music streaming changing the experience of listeners? Are the algorithms that guide us through this new world an adequate replacement for DJs, critics and knowledgable record shop owners? Could endless choice paradoxically be making us more conservative in our tastes? Lorien Kite discusses these questions with Spotify's Will Page and FT pop critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is music streaming making us better listeners?

"I Feel Love" by Donna Summer changed the future of music, paving the way for today's EDM. David Cheal tracks its incredible influence.Credits:  UMC, Vanilla OMP, Warner Music TV, RCA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: I Feel Love

Written in a log cabin when Bon Iver had all but given up, "Skinny Love" was an unlikely pop hit. Richard Clayton investigates its rise, from covers by Birdy and Ed Sheeran to X Factor hopefuls the world over.Credit: 4AD, Atlantic, Elle, Sunbiz Sessions, X Factor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Skinny Love

Ben Lerner is one of the most highly praised and unconventional writers of his generation. The 37-year-old recently met John Sunyer, a commissioning editor on FT Weekend, to talk about why he's 'doomed to write more novels'. Here, he reads one of his favourite poems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Lerner reads his poem 'Index of Themes'

Miles Davis' "So What" is one of the most famous compositions in jazz. Ian McCann explores its many incarnations, from Ronny Jordan's funk hit to Smiley Culture's musings on racial unrest. Credit: Not Now Music, Columbia/Legacy, Universal-Island Records, Universal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: So What

Is the abundance of information in the age of Google and Facebook storing up problems for future generations? Richard Ovenden, who as Bodley's Librarian is responsible for the research libraries of the University of Oxford, talks about the opportunites and concerns of the digitisation of memory with John Thornhill, the FT's innovation editor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Digital memory in the age of social media

"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison's Bret Michaels was the last popular flourish of transvestism in rock. Ludovic Hunter-Tilney discovers what inspired the classic power ballad. Credit: Capitol Catalog, Hollywood Records, Kidz Bop, BMB/Poor Boy Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Before "Everything I Own" became a reggae classic, it was an ode to paternal love by Bread's David Gates. Ian McCann traces the history of one of the 1970's greatest romantic ballads. Credit: Rhino, Parlaphone UK, Sanctuary, Atlantic Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Everything I Own

The coolification of Phil Collins is among pop's most curious turnarounds. Richard Clayton explains what the song owes to gangsta rap, "gated reverb" - and a drumming gorilla. Credit: Rhino, Atlantic, Def Jam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: In The Air Tonight

Tim Buckley's ode to doomed love has exerted a siren-like attraction for artists including This Mortal Coil, Robert Plant and John Frusciante. David Cheal examines its enduring power. Credit: Rhino, Warner Brothers, Chrome Dreams, 4AD, Virgin EMI, Parlaphone UK, Virgin UK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Song to the Siren

Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" has been used in the campaigns of George HW Bush, Obama and, most recently, Bernie Sanders. Richard Clayton investigates the colonial overtones and contested legacy of America's alternative national anthem. Credit: Smithsonian Folkways Recording, Daptone Records, Delta, North Face and Jib Jab. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: This Land Is Your Land

Jethro Tull's prog rock hit rejected the hippy idealism of Swinging London. Ian McCann explores its influence on musicians from Maynard Ferguson to Francis Dunnery. Credit: Parlophone UK, Wounded Bird Records, Rak, Warner Music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Living in the Past

David Cheal discovers how this hymn to friendship eventually came to divide its creators Simon and Garfunkel, but went on to inspire more than 200 cover versions. Credit: Columbia, RCA, Legacy, Atlantic Records. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Bridge Over Troubled Water

How did Bill Withers' little blues inspire a 1990s R&B hit and a Simon Cowell-produced football anthem? Ian McCann charts its history. Credit: Columbia, Legacy, Sony, Ministry of Sound, Syco Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Grandma's Hands

This song has its roots in an ancient refugee crisis and the more recent struggle for racial equality. Over the years, it's been adopted by Fats Waller, The Four Lads and the rapper M.I.A. Written by Helen Brown and read by Anna Metcalfe. Credit: Hit Wonder, Document Records, Diamond Coast, Sinetone AMR and XL Recordings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Dem Bones

Jacques Brel's impassioned tribute to the sailors and drunks of the port of Amsterdam inspired covers by Mort Shuman and Scott Walker. David Cheal traces its journey from David Bowie's stripped down version to Thierry Amiel's performance, which triumphantly returned the song to its original French. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Amsterdam

"Lady Marmalade" began life as a sleazy soul anthem by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan before being funked up by Labelle, given an R&B twist by Sheila E and overlaid with cheesy rap for the film "Moulin Rouge". Ian McCann charts its evolution. Credit: Epic, 20th Century Records, Fania, Warner Bros., Polydor Associated Labels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Lady Marmalade

Blind Willie Johnson's gospelly, moaning adaptation of an 18th-century hymn might have seemed an odd choice for the disc of music attached to Voyager 1 in 1977. But artists from Ry Cooder to Jack White have been drawn to its ethereal power. Credit: Legacy/Columbia, Warner Bros., Alligator Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Dark was the Night, Cold was the Ground

Mike Hobart charts the history of the tune that catalysed modern jazz and - through Charlie Parker - saw the beginning of bebop. Credits: Prestige Elite, Wild Plantage, Chronological Classics, Spotlite Records, Essential Jazz Classics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Cherokee

Which song links a Haile Selassie UN speech with a Bob Marley vamp and the moment Sinead O’Connor was booed by 20,000 Bob Dylan fans? David Honigmann discusses “War”. Credit: Sony Legacy, 1992 Island Records, Rastafari Records, Keltia Musique Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: War

The quintessential grunge anthem, ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ hinted at the racial politics, school shootings and ennui which entangled America’s Generation X. David Honigmann traces the song’s evolution. Credit: Universal Music TV Campaign Division, Columbia, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue), Rhino Atlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Smells Like Teen Spirit

Mike Hobart explores the history of Chic’s "Good Times", a last-gasp salute to disco inspired by the Great Depression and Harlem Renaissance. Credit: Atlantic Records, Sanctuary, Castle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Good Times

A pocket symphony, “Surf’s Up” was written by Brian Wilson at the peak of his creative brilliance. David Cheal discusses the Beach Boy who didn’t surf, and how he caught the wave of emerging 1960s counterculture. Credits: Capital Catalog, Smog Veil Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Surf's Up

How did a dirge-like song about a serial killer written by a Marxist playwright and a left-wing composer become a swinging jazz classic and global commercial success? David Cheal follows a trail not yet gone cold. Credits: Naxos; Decca Music Group Ltd; Not Now Music; Delta Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Mack the Knife

An unforgettable track whose lyrics emerged from an all-night writing session, “Sunshine of Your Love” has been covered by Jimi Hendrix and Ella Fitzgerald. David Cheal seeks the source of the song’s primal brilliance. Credits: Legacy Recordings; Polydor Ltd; LRC Ltd; Groove Merchant Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Sunshine of Your Love

A ballad as much about reunions as separations, Auld Lang Syne can signify everything from the year's end, to closing time in Japanese department stores. David Cheal explores the many incarnations of this sentimental Scottish song. Credit: Culburne Records; Lismor Recordings; Anti/Epitaph Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Auld Lang Syne

This much-loved Christmas Carol uses words published by Cecil Sharp in 1911. But to what extent did he graft Christian elements onto a very different original? FT arts editor Jan Dalley traces the gender shifts which define the song’s evolution. Credit: Universal-Island Records Ltd; Warner Classics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: The Holly and the Ivy

A new short story for the holidays, from the winner of the 2013 Man Booker International Prize. The reader is Christine Spolar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Short story: ‘Winter Letter’ by Lydia Davis

It was written for Otis Redding but he never sang it, became a hit for the Bee Gees and covered by numerous bands in various genres but who was the unlikely inspiration for 'To Love Somebody'? Ian McCann tells the story. Credits: Bee Gees/Reprise; Ace Records; Sanctuary; London Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: To Love Somebody

John Leyton's 1961 "death disc" was born out of a séance and banned by the BBC but still reached Number 1. Cathi Unsworth tells the song's eerie tale and follows the trail of tears it left behind. Credit: Puzzle Productions/DMI; Goldenlane Records; Caribe Sound; EMI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a Song: Johnny Remember Me

This year’s carol was specially commissioned by the FT with the help of Nicola Clase, Sweden’s ambassador to the UK. Jane Owen talks to Clase about the piece, which was composed by Johan Hugosson and features lyrics adapted from medieval Scandinavian rune poems. It is sung by the choir of Stockholms Musikgymnasium conducted by Bengt Ollen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Norse code for Christmas

David Cheal explores how Lou Reed got prostitution, transvestism, oral sex and drugs past the BBC commisariat with a group of white English 'coloured girls'. Credits: RCA/Legacy, Spectralite, Sony BMG Music Entertainment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The life of a song: Walk on the Wild Side

David Cheal investigates the roots of an explosive song often cited as the first ever rock 'n' roll record. Credits: Charly Records, Gralin Music, Famous Flames Recording Company, Proper Box. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The life of a song: Rocket 88

Jan Dalley tells the story of the aria that united opera and football fans alike in a strange example of the power of posh music. Credits: ZYX Music, Naxos, Monument, Arista. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The life of a song: Nessun Dorma

Michael Jackson's first foray into rock helped dismantle barriers of genre — and race — in the early 1980s music business. Maria Crawford tells the story. Credits: Epic, Mercury Records. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The life of a song: Beat It

From the origin of the "grapevine" itself, through Motown and Marvin Gaye to The Slits' punk reinvention, Hilary Kirby charts the evolution of a classic. Credits: Motown Record Company, Motown Records, Island Def Jam Records. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The life of a song: I Heard It Through the Grapevine

Going back to the roots of Lamont Dozier's 1977 hit, David Cheal uncovers TV inspiration, Woodstockian vibes and a question mark over the authorship of that famous guitar lick. Credits: Warner Music TV, Rhino/Elektra, Marathon Media International, Orlando Julius Afro House of High Life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Life of a song: Going Back to My Roots

First recorded in 1934 by Lead Belly the 'Homicidal Harmoniser', David Cheal follows the waltzing lament of 'Goodnight, Irene' through interpretations by the Weavers, Ry Cooder and Bryan Ferry. Credits: Hallmark, H&H Music, Rhino/Warner Bros, Virgin Germany. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.