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CHILLI JAZZ RADIO NEWS


NOT TO BE MISSED DRIVING HOME WITH TOM

Thursday's 5pm


TODD'S TURNTABLE

THURSDAY 23rd April 8PM

FRIDAY 2AM & 7PM, SUNDAY 4PM,

Do not miss the brilliant Tod Gordon and his themed shows

THIS WEEK

THE WALTER DONALDSON SONG BOOK

THE WALTER DONALDSON SONG BOOK

 
Intro: A Little White Ship - Todd Gordon: Love dot com
 
It’s Been So Long - Benny Goodman Orchestra featuring Helen Ward: 78rpm single
Did I Remember? - Nancy Wilson: Hollywood My Way
Sleepy Head - The Mills Brothers: Golden Greats
Mister Meadowlark - Bing Crosby & Johnny Mercer: Personality 
Cuckoo in the Clock - Lena Horne: Lena Like Latin
At Sundown - Morgana King: The Greatest Songs Ever Swung
My Mammy - Liza Minnelli: Liza with a “Z”
'Tain't No Sin (To Dance Around In Your Bones) - Mark Murphy: Let Yourself Go
What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry - Keely Smith: Swingin’ Pretty
Little White Lies - Dick Haymes: Rain or Shine
My Buddy - Claire Martin: Secret Love
You’re Driving Me Crazy - Big Joe Turner: Boss of the Blues
Carolina in the Morning - Dinah Shore: Dinah Down Home
My Blue Heaven - Sy Oliver & His Orchestra & Chorus: Jimmie Lunceford in Hi-Fi
Makin’ Whoopee! - Dinah Washington: The Swingin’ Miss “D”
I’ve Had My Moments - Frank Sinatra: Close to You
Love Me or Leave Me - Peggy Lee: Black Coffee
Yes Sir, That’s My Baby - Frank Sinatra: Strangers in the Night
 

Throughout his career, Donaldson composed numerous hit songs spanning from the 1910s to the 1940s. His work achieved considerable acclaim, with many of his compositions becoming enduring standards that are celebrated to this day.

Walter Donaldson (15 February 1893 – 15 July 1947) was a prolific American popular songwriter whose contributions significantly shaped the landscape of twentieth-century music.

In addition to his success as a songwriter, Donaldson also demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit by founding a publishing company. This venture further cemented his influence within the music industry, allowing his works and those of others to reach wider audiences.

Many of Donaldson's songs have become integral parts of the Great American Songbook, a collection that represents some of the most important and influential American popular music. His legacy lives on through these timeless pieces, which continue to be performed and appreciated by musicians and audiences alike.


Friday 24th 7.00pm and Saturday 25th 2.30pm

With the permission of The Airmen Of Note Chilli Jazz Radio is proud to present our live recording from the Schessinger Auditorium, Washington DC on 12th March 2026

Tom with our host Music Director, Master Sergeant Kevin Cerovich
Tom with Flight Chief of The Airmen of Note, Chief Master Sergeant Brian MacDonald and Technical Sergeant Fareed Simpson-Hankins

STAR-SPANGLED RADIO HOUR

Wednesday 22nd April 5pm

Friday 5pm, Sunday 12pm

Glenn Miller

The Army Air Force Band: A Pillar of Morale in World War II

In 1943, Major Glenn Miller established the Army Air Force (AAF) Band, bringing together a talented group of thirty musicians to form a military swing orchestra. The band’s primary aim was to support and uplift troop morale during the challenging times of World War II.

The AAF Band became renowned for its spirited performances, entertaining soldiers stationed in England and across Europe. Through its music, the band offered comfort and enjoyment to those serving on the front lines, contributing significantly to their well-being.

Recognised as one of the greatest dance bands in history, the AAF Band featured prominent musicians, such as vocalist Johnny Desmond and the ensemble The Crew Chiefs. Their artistry and dedication ensured that the band’s legacy would endure long after the war ended.


THE JAZZ SET

WITH TOM STEVENS

Wednesday's 8.00pm


The Big Band Heat

WITH TOM STEVENS

Saturday's 2.00pm also 8pm Sunday & Monday 2pm


NOW YOU HAS "JAZZ JAZZ JAZZ"

WITH JOHN PETTERS

Saturday's 7pm

Sunday 7pm, Monday 7pm, Tuesday 12am, Wednesday 5am


Saturday's 8pm

Sunday 2pm Monday 4am, Tuesday 6pm

Join David Harding-Price tonight for his fabulous Blue's Show


JAZZ GEMS

WITH TOM STEVENS

THE LIGHTER SIDE OF BIG BANDS & JAZZ

MONDAY'S 11.00PM


RECORD OF THE WEEK

THE QUEENS OF VOCAL HARMONY

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Swingpunk The Financial Times

“Fabulous” – Vogue

“…the Andrews Sisters-style close harmonies are immaculate… they weave past and present together so deftly…” – Clive Davis, The Times.

The Puppini Sisters, renowned for their retro glam style and close harmonies, have captivated audiences with covers and original songs since forming in 2004 at London’s Trinity College of Music. Their debut album, Betcha Bottom Dollar, became the fastest-selling jazz record in UK chart history, blending classic swing with modern pop hits.

Their vintage aesthetic, inspired by Vivienne Westwood and the burlesque scene, helped spark a revival of harmony bands online. Over two decades, they toured globally, played lavish parties, collaborated with artists such as Michael Buble, and earned fans including Prince Charles.

In 2026, they will celebrate 20 years by releasing a new album featuring both originals and inventive covers like Total Eclipse of the Heart and Happy Birthday. Highlights include songs inspired by their travels and experiences, with members Marcella Puppini, Kate Mullins, and Rosanna Schura reuniting. The band continues to thrive at the intersection of club culture and mainstream music, always staying true to their creative vision.


The Michele Monro Podcast

The 1st Thursday of every month 7pm -8pm

Michelle Monro talks about her father the legendary singer Matt Monro.


MEET THE PRESENTERS

Presenters

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Louis Dowdeswell

The Louis Dowdeswell Podcast Wednesday's 6pm - 8pm Friday 01.00am, Sunday 5pm Louis talks about all things trumpet and interviews some of the biggest trumpet stars on the planet

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DENNIS M. SPRAGG STAR-SPANGLED RADIO HOUR

With the Permission of Dennis M Spragg co-ordinator of the Glenn Miller Collections at the American Music Research Center, University of Colorado Boulder, we present The Star-Spangled Radio Hour which has become one of the most popular big band programs available in the world since it went on the air in April 2010 and is the weekly “go to” spot for big band enthusiasts who enjoy original broadcasts.

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Nicola Farnon co Host with Tom on Christmas Day shows

Widely recognised as one of the classiest Jazz and Swing singers and/or double bassists in the UK, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nicola Farnon has a remarkable musical pedigree, both parents being professional classical musicians and her great uncle no less than the late Robert Farnon.  Originally raised classically on the cello and the piano, Nicola started singing and playing double bass in her twenties which led to a jazz career spanning 25 years (so far!).