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The Way You Look Tonight

Soul Music Series 22

Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields' song from the 1936 film, Swing Time, sung by Fred Astaire, became a classic. From 2016.

'The Way You Look Tonight' was written by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields for the 1936 film 'Swing Time'.

Sung by Fred Astaire to Ginger Rogers while she was washing her hair, the song won an Oscar. It has been recorded by Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday.

Sarah Woodward, daughter of actor Edward, recalls how aged seven, she watched him sing it on The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show with his 'angelic' voice.

Theatre director Michael Bawtree remembers the song being his father's favourite, and being distraught when he broke the gramophone record as a five-year-old.

And Glaswegian singer, Eddie Toal describes making an album of jazz songs, including 'The Way You Look Tonight' to remember his late wife, Irene.

Series about pieces of music that make a powerful emotional impact.

Producer: Sara Conkey

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2016.

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30 minutes

Last on

Sat 26 Sep 2026 00:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Broadcasts

  • Tue 19 Apr 2016 11:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sat 23 Apr 2016 15:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 1 Dec 2017 18:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 2 Dec 2017 00:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 17 May 2022 18:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 18 May 2022 00:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 8 Dec 2023 20:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 25 Sep 2026 10:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 25 Sep 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 26 Sep 2026 00:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Watch the animation - Professor Mary King describes how the song became a symbol of hope.

Podcast

  • Soul Music

    Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.