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Johnnie marks Radio 2's Elton John weekend with a few of his best '70s tracks, and he talks to the English singer Elkie Brooks.

Johnnie marks Radio 2's Elton John weekend with a few choice tracks and the husky-voiced English singer Elkie Brooks shares her memories of the decade in My 70s.

Born in Salford, Brooks' first gig was at the age of 13 and, two years later, she was a professional singer. Her cover of Etta James' Something's Got A Hold On Me was released by Decca in 1964.

After working the cabaret scene and supporting groups including The Beatles and The Animals during the 60s, she formed Vinegar Joe with Pete Gage and Robert Palmer, releasing three albums through Island Records before the group split in 1974.

Brooks then launched her successful solo career with debut album Rich Man's Woman in 1975, which was critically acclaimed and also featured a controversial album cover.

This was followed by Two Days Away in 1977, featuring Brooks' biggest hit single of the 70s, Pearl's A Singer, reaching No. 8 in the UK Singles Chart. Shooting Star in 1978 and Live And Learn in 1979 rounded of the decade, and Brooks continued her success into the 80s.

Also on the show, to mark Radio 2's Elton John Weekend Johnnie spins some tracks from the compilation Elton John: Classic Album Selection (1970-73), which was re-released in July.

1 hour, 56 minutes

Last on

Sun 26 Aug 2012 15:00

Music Played

  • Hour 1

    • The Jacksons

      ABC

  • Free

    All Right Now

  • Paul Davidson

    Midnight Rider

  • Sunshine Band

    That's The Way (I Like It)

  • Featured Artist: Elton John

    • Elton John

      Tiny Dancer

  • Blondie

    Union City Blue

  • Rodriguez

    I Wonder

  • Glen Campbell

    Rhinestone Cowboy

  • The Staple Singers

    Respect Yourself

  • Neil Young

    Heart Of Gold

  • The Who

    Baba O'riley

  • Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

    Born To Run

  • Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes

    Don't Leave Me This Way

  • Van McCoy

    The Hustle

  • Hour 2

    • Joni Mitchell

      Big Yellow Taxi

  • Simon & Garfunkel

    Me & Julio Down By The Schoolyard

  • Sweet

    Ballroom Blitz

  • Eagles

    Already Gone

  • Toto

    Hold The Line

  • David Bowie

    Be My Wife

  • Mel & Tim

    Starting All Over Again

  • Featured Artist: Elton John

    • Elton John

      Border Song

  • My70s: Elkie Brooks

    • Vinegar Joe

      Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On

  • Steely Dan

    Reelin' In The Years

  • Robert Palmer

    Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley

  • Elkie Brooks

    Pearl's A Singer

  • Mavis Staples

    I'll Take You There

  • Stevie Wonder

    As

  • Billy Paul

    Me & Mrs Jones

  • Cheap Trick

    I Want You To Want Me

  • Hawkwind

    Silver Machine

  • George Harrison

    What Is Life

Broadcast

  • Sun 26 Aug 2012 15:00

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