or the Desert Island Discs DJs
I have been living in this United Kingdom of England … for 8 years. As a European I love many things about this country—from the countryside views and the public right-of-way to the weather and the food. But the thing I admire most is the state-backed entertainment; I’m talking about the British Broadcasting Corporation, the BBC. I’m not sure what the BBC is up to right now in terms of new programming (I assume a slow decline in quality, originality, and identity), but that’s not today’s issue.
Today’s issue is Desert Island Discs, a delightful programme first aired in 1942: a known figure submits to a personal interview, sign-posted by eight musical pieces they have chosen. There are many worthy tangents—the Anglo focus of the show, the drift away from classical favourites, the most-picked discs, the rare non-musical choices—but I’ll save those for another, worthier time.
Today we talk about six unsung heroes.
These known unknowns have been a staple of the British airwaves, and it’s high time a curious foreigner wrote a short impression on them.
To the DJs.
We begin, like most European countries, with an affable and curious Caucasian man.
Roy Plomley was the visionary creator of Desert Island Discs. Born in 1914, Plomley was a polyvalent radio-man—broadcasting, producing, and writing hundreds of times. Legend has it he conceived the show’s unique format during a late-night brainstorming session. The idea was simple yet profound: invite notable figures to imagine themselves cast away on a deserted island and discuss the eight records they would take with them.
For 40 years Plomley reigned, conducting intimate interviews that revealed the personal stories and musical tastes of his subjects. His warm demeanour and genuine curiosity set the tone for the show, and those are the only facets on which we can really assess the hosts.
Plomley conducts himself with a curiosity that is playful and laid-back. His warmth is almost palpable. It is clear I have a positive opinion of Roy Plomley.
Notable guests: Paul McCartney, Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred Hitchcock, Margaret Thatcher.
I have been listening to DIDs for years; I have never come across a Michael Parkinson episode. May report later…?
Officer Sue Lawley OBE began her career in regional television before becoming a national figure as a newsreader and presenter for the BBC. Lawley’s move to Desert Island Discs let her delve deeper into personal narratives, showcasing her interviewing skill.
Sue’s warmth is hard to come by—in fact it is impossible to come by until her precise questioning has been satisfied. During her 18-year tenure she conducted over 700 interviews in which guests were gently, but coldly, laid bare. Officer Lawley’s style of lean kindness brought new depth to the programme and helped it modernise into the noughties. It appears I have a positive opinion of Sue Lawley.
Notable guests: David Attenborough, Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela, Stephen Hawking, Tony Blair.
The tea Kirsty Young offers you is extremely sweet—that is how she gets you to tell her your secrets. From Scot-land, she brought a fresh perspective; in her 12 years as host she made a mark and was well-liked. Her legacy continues: a few years ago she hosted David Attenborough’s 90th birthday. It seems I have a positive opinion of Kirsty Young.
Notable guests: David Beckham, Tom Hanks, Judi Dench, Malala Yousafzai, David Cameron.
Lauren Laverne took over in 2018. She first gained fame as the lead singer/guitarist of the Britpop band Kenickie before moving into broadcasting. Her deep musical knowledge combines with a near-peppy on-air personality; the result is engaging and keeps alive the show’s original spirit of curiosity and warmth.
In this she joins the men and women before her who gave voice to thousands of personal stories—and considerably more music. I hold Lauren Laverne in high regard.
Notable guests: Louis Theroux, Ian Wright, Helena Bonham Carter, Paul McCartney, Nile Rodgers.