Sir Michael Parkinson joins Jazz FM

“Parky – My Kind of Jazz” explores Sir Michael’s renowned passion for jazz music, the series will include music from his favourite artists from across his extensive collection.

Who is Sir Michael Parkinson?

Sir Michael – who is affectionately known to millions as “Parky” and this year celebrates 50 years since the start of his acclaimed eponymous talk show – is well known for his passion of jazz where over the years has met and interviewed the greats like Buddy Rich and Duke Ellington.

He has also used his various TV and radio shows to give a platform to up and coming UK and international talent, such as Diana Krall, Jamie Cullum and Jazz FM’s very own Clare Teal.

What is the series about?

Each week, Sir Michael will take listeners through his collection, adding unique colour with his own stories on where he first heard the songs and what they mean to him, plus also treat them to some live performances and interviews from his TV shows that are from his own archive.

In episode one, Sir Michael will celebrate US drumming jazz legend Buddy Rich who was a regular guest on his TV shows over the years, and gave his last interview to Parky two weeks before he suddenly passed away. Unheard clips from that conversation will feature along with a couple of unique Buddy Rich performances: one from that last interview and one from a 1972 BBC show recording.

On his new show and joining Jazz FM, Sir Michael says: “This show celebrates my life long love affair with what I think is some of the best and most influential music that has ever been written, composed or performed but sadly is very rarely featured on the playlists of most national radio stations. I’m looking forward to sharing the highlights of my personal music collection with the Jazz FM listeners and remembering the times I was lucky enough to meet and sometimes interview my musical heroes.”

When can I listen to the series?

The 6-part series can be heard on Sundays at 9pm. The first episode will air on the 13th of June on Jazz FM.

Listen to Jazz FM on DAB nationwide, on our free app, online or via your smart speaker (“Play Jazz FM”).

Getting to know: Sir Michael "Parky" Parkinson

Ahead of Sir Michael Parkinson's brand new show on Jazz FM - which starts Sunday 13 June from 9pm - we wanted to uncover what we can expect about the show, what music excites him and some of the standout moments from his career. Read more here.

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