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I Gave It Up For The Music & The Free Electric Band

Johnnie Walker talks to one of the most famous musicians from the island of Gibraltar, singer, songwriter and producer Albert Hammond OBE.

Johnnie Walker spins an eclectic selection of hits and rarities from both sides of the Atlantic. This week singer, songwriter and record producer Albert Hammond catches up with Johnnie from his homeland of Gibraltar.

Johnnie asks Albert about the songs he wrote during the 70s from his own hit Free Electric Band to The Air That I Breathe for The Hollies. Born in London, Hammond's family were evacuated to Gibraltar, during World War II, where he grew up and still has a home.

As a successful musician in the 1970s he moved to the US where he wrote When I Need You with Carole Bayer Sager. As well as success in Spain, Hammond went on to be a much sought-after songwriter contributing to favourites such as Whitney Houston's One Moment In Time and Starship's Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now.

Johnnie's featured album comes from Jethro Tull as they celebrate 40 years of Thick As A Brick, their epic release featuring one single track. He plays excerpts and Jethro Tull flautist Ian Anderson remembers making the album.

1 hour, 56 minutes

Last on

Sun 25 Mar 2012 15:00

Music Played

  • Hour 1

    • The Elgins

      Heaven Must Have Sent You

      • Motown Hits Of Gold Vol.5 (Various).
      • Motown.
      • 6.
  • Pink Floyd

    Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2

    • Pink Floyd.
    • Harvest.
  • Elton John

    Jamaica Jerk-Off

  • First Class

    Beach Baby

    • Dance Hits Of The '60's & '70's.
    • Old Gold.
  • MFSB

    TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) (feat. The Three Degrees)

    • Philadelphia Years: Volume 1 1971-1976 (Various Artists).
    • Knight Records.
    • 9.
  • Featured Album: Thick As A Brick

    • Jethro Tull

      Thick As A Brick (Side 1)

  • Elton John

    Skyline Pigeon (Piano Version)

  • Heatwave

    Boogie Nights

    • Too Hot To Handle.
    • BBR.
    • 013.
  • The Delfonics

    Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)

    • Shades Of Soul (Various Artists).
    • Global Television.
  • Bruce Springsteen

    Blinded By The Light

  • Featured Album: Thick As A Brick

    • Jethro Tull

      Thick As A Brick (Side 2)

  • Peaches & Herb

    Shake Your Groove Thing

    • Night Moves (Various Artists).
    • Double Gold.
  • Hour 2

    • John Travolta & Olivia Newton鈥怞ohn

      You're The One That I Want

      • Grease (Original Movie S/Track).
      • Polydor.
  • Jackson Browne

    Doctor My Eyes

    • The Next Voice You Hear - Jackson Bro.
    • Elektra.
  • Aretha Franklin

    Spirit In The Dark

  • Elton John

    Daniel

    • Diamonds.
    • Virgin EMI Records.
  • In conversation with Albert Hammond

    • Blue Mink

      Good Morning Freedom

  • Albert Hammond

    It Never Rains In Southern California

  • Albert Hammond

    99 Miles From L.A.

  • The Hollies

    The Air That I Breathe

  • The Clash

    Train In Vain

    • The Essential Clash.
    • Sony Music Entertainment.
  • Elton John

    Funeral For A Friend (Love Lies Bleeding)

    • Island/Mercury.

Broadcast

  • Sun 25 Mar 2012 15:00