Radio Recap – 10 November 2024

“The best day of my life was… one day while I was doing Hairspray, I woke up and everything was perfect. Everyone I loved was well, I was doing a job I loved, I was with the person I love and it was one of those rare moments in life when there was nothing looming that was a problem. I couldn’t wait to get to work and I couldn’t wait to be at home. I had financial stability and emotional stability. It’s so uncertain in this business, so to have a moment when you know that at least for the next six months everything is going to be fine, that’s why I’d say it was my best day.” Michael Ball

The above quote by Michael shows a self-awareness that is enviable. That he woke up one morning, looked around and realized that his life was good, REALLY GOOD, is remarkable. I’m sure he’s had days when the opposite was true, but in that moment he appreciated what life had given him.

Good morning, my lovelies. How are you this Sunday? You’re well, I hope.” He immediately plays Westlife’s ‘World Of Our Own.’ Afterwards, “Let’s make a world of our own, huh? At least for the next couple of hours. Oh, it’s nice to be here. It’s a funny old world at the moment, isn’t it? In ordinary news, the bad news is,” and he sighs heavily, “I haven’t made my Christmas cake. I don’t know what I’m going to do. Is it too late? … Um … I don’t know when I’m going to get a chance to do it. It’s … I know … it’s a major problem. In really good news, though, and exciting news, I’m going to be in the STRICTLY studio tonight.” And once again Michael, the little boy appears, his voice brimming with childlike excitement. “And I’m loving this series, and I’m very excited to see them all in the flesh. So. That’s me. What about you? Today, of course, is Remembrance Sunday, and I’m wearing my poppy with pride. You’re going to join me in thinking of those who gave up their tomorrow for our today. Thank you for your service.”

Michael speaks with Julie on the Love Line who tells the story of her courtship and marriage to Martin. Later Michael reads out messages from listeners, some with great feeling, others with humor. Next, we have Michael talking to Glynnis, who gives a moving account of her dad’s time in WW2, including the D-Day landing and the liberation of Bergen-Belsen. As with most vets, for years he never spoke about the horrors he saw. Her parents met as somewhat pen pals during the war. Glynnis reads one of her father’s letters to her mother, quite beautiful. The perfect story for this Remembrance Day. And then Michael plays Vera Lynn singing the iconic WW2 song ‘I’ll Be Seeing You.’ I reached for the tissues for this one – it always makes me cry.

Michael pays tribute to the legend Quincy Jones, whom the world lost this week, talking about his extraordinary musical history. He plays Matt Monro’s ‘Days Like These’ in honor of him.

Love Letters. Michael speaks with Laura, who’s written a love letter to her grandma. Laura and her husband couldn’t have children, so about 8 years ago her grandmother paid for IVF, which worked, and they now have a little boy and a little girl. “There is no bigger gift than the gift of life,” Michael says. Michael puts a call through to Grandma Christine, who is adorable in her response to hearing from Michael (She’s a HUGE fan). Laura reads her letter as Christine cries listening to it. Wow, I need more tissues! “And do you know what?” Michael asks. “I know this from my grandma that um,” his voice breaks a bit before he continues, speaking to Christine, “those magical, magical memories of growing up and being with someone special like you, you never forget them. They’re the most important things in your life, and you’ve done a cracking job there.” Christine then honors her daughter and son-in-law, who have taken her in at this time of her life. “Christine, you are somebody,” Michael says. “Somebody special and important. And don’t forget what you’ve done for them. That’s what the family is about. It’s being there for each other.” This is a lovely segment in so many ways. Christine and Laura are both special ladies, and Michael gets emotionally swept up in their story.

In closing, Michael reads an email from a Royal Navy veteran, who talks about his grandfather who was killed during WW1. He speaks about the true meaning of Remembrance Sunday in such eloquent words. A wonderful way for Michael to close the show on this special day.

Michael Ball has an infinite capacity to make us laugh, a gift as precious as his immense talent. He is a man whose joy can’t be contained, whose humor is part of his DNA. We love his goofy side, his jokes and especially his infectious giggle. It’s all part of who he is and why he is so beloved. And, lucky us, we get to connect with him every Sunday morning.

On this Remembrance Day, I am thinking of all my UK friends as they honor those who sacrificed so much for the good of others. Michael’s Song of the Week is Bette Midler’s ‘The Wind Beneath My Wings,’ so perfect for all those who are being remembered today. Here is Michael’s own exquisite rendition of this song:

Song Track List: Westlife ‘World Of Our Own’; Kate Bush ‘Wuthering Heights’; Lenny Kravitz ‘Honey’; Luther Vandross ‘Never Too Much’; Lighthouse Family ‘Lifted’; Richard Marx ‘Right Here Waiting’; Matt Monro ‘On Days Like These’; Lady Blackbird ‘Like A Woman’; ABC ‘The Look Of Love’; Beyoncé ‘II Most Wanted’; The Beach Boys ‘God Only Knows’; Israel Kamakawiwo’ole ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’; Mariah Carey ‘We Belong’; Bruno Mars ‘Marry You’; Sabrina Carpenter ‘Taste’; Boyzone ‘No Matter What’; The Bangles ‘Eternal Flame’; Adele ‘Make You Feel My Love’; Barber ‘Adagio For Strings’