Kmflett's Blog

David Attenborough the acclaimed natural world broadcaster and former controller of BBC2 as it moved to colour TV in the 1960s is 100.

The BBC has made available many of Attenborough’s programmes on IPlayer and Sounds. Amongst them is one which recalls the first series he ever produced for the BBC in 1954.

It was a six part series presented by Alan Lomax which showcased live folk music from the BBC studios at Alexandra Palace in North London.

The series was not recorded but the programme has interviews, musical performances and Attenborough’s memories.

Alan Lomax was an American who came to Britain in the 1950s to study and recover British folk music. He may also have been avoiding an appearance at McCarthy’s anti-socialist and communist witch hunt hearings although this is disputed.

Certainly Attenborough recalls that the issue was raised that the programmes were showcasing left-wing and Communist performers. However he was able to deflect the matter.

He was also successful in getting extra funding, Lomax not being someone who worked to a budget and for getting the go ahead for performers to drink beer live on air

David Attenborough and the Natural History of Folk – BBC Sounds