Linton Kwesi Johnson

Follows dub poet master Linton Kwesi Johnson out of the recording studio onto the Brixton streets.

Gil Scott-Heron was one of the most influential musicians and poets of the last 50 years. In Don Letts's documentary, Gil tells his own story for the first time-from being one of the first black children to integrate an all white Southern state school to becoming the Godfather of Rap. There are contributions from Chuck D, Mos Def, Richi Havens and the Last Poets, among others. Filmed in October 2003, Gil performs live and recites poetry out on the streets of Harlem, which have inspired so much of his music.

A portrait of Salford-born poet, storyteller and comic, John Cooper-Clarke. His poems, a satirical blend of humour and social comment, are delivered at a fast pace, often with musical backing. His style, and that of his contemporary Linton Kwesi Johnson, have influenced a generation of younger poets involved in a revival of popular poetry in Britain.

Documentary about reggae music and culture in London in 1977. Filmed in Super 8 camera by Don Letts. With participation of Richard Branson, Neneh Cherry, Paul Cook, Sly Dunbar, Paul Weller, John Lydon, Joe Strummer, Siouxsie Sioux, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and others. Released in 2017.

The programme includes The Damned’s set-smashing performance on The Old Grey Whistle Test and the Sex Pistols' anarchic trip on the Thames. It also features powerful live performances from Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, Gang of Four, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Tubeway Army, Ian Dury and the Blockheads, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Soft Cell, The Selecter, Joy Division and the Au Pairs. In addition, there are gems from The New York Dolls, The Fall, Blondie, Pete Shelley, The Police, Devo, X-Ray Spex, Klaus Nomi, Laurie Anderson and many more.

Documentary about feminism in music and the challenges it has faced through the years from the '70s to present day.

In his first-ever video concert, reggae poet Linton Kwesi Johnson bares his soul to a packed house at the Zenith in Paris in 2004, backed by the Dennis Bovell Dub Band. Tracks include "Di Eagle an Di Beat," "Want Fi Goh Rave," "Sonn'y Lettah," "Dread Beat an Blood," "Fite Dem Back," "Reggae Fi Peach," "Di Great Insohreckshan," "Mekkin Histri" and "Tings an Times." Extras feature Johnson sharing some of his a cappella poetry.

Considered one of the best ‘dub’ poets of his time, Mikey Smith is internationally renown for the socially engaged form and content of his work. Originally made for BBC2’s Arena, Upon Westminster Bridge profiles Smith’s poetry and politics through performance, exchanges with fellow poet Linton Kwesi Johnson, and conversations with historian and social theorist CLR James.

Companion programme to Gregory Porter's Popular Voices (2017) in which Gregory Porter introduces a selection of live performances culled from the BBC archives.