A White House journalist, a comedian, an artist, a technology guru, and a blues musician
Matthew Bannister remembers renowned White House correspondent Helen Thomas, painter William Turner, comedian Mel Smith, futurologist Dr James Martin and blues singer T-Model Ford.
Matthew Bannister on
The tough talking White House correspondent Helen Thomas. She asked hard questions of Presidents from Kennedy to Bush. General Colin Powell pays tribute.
The Northern painter William Turner - who only achieved fame in his eighties.
The comedian and director Mel Smith: Stephen Poliakoff and Mary Kenny celebrate his acting talent.
Dr James Martin - the technologist and philanthropist who predicted the rise of the internet.
And the rackety life of bluesman T Model Ford - who fathered 26 children and served ten years in prison for a killing.
Last on
Helen Thomas
Matthew spoke to General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State, political commentator Craig Crawford, and Karen Tumulty, National political correspondent.
Born August 4 1920, died July 20 2013 aged 92.
Mel Smith
Matthew spoke to playwright Andrew Rissik, director & playwright Stephen Poliakoff and Mary Kenny, playwright.
Born December 3 1952, died July 19 2013 aged 60.
William Turner
Matthew spoke to art dealer Dave Gunning.
Born April 20 1920, died July 10 2013 aged 93.
Dr James Martin
Last Word spoke to Kate Devlin, lecturer in computing at Goldsmiths University of London and Professor Ian Goldin.
Born October 19 1933, died June 24 2013 aged 79.
T-Model Ford
Matthew spoke to musician and broadcaster Leo Green.
Born June 27 1921, died July 16 2013 aged 92.
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Matthew Bannister |
| Producer | Philip Sellars |
| Producer | Laura Northedge |
Broadcasts
- Fri 26 Jul 2013 16:00BBC Radio 4
- Sun 28 Jul 2013 20:30BBC Radio 4
Podcast
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Last Word
Radio 4's weekly obituary programme
