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PODCAST · music

Inheritance Tracks

Celebrating the music that special guests cherish and would like to bestow to future generations.

  1. 901

    Nisha Katona

    TV personality, chef and restaurateur behind Mowgli Street Food restaurants on the tracks that have shaped her.Inherited: ABBA - The Day Before You Came Pass on: Leonard Cohen - Dance With Me to the End of Love Producer: Lowri Morgan Researcher: Jesse Edwards

  2. 900

    Clare Grogan

    The Singer-Songwriter on the tracks that have inspired her work and life. Inherited: Tracks of My Tears by Smokey Robinson Pass on: Sara by Fleetwood MacProducer: Gareth Nelson-Davies

  3. 899

    Mark Billingham

    The best selling crime author on the tracks that have inspired him. Inherited: Have Mercy on the Criminal by Elton John Pass on: He Stopped Loving Her Today by George Jones

  4. 898

    Lorraine Kelly

    The Inheritance Tracks are the choice of the much-loved broadcaster Lorraine Kelly as featured in BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live on 20 June 2026.Inherited: Jupiter from The Planet Suite by Holst Pass on: Starman by David Bowie Producer: Anna Bailey(Picture credit: Nicky Johnston)

  5. 897

    Nat Sciver-Brunt

    Nat Sciver-Brunt is the captain of England's Women Cricket Team and one of the world’s leading all-round cricketersIn June 2026, Nat is presently engaged in trying to lead the side to triumph in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. With proven leadership at the highest level, she’s found the time to share with us her Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: Robbie Williams - Angels Pass On: Extreme - More Than Words

  6. 896

    Russell T Davies

    The screenwriter and television producer Russell T Davies.From being best known to being the show-runner for the reboot of Dr Who, he’s looked at life in London during the 1980s with the series It’s A Sin and his latest TV drama is set in contemporary Manchester.His Inheritance Tracks are inspired by his family and a lost loved one.Inherited: Oh What A Beautiful Morning by Howard Keel Pass On: Americano by Lady GaGaProducer: Anna Bailey

  7. 895

    Katie Razzall

    The journalist and broadcaster Katie Razzall is the BBC’s culture and media editor - and co-host of The Media Show.She was formerly Newsnight’s UK editor and correspondent for Channel 4 News - but has long harboured a dream of being a WWII French resistance member.Her Inheritance Tracks are incredibly moving…Inherited: Petite Fleur by Sidney Bechet Passing on: Long Time Coming by DelaysProducer: Ben Mitchell

  8. 894

    Prue Leith

    Dame Prue Leith has written more than a dozen cookery books, seven novels, and her new memoir - "Being Old...and learning to love it!" - she explores the trials and taboos of growing older.She's no stranger to a kitchen disco with her roles on the Great British Menu and Bake Off - but has always been too afraid to sing.That is until an appearance on ITV's hit show, The Masked Singer.Let's see if her Inheritance Tracks can cook up a storm.Inherited: The Ugly Duckling by Danny Kaye Passing on: Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' by Gordon MacRae (The Masked Singer, Bandicoot Productions, ITV)Producer: Ben Mitchell

  9. 893

    Jason Watkins

    This week’s Inheritance Tracks come from stage and screen actor, Jason Watkins. Jason has been in brilliant in TV productions as various as the Crown, W1A and the The Lost Honour of Christopher Jeffries for which he won a BAFTA. Inherited: Al Bowlly - Love is the Sweetest Thing Pass on: Human League – Together in Electric DreamsProducer: Ribika Moktan

  10. 892

    Nick Robinson

    This week’s Inheritance Tracks come from Presenter and Journalist, Nick Robinson. Nick is the BBC’s and ITV former political editor and he started as a presenter on Today (Radio 4) in November 2015.Here are the two tracks most dear to him:Inherited: The Carpet Crawlers by Genesis taken from the album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. Pass On: Beethoven's Fidelio quartet - Mir ist so wunderbar Producers: Lowri Morgan and Jesse Edwards.

  11. 891

    Liz Earle

    The Inheritance Tracks featured on this week's Saturday Live with Adrian Chiles, come from the skincare entrepreneur Liz Earle whose eponymous beauty brand has been going strong for more than thirty years. Liz has no fewer than 35 books to her name and her latest, How to Age, is out now. Inherited: These Boots Are Made for Walking by Nancy Sinatra Passing on: One Love by David Guetta featuring EstelleProducer: Anna Bailey

  12. 890

    Laura Mvula

    Our Inheritance Tracks this week come from the singer-songwriter Laura Mvula.From hits such as Green Garden, to Sing To The Moon, and to live stage performances at the BBC Promos, Laura’s music is a mix of jazz, classical and Rhythm and Blues. Growing up in Birmingham, Laura went on to study composition at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, before releasing her Mercury Prize-nominated debut album 'Sing to the Moon' in 2013. She has been nominated for the prestigious award three timesInherited: Golden Brown by Omar Passing on: The World Is Yours by Nas Producer: Anna Bailey

  13. 889

    James McAvoy

    From Shameless to X-Men, Atonement and His Dark Materials…James McAvoy seems to have mastered his craft in-front of the camera - so has decided to try his hand at calling the shots.His directorial debut, California Schemin', sees two chaps from Dundee in Scotland pretend to be American rappers to land a record deal.A story that sounds stranger than fiction - but is true.So now seemed like the perfect time to hear about the music that inspires him.Inherited: Maggie May by Rod Stewart Passing on: Ally Bally Bee sung by Mary Anne PatersonProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

  14. 888

    Noah Wyle

    Our Inheritance Tracks this week come from the actor Noah Wyle.From ER to The Pitt, Noah’s career on screen echoes that of his mother who worked as a nurse.But music was always a familial pastime. Inherited: We Belong Together by Rickie Lee Jones Passing on: Peter and the Wolf composed by Sergei Prokofiev and performed by the New York PhilharmonicProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

  15. 887

    Lesley Joseph

    This edition of Inheritance Tracks come from an actress with a strong claim for national treasure status – Lesley Joseph.With a career spanning over sixty years, she has entertained us as on the small screen in the likes of Birds of a Feather and on stage as Mother Superior in the Sister Act musical.Inherited: Marche Militaire composed by Franz Schubert and performed by the Philharmonic Wind Orchestra Passing on: What About Us by P!nkProducers: Lowri Morgan and Ben Mitchell

  16. 886

    Lisa Kudrow

    Our inheritance tracks this week come from Lisa Kudrow, no less. The Emmy Award-winning star from Friends returns to our screens in the latest series of The Comeback.As Phoebe Buffay her attempts at music-making were famously harrowing – but her Inheritance Tracks, predictably enough, are a real joy.Inherited: Downtown by Petula Clark Passing on: Wonderful Baby by Don McLeanProducers: Ben Mitchell and Anna Bailey

  17. 885

    Dr Sian Williams

    Dr Sian Williams is a chartered counselling psychologist working in the NHS. Sian presented BBC Breakfast for over a decade, as well as Saturday Live between 2012 and 2014. Radio 4 listeners will know her from her series Life Changing which returns in April. Her book on living well with anxiety called ‘The Power of Anxiety: How to Ride the Worry Wave’ is out now. Inherited: Calon Lan by Cerys Matthews and The Fron Male Voice Choir Pass on: Better Together by Jack Johnson Producer: Catherine Powell

  18. 884

    Adam Fleming

    Adam Fleming is a familiar voice and face to many across the BBC. He is now the presenter on the daily news podcast, Newscast and also hosts AntiSocial on BBC Radio 4.Adam spends much of his time explaining the twists and turns of politics to the public. But, away from the world of breaking news, music has played its own part in his life.Inherited: Jump by Girls Aloud Passed on: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons: Spring 1, recomposed by Max RichterProducer: Ben Mitchell

  19. 883

    Mike Wozniak

    Mike Wozniak is a comedian and writer who is perhaps best known for Man Down and as co-host of Junior Taskmaster. Along with his trusted trademark moustache he is returning to the comedy circuit with his new tour The Bench.But it was a childhood of bad violin and faking it with a guitar that sparked his love of music.Inherited: Minor Swing by Django Reinhardt and Quintette du Hot Club de France Passing on: Corpus Christi Carol by Jeff BuckleyProducer: Ben Mitchell

  20. 882

    Andy Zaltzman

    When the cricket loving comedian Andy Zaltzman is not dotting balls and crossing fours off the Test Match Special stats sheet he can be found hosting The News Quiz on Radio 4 and on stage with his new stand-up tour Zaltgeist.But it was his father's love of blues that sparked his love of music...and bad trumpet playing. Inherited: Got My Mojo Working by Muddy Waters Passing on: My Very Best by The Big MoonProducer: Ben Mitchell

  21. 881

    Marian Keyes

    The Irish writer, Marian Keyes, has sold 35 million novels in 33 languages, and a new BBC series "The Walsh Sisters" is inspired by some of her most famous work.From her debut novel over 30 years ago to last year's "My Favourite Mistake", she’s championed women's stories and never shied away from discussing her own life and addiction to alcohol.Her Inheritance Tracks are both enjoyable and moving in equal measure.Inherited: Only Our Rivers Run Free by Christy Moore Passing on: The Bottle by Gil Scott-HeronProducers: Ben Mitchell and Jesse Edwards

  22. 880

    Matt Edmondson

    Radio 1 DJ Matt Edmondson has two passions...music and games.He is the creator of the much played game Obama Lama and co-founded the boardgame company Format Games.Both music and games are important loves that he shares with his daughters…Inherited: I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys Passing on: Green Light by LordeProducer: Ben Mitchell

  23. 879

    Riz Ahmed

    The Oscar winning actor Riz Ahmed, whose new film sees him star alongside Timothy Spall as the tragic Prince of Denmark in a modern retelling of Hamlet, is a passionate music aficionado. His most critically acclaimed role perhaps came in the film a Sound of Metal where he played a drummer coming to terms with going deaf, a role which saw him become the first Muslim performer to be nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards.But the music that runs deepest brings with it memories of his childhood and Pakistani heritage.Inherited: Aap Jaisa Koi by Nazia Hassan Passing on: Gabriel by Roy Davis Jr.Producers: Ben Mitchell and Anna Bailey

  24. 878

    Mika

    Our inheritance tracks this week come from the musician and broadcaster Mika, who is back out on tour with his latest album Hyperlove. Mika was born in Lebanon, and raised in Cyprus, Paris and London, all of which feed into his intriguing new album and makes for a fascinating edition of Inheritance Tracks. Inherited: Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana Passing on: Pata Pata by Miriam MakebaProducer: Ben Mitchell

  25. 877

    Claire Foy

    Claire Foy is an actor who’s enjoyed great success playing two queens, one of whom enjoyed a significantly longer reign than the other, as Anne Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth II. Before going to see her in her new film, an adaptation of Helen Macdonald’s fabulous memoir, H is for Hawk - what better way to understand the woman behind the camera lens that hearing the music most important to her.Inherited: When You Were Sweet 16 by Perry Como Passing on: Blóðberg by Sigur RósProducers: Ben Mitchell and Anna Bailey

  26. 876

    Mark Heap

    Mark Heap is one of the funniest actors on television - from Green Wing to Friday Night Dinner and his new series opposite Dawn French - Can You Keep a Secret.Born in India to the son of a Methodist minister Mark's early life featured eclectic and majestic music.Inherited: Were You There? by Tennessee Ernie FordPassing on: L'Ascension: IV Prière du Christ montant vers son père, composed by Olivier Messiaen, performed by Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris Producer: Ben Mitchell

  27. 875

    Justin Hawkins

    Justin Hawkins founded The Darkness, alongside his brother, bursting onto the scene in 2003 with their debut album Permission To Land.He found fame for his massive five octave vocal range, and the "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" singer now hosts his own online series "Justin Hawkins Rides Again" where he shares his love and passion for music.What then will he share as his Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: There Are More Questions Than Answers by Johnny Nash Passing on: Pancho and Lefty by Townes Van ZandProducer: Ben Mitchell

  28. 874

    Emily Watson

    Our Inheritance Tracks this week are the choice of an actor with an astonishing list of theatre, film and television credits to her name, and an array of awards and nominations to match.Here are the Inheritance tracks of Emily Watson. Inherited: Puccini's La Boheme sung by Luciano Pavarotti Passing on: Ghost Town by The Specials Producer: Anna Bailey

  29. 873

    Paul Bettany

    You will recognise the BAFTA nominated actor Paul Bettany best as the superhero Vision, the trudging Geoffrey Chaucer in A Knight’s Tale, or maybe as the long suffering surgeon opposite Russell Crow in Master and Commander…a role which saw him learn to play a period accurate cello.But, his familial lineage is full of musical stars and Paul himself was even a busker on the London Underground for a time.What then will he choose for his Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: The Eton Rifles by The Jam Passing on: Hollow Ponds by Damon AlbarnProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

  30. 872

    Jacinda Ardern

    Jacinda Ardern, became the Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2017 at the age of 37, she was the youngest female head of government in the world.Since her resignation from the role, she has shared her learnings on how to integrate empathy into leadership, written an autobiography and is part of a new documentary film, 'Prime Minister', charting her time in office.But what will she choose as her Inheritance Tracks?Inherited: Under the Boardwalk by The Drifters Passing on: Hope by Fat Freddy's DropProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

  31. 871

    Chris and Xand van Tulleken

    The identical twins and broadcasting doctors, Chris and Xand van Tulleken, have been helping guide us through the world of medicine for years.From mums and dads on Radio 4's "What's Up Docs?" to children on their hugely popular "Operation Ouch!"What then will they prescribe us to listen to with their Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: Sabre Dance composed by Aram Khachaturian Xand - Passing on: Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N' Roses Chris - Escape (The Piña Colada Song) by Rupert HolmesProducer: Ben Mitchell

  32. 870

    Jason Donovan

    Jason Donovan first captured hearts our hearts in Neighbours, becoming a household name worldwide, before breaking into the charts and onto the West End stage.What then will he choose as his Inheritance tracks?Inherited: It's Still Rock and Roll to Me by Billy Joel Passing on: Life’s What You Make It by Talk TalkProducers: Ben Mitchell and Lowri Morgan

  33. 869

    Richard E. Grant

    Richard E. Grant is an the academy award nominated actor and Barbra Streisand obsessive.Growing up in Southern Africa, he harboured a desire to become and actor having seen a resemblance of himself in Donald Sutherland... ...that is until he first saw Barbra in a cinema in Rome - and she changed his life.Inherited: Who Will Buy performed by Barbra Streisand Passing on: Don't Rain on My Parade by Barbra StreisandProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

  34. 868

    Peter and Dan Snow

    Two wonderful broadcasters - the Snows, Peter and Dan. Peter's peerless work on general election nights popularised the infamous swingometer, and Dan's infectious fascination with history has inspired countless others...and together they’ve enjoyed many an adventure. What then will they choose as their shared Inheritance Tracks?Peter: Remember the Alamo by Tex Ritter Dan: Finlandia composed by Jean Sibelius performed by Chineke! OrchestraProducers: Lowri Morgan and Josie Hardy

  35. 867

    Miranda Hart

    Miranda Hart has kept us entertained for several decades, from her hit sitcom Miranda to Call the Midwife.Her new book, "The Christmas Tree that Loved to Dance", tells the story of a Christmas tree that refuses to be discarded and forgotten.In her Inheritance Tracks, Miranda reveals the song that kept her going during one of the lowest points of her life.Inherited: Never Tear us Apart by INXS Passing on: That I Would be Good by Alanis MorissetteProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

  36. 866

    Clare Balding

    Clare Balding is a broadcaster, author...and Faithful! From her early career on Grandstand to hosting Olympic and Wimbledon coverage, Clare has been a fixture of our sporting screens for many years.But in her debut fiction novel Clare is experiencing "Pastures New".Sport is in her blood, and one of her choices goes back a long way - long before it became the sporting anthem it is today. Inherited: Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond Passing on: Vienna by Billy JoelProducer: Ben Mitchell

  37. 865

    Philippa Gregory

    Philippa Gregory is the bestselling historical fiction who, amongst other things, has been bringing the Tudor period back to life; through the eyes of the women oft forgotten by the textbooks.In her latest book, The Boleyn Traitor, Philippa tells the story of how Jane Boleyn ​survived watching from the shadows of the Tudor court, using the only weapon she has; her voice.If you’re listening to this in a half-snooze state...you won’t be for much longer, because Philippa's first choices are stirring stuff indeed.Inherited: Coppélia, Act I, Mazurka performed by the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra Passing on: Swing Low Sweet Chariot performed by Ladysmith Black Mambazo ft. China Black Producer: Ben Mitchell

  38. 864

    Joanna Lumley

    You may know her best as the icons — Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous, Purdey in The New Avengers, or Hester Frump in Wednesday...but away from the stage and screen, Joanna Lumley's life is surrounded by music.Inherited: In the Mood by Glenn Miller Passing on: Pata Pata by Miriam MakebaProducer: Ben Mitchell

  39. 863

    Davina McCall

    Davina McCall is a hugely successful TV presenter who’s hosted some of the biggest shows with the biggest stars. She’s also made her mark, as a broadcaster and writer, in the field of women’s health - all whilst battling a brain tumour.Rarely has anyone talked about their Inheritance Tracks with such passion, eloquence, and sheer raw emotion. Inherited: State of Independence by Donna Summer Passed on: You Can Do It by CaribouProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

  40. 862

    Joanna Page

    From Swansea to Barry Island Joanna Page has been a friendly face in millions of houses for almost two decades.But by her own admission, despite her Welsh roots, music is not her forte...although it clear plays an important part in her life.Inherited: Northern Sky by Nick Drake Passed on: Chic Mystique by ChicProducer: Ben Mitchell

  41. 861

    Mark Kermode

    Mark Kermode is a brilliant Film critic, writer, broadcaster and co-host of podcasts Kermode and Mayo's Take - and Screenshot.In his book, Surround Sound: The Stories of Movie Music, Mark and fellow author Jenny Nelson, discuss the power that music has on screen.With that in mind, what music will he choose as the soundtrack to his life?Inherited: 2002 Zarathustrevisited by Stan Kenton & His Orchestra Passed on: Top of the World by Shonen KnifeProducer: Ben Mitchell

  42. 860

    Dan Brown

    The chances of writing a novel which sells more than 80 million copies are about as remote as a lad from Stockport making it to the NBA, but Dan Brown pulled it off with The Da Vinci Code. That book, like his new novel, delves into literature, symbology, secret societies and so on. None of which were his first passion. Dan Brown’s first passion was music - as he reveals in his Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: Todo a Pulmón by Miguel Ríos Passed on: Morning Mood by Edvard GriegProducer: Ben Mitchell

  43. 859

    Oti Mabuse

    Oti Mabuse was the first professional dancer to win the Strictly Glitterball two years in a row with her partners Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey.But prior to her success on the Stricktly ballroom Oti had already become South African Latin American Champion no fewer than eight times. Music remains massively important to her, both professionally and personally, as she tells us in her Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: Modimo by Sowetto Gospel Choir Pass on: I was here by BeyoncéProducers: Ben Mitchell and Catherine Powell

  44. 858

    Janet Street-Porter

    Broadcaster Janet Street-Porter with the ‘Mad Scene’ from Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor and ‘Enjoy Yourself’ by Prince Buster.

  45. 857

    Ade Adepitan

    TV presenter, and Paralympian, Ade Adepitan chooses ‘One Drop’ by Bob Marley and ‘Optimistic’ by Sounds of Blackness.

  46. 856

    Rick Edwards

    Presenter Rick Edwards chooses 'Sweet Child O' Mine' by Guns N' Roses and 'Witness (1 Hope)' by Roots Manuva.

  47. 855

    Nick Grimshaw

    BBC 6's presenter Nick Grimshaw chooses 'She's Lost Control’ by Joy Division and 'Subterraneans’ by David Bowie.

  48. 854

    Limahl

    Actor and singer Limahl chooses ‘Move Over Darling’ by Doris Day and ‘Four Brothers’ by Manhattan Transfer.After a short spell as a punk rocker, Limahl found fame with the band Kajagoogoo after responding to an advert in a music magazine in 1982, where the then named Art Noveau were looking for a new lead singer.The following year he left the band – but quickly went onto find his own success as a solo artist with his hit “The Never Ending Story”. His early ambitions, growing up in Wigan, were for a career as an actor and he even toured in production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.Inherited: Move Over Darling by Doris Day Passed on: Four Brothers by Manhattan TransferProducers: Catherine Powell and Anna BaileyFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2025.

  49. 853

    Fearne Cotton

    Broadcaster Fearne Cotton chooses ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac and ‘Campfire Day Four’ by Ludovico Einaudi.

  50. 852

    Suzi Ruffell

    Actor, writer and stand-up Suzi Ruffell chooses ‘You Can't Hurry Love’ by The Supremes and ‘Heart's Content’ by Brandi Carlile.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Celebrating the music that special guests cherish and would like to bestow to future generations.

HOSTED BY

BBC Radio 4

Produced by BBC

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Inheritance Tracks have?

Inheritance Tracks currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Inheritance Tracks about?

Celebrating the music that special guests cherish and would like to bestow to future generations.

How often does Inheritance Tracks release new episodes?

Inheritance Tracks has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

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You can listen to Inheritance Tracks on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Inheritance Tracks?

Inheritance Tracks is created and hosted by BBC Radio 4.
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