Main content

Lloyd Bradley explores how 1970s black British teenagers were drawn to a poppier sound beyond roots reggae. Read by Ben Onwukwe.

As roots reggae is increasingly acclaimed by the 1970s music press, many black British teenagers find themselves drawn to the poppier sounds of lovers' rock.

Lloyd Bradley explores the story of a London's transformation through its music, taking in the wave of Commonwealth immigration in the 40s right up to the present day.

Abridged by Natalie Steed.

Read by Ben Onwukwe.

Producer: Kirsteen Cameron

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2013.

20 days left to listen

15 minutes

Last on

Fri 31 Jul 2026 03:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

More episodes

Previous

3. Afro-rock

Next

5. Jungle and Garage

See all episodes from Sounds Like London: 100 Years of Black Music in the Capital

Credits

Reader Ben Onwukwe
Author Lloyd Bradley
Abridger Natalie Steed
Producer Kirsteen Cameron

Broadcasts

  • Thu 15 Aug 2013 09:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Fri 16 Aug 2013 00:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Thu 9 Aug 2018 14:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 10 Aug 2018 02:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 30 Jul 2026 08:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 30 Jul 2026 13:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 30 Jul 2026 19:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 31 Jul 2026 03:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra