Celebrated singer-songwriters Chris While & Julie Matthews are proud to announce their participation in the BBC Radio 2 series 21st Century Folk, returning this summer for its third season. The acclaimed project brings together some of the UK’s finest songwriters with real-life stories from extraordinary individuals, and this year’s theme is Trains and Railways.
Chris and Julie were paired with Tom Yeo, a man with a remarkable life story: a foundling, left at Reading railway station as a new born in 1965. Spending time with Tom and hearing about his emotional journey to discover his roots was a moving and unforgettable experience for the duo. Inspired by his courage and openness, Chris and Julie composed a brand new song in his honour.
The powerful moment they performed the song for Tom and his wife Danniella for the first time — captured on film — forms part of a week-long spotlight on 21st Century Folk, launching on BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show from 28th July to 1st August. Chris, Julie and Tom will appear live in studio on Tuesday 29th July, performing the song and discussing the story behind it.
The project concludes with a two-hour special on Radio 2, featuring all five artists and their commissioned songs. Chris and Julie join a stellar lineup of fellow contributors including Richard Thompson, Kate Rusby, Findlay Napier and Bill Ryder-Jones.
Adding to the excitement, The One Show has picked up Tom’s story and the accompanying song. Chris and Julie spent the day filming for a special feature that will air on Monday 28th July, the same day they will release the song, ‘The Waiting Room’ (CFATDD059) as a single at 7pm — marking their prime time television debut.
“It’s been one of the most profound and inspiring experiences of our career,” said Chris and Julie. “We can’t wait to share Tom’s incredible story and the song it inspired.”
For further information please visit:
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