DENIS KING'S KEY CHANGES - A Glorious Musical Memoir Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles.

Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland.

But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success.

Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes.

Episode One sets the stage for his showbusiness debut during the war years, and describes a classic theatrical encounter which was to be his West End debut. It also features an introduction to Denis's work and career by his wife, the writer and documentarian Astrid Ronning-King.

These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles.

Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland.

But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success.

Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes.

In this final episode, Episode Thirteen, Denis reminisces on his extraordinary career and brings us right up to date with the latest chapter in his musical journey. He recalls some of the more surprising perils of being a piano-player, and adds his own insights into why all the world's a stage (or at least can feel like it).

This is a funny and touching finale to a story about the romance, the adversities, the peaks, the troughs, but ultimately the joy of a life lived in music.

These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles.

Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland.

But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success.

Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes.

In Episode Twelve Denis sets out a few Golden Rules for working in musical theatre. These include a few dos and don'ts for anyone who comes into contact with it - in whatever capacity. But he also shares some lessons - good and downright bad - that he's learned from the very greatest exponents of the art.

These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles.

Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland.

But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success.

Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes.

In Episode Three Denis talks about his experiences in the dying days of 'variety' – the post-war version of Music Hall - and a world of entertainment which featured musicians and comics alongside other more unusual acts such as: Pop White & Stagger (“Half Dancers - Half Crackers!”), The Apex Four (“Sensational Equilibrists”), Bill Ken-Dall (“Almost A Conjuror!”) and Alex the Juggling Nazi. But this is all pretty small beer compared to a booking error which results in bizarre gig on a decidedly unfriendly US airbase in Germany (and this was long before Spinal Tap...).

These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles.

Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland.

But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success.

Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes.

Episode Two sees the young King brothers on their way to becoming Britain's new "teen pop sensation". But TV, touring and life on the road isn't quite the giddy, glamorous life the boys have read about in magazines. The ups and downs of twice nightly variety – as it was known then – are as gobsmacking to us today as they were to young Denis and his two wide-eyed brothers. But as if the ordeal of seedy digs and venues up and down the country aren't bad enough, a questionable TV appearance gets them all wondering if they've really made the best career move.

These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles.

Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland.

But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success.

Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes.

In Episode Eleven Denis reflects upon two opposing aspects of musical collaboration. Working closely with other artists who are equally passionate about their work can produce sparks which light up the stage and brighten the lives of all involved. But they can also cause things to burst into flames and lead to calamity.

These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles.

Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland.

But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success.

Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes.

In Episode Ten Denis pays tribute to some of the more remarkable (in every sense of that word) performers with whom he has forged musical partnerships. Character, charisma and even comedic talent do not, as it transpires, necessarily coincide with real musicality - but they can certainly help.

These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles.

Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland.

But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success.

Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes.

In Episode Nine, composition takes Denis into what may be the crowning phase of his musical career. Working in music theatre, with some of the theatre's most distinguished writers, proves to be the most demanding, but also the most rewarding work he has done to date. It also turns out to be the unexpected setting for matrimonial bliss.

These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles.

Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland.

But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success.

Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes.

In Episode Eight, Denis reveals the perks, perils and pitfalls of being a working composer. Where does parody end and plagiarism begin? What are some basic rules for avoiding legal action? And why are the words "they're playing our song", not necessarily cause for celebration?

These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles.

Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland.

But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success.

Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes.

In Episode Seven Denis's success leads to a project with three entertainment legends, each with their own remarkable qualities - some more challenging than others. It also inspires the creation of an imaginary orchestra which, under amazing circumstances, produces a very palpable hit.