Inheritance Tracks

BBC Radio 4

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

  • 5 minutes 20 seconds
    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 Albarn

    Producers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

    13 December 2025, 10:00 am
  • 6 minutes 6 seconds
    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 Drop

    Producers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

    6 December 2025, 10:00 am
  • 7 minutes 13 seconds
    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 Holmes

    Producer: Ben Mitchell

    29 November 2025, 10:00 am
  • 4 minutes 58 seconds
    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 Talk

    Producers: Ben Mitchell and Lowri Morgan

    22 November 2025, 11:50 am
  • 6 minutes 5 seconds
    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 Streisand

    Producers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

    15 November 2025, 11:14 am
  • 7 minutes 12 seconds
    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! Orchestra

    Producers: Lowri Morgan and Josie Hardy

    8 November 2025, 9:19 am
  • 6 minutes 13 seconds
    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 Morissette

    Producers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

    1 November 2025, 11:43 am
  • 6 minutes 5 seconds
    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 Joel

    Producer: Ben Mitchell

    25 October 2025, 9:59 am
  • 5 minutes 55 seconds
    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

    18 October 2025, 9:56 am
  • 5 minutes 26 seconds
    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 Makeba

    Producer: Ben Mitchell

    11 October 2025, 10:15 am
  • 5 minutes 42 seconds
    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 Caribou

    Producers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

    4 October 2025, 9:39 am
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