Popular Voices at the BBC

This compilation is a companion piece to the Showstoppers episode of Gregory Porter's Popular Voices, celebrating bravura singers who bring the house down with their showstopping vocal delivery and performances. We take a look back through the archives as some of the biggest names in popular music history have stopped by the BBC studios to dazzle us with their jaw-dropping brilliance.

From Mahalia Jackson's breathtaking gospel delivery to Ella Fitzgerald's rapid-fire scat; Tom Jones and Dusty Springfield's 60s big balladry to the soul divas of the 80s and beyond; alongside superb vocal eccentrics like Kate Bush and Bjork; and the staggering vocal range of Jeff Buckley, captured in his only BBC performance on The Late Show in 1994 - these performances all have the wow factor in common.

Featuring clips from various BBC programmes including How It is, Dusty, Top of the Pops, It's Lulu and Wogan, these are our showstoppers.

This compilation is a companion piece to the Crooners episode of Gregory Porter's Popular Voices, revelling in the enigmatic tones of some of popular music's most classic crooners.

From the BBC archives, we bring you the wit and charm of Sammy Davis Jr, the honeyed voice of Nat King Cole, the swagger of Sinatra, the swank of Bryan Ferry and the brooding of Willie Nelson. We also revisit some of the modernisers of crooning, from the theatrics of David Bowie to post-punk Echo and the Bunnymen, right up to the sensual murmurings of Lana Del Rey.

Featuring clips from Twiggs, The Vera Lynn Show, The Late Show, Top of the Pops and Whistle Test, it's time to slide into your favourite lounge suit and dim the lights!

This compilation is a companion piece to the Truth Tellers episode of Gregory Porter's Popular Voices. Join us for a nostalgic look back at some of the most outspoken, thought-provoking and lyrically gifted songsters to have visited the BBC studios. From socially discerning troubadours like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, to modern-day poets Patti Smith and Gil Scott-Heron, and rap disrupters like KRS-One (performing with Boogie Down Productions), as well as more recent social observers Jarvis Cocker, Nick Cave and George the Poet.

Featuring clips from The Old Grey Whistle Test, Top of the Pops, Later with Jools Holland and Britpop Now, these performers show us that you don't need fancy vocal acrobatics or sensuous murmurings if your message is powerful.