Broadcasting veteran Tony Blackburn will host a new weekly soul show on BBC Sounds and Radio 2.
Tony Blackburn’s Sounds Of Soul will simultaneously air every Saturday at 1-2am on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. It will launch on New Year’s Day 2026 at 1-2am on BBC Sounds.
This first episode will be followed by a one-off three-hour special on Radio 2 from 4-7am.
Featuring soul songs spanning the decades, Tony Blackburn’s Sounds Of Soul will be showcased in a special programme on Radio 2 on Friday, January 2 from 12-2pm.
These shows are in addition to Sounds Of The 60s with Tony Blackburn (Saturdays, 6-8am), which is Radio 2’s most listened to on-demand programme on BBC Sounds, and Tony Blackburn’s Golden Hour (Sundays, 7-8pm).
Blackburn has popularised and championed Motown and soul in the UK since the 1960s. He hosted a dedicated soul programme on the BBC for many years and has regularly presented bank holiday soul specials on Radio 2.
Tony Blackburn said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to be playing the music I've always loved, from classic soul hits right across the decades up to the modern day. I can't wait to get started, it's going to be amazing.”
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: “Tony, as well as being the much loved host of Sounds Of The 60s each Saturday morning and Tony Blackburn’s Golden Hour every Sunday evening, is a true pioneer of soul and R&B in the UK, and we’re thrilled to bring listeners his new weekly show on BBC Sounds.
“This programme will capture everything listeners adore about Tony – his warmth, deep knowledge, and lifelong passion for the music he has championed from the very beginning. We can’t wait for everyone to rediscover their love of soul and celebrate timeless hits as well as the superstars of tomorrow with national treasure Tony at the helm.”
Tony Blackburn’s Sounds of Soul is produced by Platform Media for BBC Sounds.
Read our Aftershow interview with head of Radio 2 Helen Thomas in the new edition of Music Week.
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