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Vernon brings the big tunes!

Radio 1 presenter and dance music legend Pete Tong chooses another two songs for his Tracks Of My Years. Plus more music quizzing in Ten To The Top.

Radio 1 presenter and dance music legend Pete Tong chooses his Tracks Of My Years .

Starting out DJ-ing weddings at just 15, Pete moved into local music promotion and booking before setting up his own club. Then, after various jobs in advertising and a stint as an A&R manager at London Records, he committed full-time to his musical career, releasing his debut compilation album, The House Sounds of Chicago, Vol. 1.

Pete then became a prominent radio host throughout the 80s, working on Radio Invicta, Radio London, ѿý Radio Medway, and Capital Radio, before going on to host the inaugural Essential Selection on ѿý Radio 1 in 1991. Pete still hosts on Radio 1 to this day and leads the station's charge to Ibiza each summer.

In 2015, Pete curated the first 'Ibiza Prom' as part of the ѿý's Proms season at The Royal Albert Hall, and he's returning to the venue for a series of tenth anniversary shows. Each night will feature unique programming, with special guest vocalists including Becky Hill, Jacob Lusk (Gabriels), Jazzy, Clementine Douglas and Barbara Tucker. The bill is completed by a star-studded roster of guest DJs, including Seth Troxler, Damian Lazarus, David Morales and Paul Oakenfold. And all are set to appear on stage with Pete, conductor Jules Buckley and the Essential Orchestra.

As a producer, Pete has assembled the music for movie soundtracks such as The Beach, Human Traffic and 24 Hour Party People and has produced his own material under various guises. He's had notable releases on Pets Recordings, Ministry of Sound, Toolroom Records and more, and his compilations have garnered critical acclaim - most notably the 60-track anthology The Pete Tong Collection.

Plus a trip in to the ѿý Archive with Vernon's Vault, and the Record and Album Of The Week. Whatever you're up to, Vern wants to hear from you - email vernon@bbc.co.uk - and if you’d like to apply to take part in Ten To The Top, the address you need is tentothetop@bbc.co.uk

To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask ѿý Sounds to play Vernon Kay."

13 days left to listen

2 hours, 30 minutes

Last on

Wed 14 May 2025 09:30

Music Played

  • Duran Duran

    The Reflex

    • Now 1984 (Various Artists).
    • Now.
    • 6.
  • Robin S

    Show Me Love

    • Telstar.
  • Ed Sheeran

    Azizam

    • Play.
    • Atlantic.
  • Steely Dan

    Reelin' In The Years

    • A Decade Of Steely Dan.
    • MCA.
  • Joe Jonas

    Heart By Heart

    • (CD Single).
    • Republic.
  • Chris Rea

    Let's Dance

    • Auberge EP.
    • East West Records.
  • Pulp

    Spike Island

    • More.
    • Rough Trade.
  • Bananarama

    Move In My Direction

    • (CD Single).
    • A & G Productions.
  • OneRepublic

    Invincible

    • (CD Single).
    • Universal Music.
  • Wings

    Silly Love Songs

    • Wings - At The Speed Of Sound.
    • Parlophone.
  • Sophie Ellis‐Bextor

    Taste

    • (CD Single).
    • Decca.
  • Scott McKenzie

    San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)

    • NOW That's What I Call A 60s & 70s Summer: Seasons In The Sun (Various Artists).
    • Now.
  • Joe Cocker

    Summer in the City

    • Joe Cocker - Have A Little Faith.
    • Capitol.
  • ABBA

    Summer Night City

    • Abba - More Abba Gold.
    • Polydor.
  • James Bay

    You And Me Time (feat. Sheryl Crow)

    • Changes All The Time (Deluxe).
    • Mercury Records.
  • Alison Moyet

    Love Resurrection

    • Alison Moyet Singles.
    • Columbia.
  • Katrina and the Waves

    Love Shine A Light

    • Huge Hits 1997 (Various Artists).
    • Global Television.
  • Andy Bell & Debbie Harry

    Heart's A Liar

    • Ten Crowns.
    • Crown Recordings Limited.
  • The Good Men

    Give It Up

    • (CD Single).
    • ffrreedom.
  • Morgan Wallen & Post Malone

    I Ain't Comin' Back

    • I'm The Problem.
    • Mercury.
  • Frankie Knuckles

    Your Love

    • Deep Heat 4 - Play With Fire (Various Artists).
    • Telstar.
  • Joe Smooth

    Promised Land

    • Deep Heat (Various Artists).
    • Telstar.
  • Toby Lee

    Blame Me

    • House On Fire.
    • 100% Record.
  • Elton John & Dua Lipa

    Cold Heart

    • (CD Single).
    • Virgin/EMI.

Broadcast

  • Wed 14 May 2025 09:30

Ten To The Top

Ten To The Top

Get all the details of how to enter and listen to Vernon's daily music quiz.