Highlights from lost recordings from the 1970 and 80s.
The 1970s
1970s America rediscovered through lost recordings of Letter from America, on the 10th anniversary of legendary journalist Alistair Cooke's death. Paddy O'Connell and guests including historian Dominic Sandbrook, Alvin Hall, Ann Treneman and Naomi Shragai will reflect on the personalities and stories of 70s America - from Nixon's resignation, Muhammad Ali to Vietnam and women's lib.
The Letter from America programmes featured were taped by two listeners and stored in a cellar, an attic and a fertiliser spreader for nearly 40 years. They were recorded by a dairy farmer from the Cotswolds, and a man from Cornwall, who between them have provided the BBC with over 650 lost Letter from America programmes from the 1970s and 1980s.
Music chosen:
Alvin Hall - Stevie Wonder, Sir Duke
Ann Treneman - Bob Dylan, Forever Young
David Henderson - Don Mclean, Colour TV Blues
Naomi Shragai - Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run.
Presenter: Paddy O'Connell
Producer: Zillah Watson.
30/03/2014 • 1 heure, 57 minutes, 48 secondes
Soviets need soap, December 1989
Give the Communist masses what they really want - a delivery of consumerism.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
08/12/1989 • 14 minutes, 21 secondes
Yellowstone National Park, 1988
Too strange to be believed, the natural phenomena that prompted the founding of the US national parks.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
09/09/1988 • 14 minutes, 44 secondes
Nancy Reagan's astrologer, 1988
Former White House aide Donald Regan makes public the First Lady's intrusion on policy and appointments.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
27/05/1988 • 13 minutes, 53 secondes
The Augusta National, 1988
Enjoying a different pace of life at the Augusta National, a Georgia Shangri-La.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
15/04/1988 • 14 minutes, 19 secondes
Papal visit, September 1987
Papal visit crosses the entire continent to face all manner of religious problems from some 52 million US Catholics. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
11/09/1987 • 14 minutes, 4 secondes
The national anthem, 1986
America's national anthem was chosen just over 50 years ago - is it time to salute to a new tune?
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
18/07/1987 • 14 minutes, 43 secondes
Fred Astaire, 1987
Small in stature, a giant on the screen - an appreciation of the life and work of Fred Astaire.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
26/06/1987 • 14 minutes, 18 secondes
Voters believe Reagan lied, December 1986
Reagan describes press as 'sharks' while polls show Americans changing attitudes towards White House.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
12/12/1986 • 14 minutes, 25 secondes
Sounding American, 1986
An expert opinion on why Americans can't sound English - and the English can't sound American.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
27/06/1986 • 14 minutes, 17 secondes
Yakima Canutt, 1986
In praise of the little-known name behind the thrilling stunts of many big-name movie stars.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
30/05/1986 • 14 minutes, 27 secondes
Loans warning on economy, January 1986
International debt is threatening the stability of the world economy, warns MIT expert.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
24/01/1986 • 14 minutes, 15 secondes
The computer age, 1985
Computers are changing the way we live - but can they work out how we can live together?
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
29/11/1985 • 14 minutes, 9 secondes
Limousine envy, 1985
Spectacle of world leaders competing for limo one-upmanship sums up the problem of the United Nations.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
25/10/1985 • 13 minutes, 48 secondes
Summer's end, September 1985
End of summer sees the holiday cottages empty and normal life resume in the coastal towns.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
13/09/1985 • 14 minutes, 39 secondes
Simpler taxes suggested by president, 1985
President Reagan's plan to make the tax structure simpler hits the right note across the US.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
31/05/1985 • 14 minutes, 2 secondes
James Mason remembered, 1984
Remembering James Mason, the character actor who wouldn't play the Hollywood game.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
10/08/1984 • 14 minutes, 25 secondes
Beware stereotypes, 1984
Latest national statistics prove that basing our assumptions on stereotypes will inevitably prove us wrong.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
01/06/1984 • 14 minutes, 3 secondes
Smiley Ratliff's escape bid, 1984
British government foils attempt by US millionaire Smiley Ratliff to buy his own Pacific island.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
09/03/1984 • 14 minutes, 53 secondes
Chernenko is Soviet leader, 1984
New Soviet leader Chernenko described as in poor health even as he assumes office.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
17/02/1984 • 14 minutes, 29 secondes
Joe Polowsky's funeral, 1983
Old soldier wanted to be buried where his band of brothers met up with the Russians in 1945 - when they were our allies.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
02/12/1983 • 14 minutes, 3 secondes
Fear of appeasement, 1983
Fears of a return to 'Munich mentality' block genuine talk on arms control.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
04/02/1983 • 14 minutes, 24 secondes
The Dull Men's Club, 1982
Forget chic or trendy, the founder of the Dull Men's Club says we should be proud of being boring.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
24/12/1982 • 14 minutes, 39 secondes
Vietnam veterans' memorial, 1982
Washington opening of new memorial which speaks volumes about the war America did not win.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
12/11/1982 • 14 minutes, 33 secondes
Roosevelt 100th anniversary, 1982
White House lunch celebrates Roosevelt's centenary - as Reaganomics removes his legacy. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
05/02/1982 • 13 minutes, 50 secondes
Illegal immigration, 1981
Presidents of US and Mexico to discuss growing problem of illegal immigrants.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
25/09/1981 • 12 minutes, 14 secondes
Remembering Jack Thum, 1981
Mickey Rooney plays part of professional clown Jack Thum in a TV special about the man who spent a lifetime helping poor children. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
01/05/1981 • 14 minutes, 14 secondes
Reagan budget-cutting campaign, 1981
Research programmes face cuts as President Reagan's money-saving campaign bites.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
24/04/1981 • 14 minutes, 28 secondes
Columbia space shuttle, 1981
Boost for US as Columbia space shuttle makes first landing back on earth.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
17/04/1981 • 14 minutes, 25 secondes
A meeting of minds, 1981
Two leaders who share a common belief in their economic plans - but Mrs Thatcher's hopes are already moderating.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
20/02/1981 • 13 minutes, 43 secondes
Reagan chooses cabinet, 1981
Reagan's choice of a wealthy cabinet means a slow start for the new administration.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
09/01/1981 • 14 minutes, 40 secondes
The World Series gets the vote, 1980
The World Series gets the popular vote while the presidential candidates get mean with each other.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
17/10/1980 • 14 minutes, 8 secondes
John Wayne obituary, 1979
Remembering John Wayne, the actor who came to stand for something fundamentally good - and American.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
15/06/1979 • 13 minutes, 57 secondes
Muhammad Ali, September 1978
Muhammad Ali on Dick Cavett show September 1978. Rising popularity of Edward Kennedy.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
22/09/1978 • 14 minutes, 15 secondes
Ten years after Tet, February 1978
Ten years after Tet offensive. US public opinion shifts over foreign affairs. Muhammed Ali defeated as reigning world heavyweight boxing champion by Leon Spinks.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
24/02/1978 • 14 minutes, 31 secondes
Death of Elvis, August 1977
Death of Elvis. Carter's move away from liberal promises. Disquiet among black voters about Carter.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
19/08/1977 • 13 minutes, 50 secondes
Frost/Nixon TV interviews, May 1977
Frost/Nixon TV interviews. Compulsive viewing for massive US and UK audiences. Reveal Nixon's human failings.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
06/05/1977 • 13 minutes, 53 secondes
Carter Playboy interview, September 1976
Carter Playboy interview. Public reaction to Carter's 'adultery in my heart' admission.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
24/09/1976 • 14 minutes, 9 secondes
Patty Hearst arrest, 1975
Patty Hearst arrest. Media speculation about Hearst. Assassination attempts on President Ford by Squeaky Fromme and Sara Moore.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
26/09/1975 • 14 minutes, 15 secondes
Tax exiles, July 1975
Noel Coward, Sean Connery, Tony Jacklin - why stars of stage, screen and sport have to become tax exiles. And how golfer Tom Watson avoided being struck by lightning.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
04/07/1975 • 14 minutes, 22 secondes
Women's Lib, 1975
Equal Rights amendment to the US constitution causes splits in both women's and men's liberation groups.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
21/03/1975 • 14 minutes, 25 secondes
Nixon's resignation speech, August 1974
Disgraced President Nixon resigns. His resignation speech does not contain any sort of apology for his misconduct.
This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.