Desert Island Discs

The Rt Hon James Prior MP manages to combine his parliamentary work with being the Chairman of the General Electric Company. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls organising a pig club at school during the war and talks about his career in farming and the eventual emergence of politics as his overriding interest.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

The son of Italian immigrants, Antony Benedetto started singing competitively with his brother and earned a living as a singing waiter in restaurants in New York while at art school. After singing in American military bands during the Second World War, he returned to New York, where he had his first hit with Because of You in 1951. Since then he has established himself as one of the most popular jazz singers of his generation and has worked with Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Woody Herman among others. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his life and work, and chooses the eight discs he would take to the mythical island. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Don't Blame Me by Art Tatum Book: Crime & Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky Luxury: Suit

Benny Green makes a living as a columnist, broadcaster, lyricist, novelist, etc. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his childhood in London, life on the road as a saxophonist, the transition to writing and reading 123 editions of Wisden. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: An Evening with Johnny Mercer by Johnny Mercer Book: A Quartet of Comedies by H G Wells Luxury: Saxophone

Jackie Collins lives in Beverley Hills, California, and writes novels, all of which appear in the bestseller lists, and many have been filmed. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks about her childhood in England, joining her sister Joan in Hollywood at the age of 15, her brief acting career, and her writing. She also selects the eight records she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: What's Going On? by Marvin Gaye Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Luxury: Photograph of family

Nigel Hawthorne is now very well-known as Secretary to the Cabinet in the television series Yes, Prime Minister. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his childhood in South Africa, dropping out of Cape Town University to become an actor, the move to England, the Theatre Royal, Stratford East with Joan Littlewood and eventual fame.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Her Holle Rache (The Magic Flute) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Teach yourself French Luxury: Pencil and paper

John Ridgway's adventures first became public when, in 1966, he rowed across the Atlantic with Chay Blyth. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls canoeing down the Amazon, sailing twice round the world, as well as exploits in Peru and the Himalayas, and he talks about his School of Adventure in Scotland. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy Book: Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame Luxury: Shaving kit

Hal Prince has just produced the musical The Phantom of the Opera in London. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his life in the theatre which he began as a stage manager in New York for the legendary George Abbott. He went on to produce West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret and the musicals of Stephen Sondheim. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Act II of Tristan und Isolde by Richard Wagner Book: Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe Luxury: Bouillabaisse with langouste and wine

Kingsley Amis won the 1986 Booker Prize for his novel The Old Devils. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his childhood in South London, the success of his first published novel Lucky Jim, which he wrote when a lecturer at Swansea University, and his subsequent career as a don at Cambridge and then as a full-time novelist.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Runnin' Wild by Wild Bill Davison Book: Oxford English Dictionary Luxury: Scotch whiskey

Jeremy Irons first achieved international recognition as an actor for his performance in Brideshead Revisited on television. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his childhood on the Isle of Wight, his London debut in Godspell, his appearances with the Royal Shakespeare Company and his films, which include The French Lieutenant's Woman, Swann In Love and The Mission.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Irish Boy by Mark Knopfler Book: Construction manual Luxury: Camera and film

Albert and Michel Roux each have their own restaurants, which are among the best in this country. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, they talk about their upbringing in France and their period as pastry cooks in the British Embassy in Paris. Then Albert became commis de cuisine to Lady Astor, and Michel chef to the Rothschilds, before they opened a restaurant together in England.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Non, je ne regrette rien by Edith Piaf Book: Cookery books Luxury: Book on how to manage people and ivory carving

Phil Edmonds, the cricketer, "has the reputation for being awkward and arrogant, mainly because he is awkward and arrogant", wrote his wife. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his childhood in Zambia, public school in England, Cambridge University, playing cricket for Middlesex and the controversies that abound in his career.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Suite No 3 in D - Air On A G String by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Book on flora & fauna on the island Luxury: Royal Jamaica cigars

Sir Fred Hoyle has been described as "unquestionably one of the most gifted astronomers and mathematicians of our times", and "the maverick genius of British science". In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his upbringing in Yorkshire and talks about his career as a scientist and as a writer - he has produced some 15 novels, a pantomime and the libretto for an opera.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: String Quartet No 16 in F, Opus 135 by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Handbook of physics Luxury: Portable telescope

Sir Ian McGregor was suddenly thrust into the spotlight when he was asked to create a more efficient steel industry in this country. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his upbringing in Scotland, his move to America to further his career, and the problems he faced in managing first the steel, and then the coal industries in Britain.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Hebrides - Overture (Fingles Cave) by Felix Mendelssohn Book: Encyclopaedia Britannica Luxury: Thermos jug

Richard Condon has written 23 novels since becoming a full-time writer at the age of 42. These include The Manchurian Candidate and Prizzi's Honour. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his upbringing in Manhattan, his career in the film world where he ended up as a publicity executive for Walt Disney, and his escape into writing.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Baubles, Bangles and Beads by Peggy Lee Book: Boy Scout manual Luxury: Calendar watch

Suzi Quatro is an enormous success in her first acting role in the theatre, the lead in Annie Get Your Gun. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks about her upbringing in Detroit, where she played bongos in her father's band, her all-girl rock band, her great success in England as a leather-clad rocker with a string of hit records and her acting ambitions.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: When I Fall In Love by Nat King Cole Book: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand Luxury: Piano

James Herbert has now sold more than 16 million copies of his novels. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his childhood in the East End of London where his parents were street traders, his training at art college which led to a career in advertising, and The Rats, his first and successful attempt at writing when he was 28.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Morning (from Peer Gynt Suite No 1) by Edvard Grieg Book: Anthology including The History of Mr Polly by H G Wells Luxury: Grand piano

Andrew Davis, who has been the Music Director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra since 1975, was born in England and studied music at King's College, Cambridge, where he was an organ scholar. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls how he first made his mark as a conductor, and talks about the many facets of his work which includes opera at Glyndebourne and Covent Garden and conducting many renowned orchestras.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Missa Solemnis In D - Gloria by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift Luxury: Collection of Apostle spoons

Auberon Waugh, now the Editor of the Literary Review, has gained a reputation as a controversial journalist. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his father Evelyn Waugh, his childhood and his writing, which has included seven novels and his diary Private Eye.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Don Giovanni Act 1 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Other Men's Flowers by Lord A P Wavell Luxury: Vine

Stan Barstow made his name as a novelist in 1960 with A Kind of Loving. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his upbringing in Yorkshire, where his father was a miner, his first job in a drawing office and how he became a writer.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Symphony No 2 in E Flat, 1st Movement by Edward Elgar Book: A La Recherche Du Temps Perdu by Marcel Proust Luxury: Paper and pens

Jane Lapotaire's first great success as an actress was with her portrayal of Edith Piaf. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her difficult childhood in a foster home, how she became an actress with the Royal Shakespeare Company and she chooses the eight records she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Concerto in C For Oboes, Clarinets and String Orchestra by Antonio Vivaldi Book: The I Ching Luxury: Pencils and paper

Virginia Holgate has won two medals in the Olympic Games as a horse trials rider. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her childhood travels round the world with her father who was in the Royal Marines, and talks about her career which nearly ended with a disastrous fall.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra Book: Do-it-yourself manual Luxury: Never-ending supply of smoked salmon

Norman Lewis has spent a lifetime travelling the world and writing about it. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his curious upbringing in Wales with three maiden aunts, his travels in Cuba where he met Ernest Hemingway, and his love of Naples which led to his writing two books on the Mafia. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Petrushka by Igor Stravinsky Book: The Histories by Herodotus Luxury: Spirit stove

Roger Vadim, the French writer and director, sprang to fame with his first film And God Created Woman, starring Brigitte Bardot. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his upbringing in France during the war, his way of doing National Service, and his films, many of which starred his several wives.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien by Edith Piaf Book: Death on the Installment Plan by Louis-Ferdinand Céline Luxury: Chess computer

The Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Howe, MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, was brought up in the Labour stronghold of Port Talbot. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his childhood in Wales, National Service, and his career in both the law and politics, which began when he won the seat for Bebington in 1964.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Magic Flute - Act 2 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: The Good Food Guide Luxury: Computer bridge game

Sir David Wilson, who is the Director of the British Museum, first became interested in archaeology when his family moved to the Isle of Man and he discovered the existence of some people called Vikings. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his career as an archaeologist and about the problems of running such a large treasure house.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Die Schopfung - Die Himmel Erzahlen Die Ehre Gottes by Franz Joseph Haydn Book: Diaries by Samuel Pepys Luxury: Refrigerator

Brian Redhead has presented the Today programme for the last 10 years. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his appearance on Children's Hour as a clarinettist, his early days as a journalist on the Manchester Guardian and his editorship of the Manchester Evening News.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Clarinet Quintet in B Minor - 2nd Movement by Johannes Brahms Book: Commentary on the Bible by Arthur Peake Luxury: Taj Mahal

The violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, who is 23 years old today, has been in great demand around the world since she became Herbert von Karajan's protégé 10 years ago. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks about her career and recalls how, although she won her first major competition in Germany at the age of six, she played in public very little until she came to Karajan's notice.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Romeo & Juliet Suite No. 2 by Sergei Prokofiev Book: Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe Luxury: Stradivarius violin

Jackie Stewart was world champion in Formula One motor racing before he retired in 1973. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his upbringing in Scotland and talks about his life as a racing driver and about his more recent career as a businessman. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles Book: Guinness Book of Records Luxury: Blank book and a pen

Max Hastings is the new editor of the Daily Telegraph. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about the influence of his father, MacDonald Hastings, about his life as a journalist, first on Londoner's Diary, then as a war correspondent in the Middle East and the Falklands, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Tonight Programme by McDonald Hastings Book: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame Luxury: Word processor linked to a Fleet Street newspaper

Ismail Merchant, the film producer, went into partnership with the director James Ivory 24 years ago. During those years, their films have included Shakespeare Wallah, The Bostonians, Heat and Dust and A Room With A View.In conversation with Michael Parkinson, Ismail Merchant talks about his childhood in India, about his break into films and about the very successful partnership. He also chooses the eight records that he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Works by E.M Forster and Works by P D James and Works by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala Luxury: Cooking range

Elton John began his career as a tea-boy for a music publisher. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his first band, Bluesology, about his songwriting partnership with the lyricist Bernie Taupin, about how he became an international pop star and about his long association with Watford Football Club.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Enigma No 9 - Nimrod by Edward Elgar Book: Interview With a Vampire by Anne Rice Luxury: Telephone

Bobby Robson is the manager of the England football team, who are about to go to Mexico for the World Cup. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his childhood in a Durham pit village, how he came to join Fulham FC after working down the mines, playing for England and his eventual move to become a manager.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Try A Little Tenderness by Frank Sinatra Book: Thesaurus by Roget Luxury: Set of golf clubs and an endless supply of balls

Arthur Hailey's novels, which include Hotel and Airport, have made him one of the world's best-selling authors. He was born in England, but emigrated; first to Canada after wartime service in the RAF, and then to the Bahamas. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about the many jobs he had before becoming a full-time writer, about the television play with which he made the breakthrough and about his working methods.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Piano Concerto No 2 in B Flat by Johannes Brahms Book: Webster's International Dictionary Luxury: Hot water

Jane Glover, who is the Artistic Director of the London Mozart Players, first became interested in conducting when she was reading music at Oxford University. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her work at Glyndebourne, where she began as a repetiteur for the Opera Company and ended up running the touring company, and she talks about the way her career is developing as a conductor.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Cosi fan Tutte Act 1 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Letters by Virginia Woolf Luxury: Bathroom with lots of full cupboards

The Rt Hon Shirley Williams is President of the Social Democratic Party. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks about her mother Vera Brittain, her life in America during the war as an evacuee, her career; first as a journalist, then as a politician, and her break with the Labour Party to form the SDP.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Introduction and Allegro For Strings Opus 4 by Edward Elgar Book: Collected poems by W B Yeats Luxury: BBC computer

Ron Pickering, the sports commentator, used to coach athletes for the Olympics. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his career, about the problems of modern sport, such as racism, violence and drugs, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Nessun Dorma by Giacomo Puccini Book: The Guinness Book of Records Luxury: Typewriter

Beryl Bainbridge began her career as an assistant stage manager at the Liverpool Playhouse, and went on to become a writer. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks about her acting career, about how, through writing to fill in the time, she became a successful novelist, and about her painting. She also chooses the eight records she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Simple Little Melody by Oscar Straus Book: The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard Luxury: Old-fashioned diary with pens

John Dankworth studied music at the Royal Academy when jazz was not an approved subject - "I used to pretend my saxophone was a bassoon when I put it in the left luggage department of the Academy".In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his career as a jazz musician and composer, and about how he is trying to break down the musical barriers at the Stables in Wavendon and with his Summer Pops season at the Barbican.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: When That I Was and A Little Tiny Boy by Cleo Laine Book: The Exchange & Mart Luxury: Solar-powered synthesizer

Selina Scott's first job was as a journalist in Dundee. Her move into television came after a three-year stint promoting the island of Bute. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks about her career and about the different challenges she faced with the News at Ten and Breakfast Time.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Lord Is My Shepherd by Glasgow Orpheus Choir Book: Hawk Moon by Sam Shepard Luxury: Hairbrush

Ben Kingsley became a star almost overnight when he took the title role in the film Gandhi. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about the years before Gandhi, the difference fame made, his work in the theatre and his approach to a role like Othello.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughan Williams Luxury: Telescope

Bruce Oldfield has achieved an international reputation as a fashion designer. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his upbringing, first by a foster mother, then in one of Dr Barnado's homes, about his art college days and the problems of breaking into the fashion world.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Magic Flute Act 1 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: The Destinies of Darcy Dancer, Gentleman by J P Donleavy Luxury: Cigarettes

Dennis Taylor became the world snooker champion in a dramatic match against Steve Davis last April. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he describes his childhood in County Tyrone, Jim-Joe Gervin's billiard hall where he first took up snooker, and how he became a professional.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by The Platters Book: Joke book Luxury: Limitless supply of yoghurt

The Rt Hon Roy Hattersley MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, talks to Michael Parkinson about his upbringing in Yorkshire, his parliamentary career and his sporting enthusiasms. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Jerusalem by Parry/Blake Book: Shakespearean Tragedy by A C Bradley Luxury: Boy writer's set

Maureen Lipman is perhaps best known for her role in the television series Agony, but much of her work has been in the theatre. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her upbringing in Hull, talks about her penchant for acting in comedy and chooses the eight records she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Triple Concerto in D - 1st Movement by Ludwig van Beethoven

Nigel Kennedy, who achieved international success as a violinist in his early 20s, talks to Michael Parkinson about his musical education at the Menuhin School and in New York, his active interest in jazz and Aston Villa Football Club, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Inbetweenies by Ian Dury and The Blockheads Book: Wisden Almanack Luxury: Violin

Michael Parkinson's first guest is the film director Alan Parker, who, besides choosing the eight records he would take to the mythical island, talks about his early career in advertising and his very successful feature films, including Bugsy Malone, Midnight Express and Birdy.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: A Day In The Life by The Beatles Book: Collection of poems by Sir John Betjeman Luxury: Suntan lotion

Sheila Steafel, the actress who was born in South Africa, went to drama school in London and had her first big break in the television series The Frost Report. Since then, as she tells Roy Plomley, her career has been extremely varied, including music hall, opera, theatre, a one-woman show and a long spell on Radio 4's Week Ending programme.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Concerto in D Minor For Violin, Oboe & Strings by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Dictionary Luxury: Artist's equipment

The Rt Hon David Steel MP has been leader of the Liberal Party since 1976. After leaving university, his first job was with the Scottish Liberal Party as Assistant Secretary. In 1965, he won a seat in the Borders and became the youngest member of that parliament. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career and chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Symphony No 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Do-it-yourself manual Luxury: Cathedral organ

Barbara Taylor Bradford's first novel, A Woman of Substance, which was published in 1980, quickly became a huge international success. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she recalls her childhood in Leeds, her first job as a reporter on the Yorkshire Evening Post at the age of 16, becoming a Fleet Street journalist, and her eventual move to New York.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Jerusalem by Blake/Parry Book: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte Luxury: Family photograph album

Robert Burchfield, who has been Chief Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary since 1957, was born in New Zealand. After fighting in Italy during the war, he came to England to complete his education and stayed on to be a lecturer at Oxford University. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career and discusses the many problems associated with compiling dictionaries.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]