Get ready to groove! Broadcasting icon Tony Blackburn OBE is set to launch a brand-new weekly show, Sounds of Soul, exclusively on BBC Sounds and Radio 2. This is exciting news for soul music lovers everywhere!
Starting on New Year’s Day 2026, the show will kick off on BBC Sounds, airing every Saturday at 1-2 am. Radio 2 listeners can also tune in simultaneously. And that’s not all – the first episode will be followed by a special three-hour show on Radio 2 from 4-7 am.
But that’s just the beginning! A special program dedicated to Tony Blackburn’s Sounds of Soul will air on Radio 2 on January 2nd, 2026, from 12-2 pm, promising a feel-good journey through the best soul music.
Did you know? Tony has been a champion of Motown and soul music in the UK since the 1960s. He’s hosted dedicated soul programs and presented numerous bank holiday soul specials on Radio 2, making him a true authority on the genre.
Tony himself is incredibly enthusiastic: “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, adds: “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.”
Sounds of Soul is produced by Platform Media for BBC Sounds.
And there’s more! On December 31st, Radio 2 listeners can ring in the New Year with NYE Sounds of the 60s with Tony Blackburn (2-4 pm). Expect two hours of 60s party anthems featuring hits from The Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin, and The Rolling Stones.
These shows are in addition to the already popular Sounds of the 60s with Tony Blackburn (Saturdays, 6-8 am) and Tony Blackburn’s Golden Hour (Sundays, 7-8 pm).
Here’s a quick look at the numbers: BBC Radio 2 is the UK’s most-listened-to single radio station, boasting a weekly audience of 12.8 million (RAJAR Q3, 2025). The Radio 2 Breakfast Show is the most-listened-to breakfast show in the UK, with 6.2 million listeners (RAJAR Q3, 2025). Vernon Kay’s show is the most listened to radio show in the UK with 6.6 million listeners (RAJAR Q3, 2025).
The network’s impressive roster of presenters includes Richie Anderson, Michael Ball, Zoe Ball, Tony Blackburn, OJ Borg, Revd. Kate Bottley, Rylan, Fearne Cotton, Sara Cox, Jamie Cullum, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Gary Davies, Paul Gambaccini, Mark Goodier, Angela Griffin, Bob Harris, Vernon Kay, Shaun Keaveny, Cerys Matthews, Paddy McGuinness, Scott Mills, Jason Mohammad, Trevor Nelson, Dermot O’Leary, Elaine Paige, Mark Radcliffe, Romesh Ranganathan, DJ Spoony, Liza Tarbuck, Jeremy Vine, Michelle Visage, Jo Whiley and Owain Wyn Evans.
What do you think? Are you excited about Tony Blackburn’s new show? What are your favorite soul artists or songs? Share your thoughts in the comments below – let’s get the conversation going!