Eighty years ago tomorrow at precisely 3pm, the BBC officially opened its television service and with a sharp blast of a whistle "the new wonder" was up and running.
Leading comedy actress Adele Dixon sang the first song ever to have been written or recorded about the small screen - she sang "conjured up in sound and sight, by the magic rays of light, that brings television to you" - and with that momentous recording the first ever theme tune was launched.
Since that memorable day we have heard many, weird, wonderful and whacky tunes, all designed to stay in your head like an ear worm. Leading composer Tony Hatch feels that they are a call sign, an appointment to view, as soon as you hear the opening bars, you're rushing for the best seat in the house - and he should know as he wrote three of the most memorable - Crossroads, Emmerdale and, of course, Neighbours, amongst many others.
TONY TO RELEASE A NEW ALBUM
Tony is currently working on a new instrumental album, an autobiography and a new musical called "Downtown - The Musical" which will feature his hit songs.
Tony has been associated with Variety The Children's Charity, since 1982 and was Chief Barker (President) of the Variety Club of Australia from 1987 - 1990. He has also served as International President of Variety and as Chief Barker of Tent 36, Variety Great Britain.
Tony has lived and worked in the UK, Eire & Australia and now, when not travelling the world, lives in Menorca (Spain) with his wonderful wife, Maggie. Between them they have six children; Sharon, Amanda, Darren, Michelle, Alex and Charlie: 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
