Forever Young: The Autobiography - Softcover

Jimmy Young said his last 'bye for now' on Radio 2 at the end of 2002. A very private man, here he finally reveals the truth behind his controversial departure from the BBC after so long - and the full story of his life. He tells of a difficult childhood, two stormy marriages and his affairs. He recounts his meteoric rise as a singer with two consecutive Number Ones - and the equally fast decline in fortunes that left him penniless and despairing until he found radio. The JY Prog, with its legions of fans, was a mould-breaking mix of music, recipes, chat and current affairs and attracted every serving Prime Minister from Sir Alec Douglas Home to Tony Blair. Told in his unmistakable warm, intelligent voice, this is a fascinating, funny, candid account of a life in showbusiness and the private man behind one our best-loved public figures.

Born in Gloucestershire, Sir Jimmy Young served in the RAF before having two successive Number One hit records, Unchained Melody and The Man from Laramie. He became a BBC broadcaster in 1949 and was one of Radio One's launch DJs in 1967 before moving to Radio Two in 1973, where his programmes attracted over five million listeners. Jimmy was knighted in 2002 and the end of that year saw his departure from Radio 2. He is married to Alicia and lives in London. In January 2003 he started a column in the Sunday Express.