Bright and Early was a cheerful programme of uninterrupted music, rather in the style of Music While You Work, which was broadcast six days a week in the Home Service at 6.30 a.m. for 25 minutes. 

Commencing just after the war,initially as a record programme, it started using studio sessions in May 1947 with a different ensemble every day - light orchestras, dance bands, cinema organists and brass bands had their allocated slots each week.

Popular contributors included Troise and his Banjoliers, Frank Baron and his Sextet and Primo Scala and his Accordion Band. 

The show continued until September 1958, the last year featuring predominantly BBC staff orchestras. It returned in January 1962, this time on the Light Programme for a full half hour but as a brass band slot on Thursday mornings. Although this delighted many, the BBC received a few complaints from people who preferred to be soothed out of their slumber - one correspondent to 'Radio Times' suggesting that  every note was created 'in the devil's forge'! 

In the Autumn of 1963 the programme reverted to a six days a week format ,once again featuring mostly BBC orchestras. An exhiliarating start to the day, 'Bright and Early' finally bowed out on 1st January 1965.

Listen to 'Bright and Early'
played by William Davies at the BBC Theatre Organ
as broadcast on the BBC Home Service at 6.33am on 1st September 1956
(As this recording is taken from the original BBC master tape,
there is no credit which would have been added live at the time of the broadcast)

BRIGHT AND EARLY
played by William Davies at the BBC Theatre Organ
on 1st September 1956

William Davies

Diane (Sig.tune) Yodelling Strings Carmelita Samba Shepherd’s Hey Selection from ‘Carousel’ The Dizzy Duckling Romantic Gypsies The Spirit of the Sportsman Ca C’est Paris Diane (Sig.tune)

Rapee and Pollock Edward White Andreff Percy Grainger Richard Rodgers Harold Geller Ralph Elman Charles Smitton Jose Padilla Rapee and Pollock

Listen to 'Bright and Early'
played by Felton Rapley at the BBC Theatre Organ
as broadcast on the BBC Home Service at 6.33am on 16th February 1957
(As this recording is taken from the original BBC master tape,
there is no credit which would have been added live at the time of the broadcast)

BRIGHT AND EARLY
played by Felton Rapleyat the BBC Theatre Organ
on 16th February 1957

Prelude from Four Centuries Suite (Sig) March of the Mounties Humoresque Student’s Serenade Miss Tripaway The Merry Mariner Chanson Boheme Perky Poodle Selection from ‘High Society’ Prelude from Four Centuries Suite (Sig)

Eric Coates Vilem Kanitz Alex Rowley Joseph Rixner Geoffrey Henman Felton Rapley Bizet arr.Phillips Harold Smart Cole Porter arr. Rapley Eric Coates

Listen to 'Bright and Early'
played by Harold Smart at the BBC Theatre Organ
as broadcast on the BBC Home Service at 6.33am on 23rd February 1957
(As this recording is taken from the original BBC master tape,
there is no credit which would have been added live at the time of the broadcast)

BRIGHT AND EARLY
played by Harold Smartat the BBC Theatre Organ
on 23rd February 1957

Let yourself go (Sig) The Girl I left in Rome Shortnin’ Bread True Love Yodellin’ Rag That’s Right The Baffi Pink Champagne Regimental Rock Whistling Kettle The Drawl Selection: No Business like Showbusiness Let yourself go (Sig)

Irving Berlin Canton,Androco & Martin Morgan and Brandt Cole Porter Alexander, Herbert and Lewis Winfield Scott Nino Ravasini – Oppo-Pinchi Wright and Forrest Ross and Heron Derek Brookes Denis King Irving Berlin Irving Berlin

Listen to 'Bright and Early'
played by Ronnie Munro and his Sextet
as broadcast on 21st July 1964

BRIGHT AND EARLY
played by Ronnie Munro and his Sextet
on 21st July 1964

Ronnie Munro

Trolley Song Great Day Brise de Paris Medley: . Jeepers Creepers . Young and Healthy . Lullaby of Broadway Galapagos Jumping Jiminy My Ebony Cane Constantly Java Today Ramona Bambalina Never on Sunday Siboney Hello Dolly

Brayne Vincent Youmans Albert Delroy Harry Warren Ronnie Munro Galento Ronnie Munro Seracini Toussaint Sparks Gilbert Bernard Ebbinghouse Hadjidakis Ernesto Lecuona Jerry Herman

Listen to 'Bright and Early' played by The Gerald Crossman Players
as broadcast on 20th July 1964.

BRIGHT AND EARLY
played by The Gerald Crossman Players
on 20th July 1964

Listen to Bright and Early played by Grimethorpe Colliery Band
conducted by George Thompson
as broadcast on 18th April 1963

BRIGHT AND EARLY
Played by Grimethorpe Colliery Band
Conductor George Thompson
on 18th April 1963

Listen to Bright and Early played by the Dave Shand Quintet
as broadcast on 8th August 1958

BRIGHT AND EARLY
Played by the Dave Shand Quintet
on 8th August 1958

The Pansy On the Sunny Side of the Street Pocketful of Dreams Little Serenade Who's Sorry Now Tom Hark Chanson d'Amour The Lady's in love with you Lullaby of Birdland My Fair Lady (Selection) I won't dance

Rendine McHugh Heuson Ferrio Snyder Bepape Shanklin Kern Shearing Loewe Berlin

Listen to Bright and Early played by The Billy Mayerl Rhythm Ensemble
as broadcast at 6.33 am on 28th July 1958

Bright and Early at 6.33 am. on 28th July 1958
Played by The Billy Mayerl Rhythm Ensemble

Going for a Ride Nursery Clock Polka Bali Hai Crystal Clear Villa Villa Bracken Brew Love in Bloom Guatemala Bird

Sidney Torch Terry Roper Richard Rodgers Billy Mayerl William Hill Bowen Ed Martin Robin & Rainger Ivor Slaney

Bright and Early at 6.30 am. on 13th October 1955
Played by Frank Baron and his Sextet