Your History

Today we explore three extraordinary lives - pop sensation Liam Payne, General Sir Michael Jackson, and WWII veteran Galina Brok-Beltsova, one of the last surviving Soviet female fighter pilots.

Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, a major figure in British politics, who took Scotland to the brink of independence; and Ratan Tata, the Indian industrialist who put his faith in British industry.

Today we explore the life of Lord Ouseley of Peckham Rye, who was the first black chair of the Commission for Racial Equality. Plus, Frank Coppa, the New York-born gangster who was the inspiration for the 1997 American crime drama film ‘Donnie Brasco’. 

Dame Maggie Smith, the acclaimed and award-winning actor known for her sharp wit, keen eye, and extraordinary talent; and Kris Kristofferson, the country music superstar and A-list Hollywood actor.

Peter Jay, a former Times Economics Editor who went on to become Britain’s youngest Ambassador to the US, before returning to the world of journalism as a TV presenter and BBC Correspondent; and Tito Jackson, the older brother of Michael, the “King of Pop”, and an original member of the Jackson 5, the group which helped to pioneer the Motown sound.

James Earl Jones, the multi-award winning actor best-known as the voice of Darth Vader; Alberto Fujimori, former Peruvian President and one of the most controversial figures in post-war Latin American politics; and pioneering Brazilian musician Sérgio Mendes, the master of the bossa nova.