Radio 1 presenter and dance music legend Pete Tong chooses his final Tracks Of My Years .
Starting out DJ-ing weddings at just 15, Pete moved into local music promotion and booking before setting up his own club. Then, after various jobs in advertising and a stint as an A&R manager at London Records, he committed full-time to his musical career, releasing his debut compilation album, The House Sounds of Chicago, Vol. 1.
Pete then became a prominent radio host throughout the 80s, working on Radio Invicta, Radio London, BBC Radio Medway, and Capital Radio, before going on to host the inaugural Essential Selection on BBC Radio 1 in 1991. Pete still hosts on Radio 1 to this day and leads the station's charge to Ibiza each summer.
In 2015, Pete curated the first 'Ibiza Prom' as part of the BBC's Proms season at The Royal Albert Hall, and he's returning to the venue for a series of tenth anniversary shows. Each night will feature unique programming, with special guest vocalists including Becky Hill, Jacob Lusk (Gabriels), Jazzy, Clementine Douglas and Barbara Tucker. The bill is completed by a star-studded roster of guest DJs, including Seth Troxler, Damian Lazarus, David Morales and Paul Oakenfold. And all are set to appear on stage with Pete, conductor Jules Buckley and the Essential Orchestra.
As a producer, Pete has assembled the music for movie soundtracks such as The Beach, Human Traffic and 24 Hour Party People and has produced his own material under various guises. He's had notable releases on Pets Recordings, Ministry of Sound, Toolroom Records and more, and his compilations have garnered critical acclaim - most notably the 60-track anthology The Pete Tong Collection.
Plus the mid-morning music quiz Ten To The Top, a trip in to the BBC Archive with Vernon's Vault, and the Record and Album Of The Week.
Whatever you're up to, Vern wants to hear from you - email vernon@bbc.co.uk - and if youâd like to apply to take part in Ten To The Top, the address you need is tentothetop@bbc.co.uk
To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Vernon Kay."
