Alan Keith 1950s, he devoted time to devising and presenting music programmes for the BBC. In 1959, he devised "Your Hundred Best Tunes", a programme of famous classical music, operetta and ballads. Keith chose the original 100 pieces himself. Many works were suggested by listeners and played in the programme. Thus a good many more than 100 works were played and the list evolved. Therefore, in subsequent years, a 100 Best were periodically voted for by listeners. In early March 2003, at the age of 94, he recorded an announcement that he intended to retire from the programme after 44 years. However,
Alan Smith (radio) Alan Smith (radio) Alan Smith (born 1966) is a presenter and newsreader on BBC Radio 4, who also appears on sister station Radio 4 Extra. Born in the Simpson Memorial Maternity Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland, he moved with his family to Cumbria at an early age. He joined Radio 4 in 2002 after presenting on regional radio & TV. In addition to his BBC work, he hosts an in-flight entertainment programme for British Airways together with corporate presentations. His voice is distinctive, being warm and friendly and always gives the impression he is interested in what he is saying. In 2006/7