Steve King is a music and media specialist with over 40 years experience. He is an accredited lecturer of The Arts Society and his series of talks on popular music from the last 60 years have been very well received by audiences around the world. A selection of those currently available are listed below. For bookings and general enquiries email: sktalks@outlook.com
“Save The Last Dance For Me” was recorded by the Drifters in 1960, but what single event in the life of the song’s lyricist inspired it? What is the truth behind the Beatles song “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”? and who is Whitney Houston’s biggest hit really about? Steve will answer these questions and more as he reveals the real stories behind some of the world’s best known songs.
By 1960, interest in rock ‘n’ roll had started to fade, its biggest star was moving on and a new generation of teenagers were seeking something different. It came in the form of the Beatles, who broke all the rules and all the records. This is the story of the first four years of the 1960s, one of the most creative and innovative periods in the history of music.
In the middle years of the sixties, the Beatles conquered America with the help of a 14-year-old girl. They were then followed by a stream of acts from the UK in what became known as the British Invasion. Initially, the US record industry didn’t know how to respond, until one of the most influential bands of the era launched a new genre.
The final years of the sixties brought The Summer of Love, the world’s first boy band and the return of The King. Pop was growing up, rock was splitting up and the Beatles were breaking up. There was just enough time to reflect, then suddenly it was over.
“American Pie” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” are both considered to be defining songs of the seventies, but what do they mean? When Mariah Carey reached number 1 in the UK for the first time, did she know the full story behind the song that took her there? Steve will answer these questions and more when he reveals more of these real stories behind some of the world’s best known songs.
We all have our favourite songs, but which songs make the all-time best sellers list? Steve will reveal the top ten best selling recordings in history, and offer some insight into the reasons why these songs have become so successful.
Songs are often inspired by individuals who come into the lives of composers, but who are the people that motivated artists including Neil Sedaka, the Beatles, Eric Clapton and Carly Simon to write songs that have become classics?
By the end of the 1960s the UK had established itself as a world leader in popular music, due in no small part to the international success of the Beatles, and those that followed in their wake. This is the story of what happened next - a chronological journey through one of the most varied and innovative periods in the history of music.
The biggest selling song of 1975 in the UK was a song from the 60s by a band whose fans were all too young to remember the original. New teen sensations and disco dominated the singles chart, and album sales were soaring as progressive rock reached its height. The late seventies were set up to be the age of the superstar, but someone spoiled the party.
Disco music came about in part as a reaction to 1960s counterculture, and was initially enjoyed by those who didn’t feel they had a voice in mainstream society. However, it developed rapidly both as a genre and a subculture throughout the 1970s, eventually becoming so dominant that even Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones put out Disco tracks. This is the story of how this form of dance music took the world by storm, and of how three brothers born in the Isle of man found themselves at its epicentre, almost by accident.
"Wonderful material" - "Took me back to happy days" - "Most enjoyable" - "Brilliant" - "So lively and so enthusiastically presented" - "Very stimulating" - "Outstanding mix of video, music and fascinating insights" - "Wonderful walk through my youth" - "Very well put together" - "I cried!" Comments from a recent Arts Society Lecture
“Stephen was a great hit with the guests, he really knows his subject and makes it very interesting.” Fred Olsen Cruises - Black Watch
“Steve's lecture received amazing feedback from members. We look forward to welcoming him back at some point in the future. Arts Society - Nottingham
"Thank you so much for an absolutely wonderful talk. I’ve never seen our members so animated afterwards” Louise Capell - Arts Society - Richmond Upon Thames
"Steve received the longest ovation I have heard at our society, and a lot of members came up to speak to him afterwards to regale him with anecdotes of their memories of the '60s” Arts Society - Petersfield
“It was my great pleasure to hear and participate in Steve King’s lectures on the Queen Mary 2. His extensive knowledge of popular music, its history, inside stories of singers and groups and his engaging presentation style enriched my learning and enhanced my cruising experience. Thank you Steve” Norma Bandler - Philanthropy Advocate
“We would be interested in Stephen King if he was available for this, he scored so well on his last cruise” P & O Cruises - Azura
"Outstanding. Highly entertaining and very informative. It was a nostalgic superbly presented trip down memory lane and included new insights in the period. Steve was an outstanding speaker and the accompanying sound and visuals were fantastic and technically faultless." Arts Society - Kings Lynn
“Steve gave a very polished and interesting lecture. Everyone present was delighted with it all. The presentation was informative, amusing and accompanied with exceptional audio content. Highly recommended.” Arts Society - Gainsborough & District
“They love you Steve :) You went down really well onboard” Cunard – Queen Mary II
Steve King has spent 35 years working in the radio industry. He is a popular Music Historian, Broadcaster, Programmer and Events Director. He has managed some of the biggest radio brands in the UK and has worked with many well known popular music artists. Steve is an engaging public speaker and has produced a series of highly entertaining lectures based on his extensive knowledge of popular music and his experiences in the radio business. He became an accredited lecturer for The Arts Society in May 2021.
During his career, Steve has operated at the highest level in the commercial radio industry. He has created market leading radio brands and his work has been recognised by the industry on many occasions. His love of popular music and his work as a radio presenter and Events Director has enabled him to meet and work with many well known artists including Olly Murs, Robbie Williams, U2, Ed Sheeran and Rita Ora. Steve has directed over 50 multi-artist events at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, London Palladium and Wembley Arena.
Steve has lectured at various media conferences and industry events during his career and more recently on cruise ships for Cunard, Fred Olsen, Saga, P&O and Marella. He currently runs his own media consultancy.
The talks and lectures described above can be provided in almost any venue. All equipment including PA, projector and screen can be supplied. If you need more any more information or would like to see my show reel email the address below.