0:01:54 > 0:01:58Hello. I'm at Birmingham's revamped New Street Station
0:01:58 > 0:02:01for a celebration of all things music for BBC Music Day.
0:02:01 > 0:02:06Get on board as soul singing star Ruby Turner surprises commuters
0:02:06 > 0:02:09with a flash-mob performance of gospel classic This Train.
0:02:12 > 0:02:13I'm heading to Harrogate
0:02:13 > 0:02:16to discover the hidden talents of this train conductor.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20And I'm meeting a man
0:02:20 > 0:02:25who is helping deaf people get involved in music.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Plus, we have news of how to get your hands on tickets
0:02:28 > 0:02:31for this year's Big Sing at the Royal Albert Hall.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Today's programme is full of musical treats.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46We're delighted to have a performance from Katherine Jenkins.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49And with hymns that rejoice in the power of music,
0:02:49 > 0:02:51we begin with a call to worship
0:02:51 > 0:02:55from the spectacular surroundings of St Albans Cathedral.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00There's been a real celebration of music across the country
0:05:00 > 0:05:05for BBC Music Day, with thousands of people coming together,
0:05:05 > 0:05:08from 40 gigs on bridges, 180 bell towers ringing out
0:05:08 > 0:05:11and concerts from Cornwall to Scotland,
0:05:11 > 0:05:16the aim is to encourage new musical collaborations, wherever you are.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20And Songs Of Praise is making its own unique contribution.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24Local legend Ruby Turner has agreed to team up with the very
0:05:24 > 0:05:28first winners of our Gospel Choir of the Year competition for
0:05:28 > 0:05:33a special one-off performance here at Birmingham New Street Station.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36I mean, you can't have Music Day without gospel.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39# It is ready... #
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Household name Ruby Turner has been in the business for over
0:05:42 > 0:05:4730 years and has recorded with UB40, The Temptations
0:05:47 > 0:05:50and Culture Club, amongst others.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53Today she's in rehearsal with a choir she knows well.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58The Town Hall Gospel Choir, also based in Birmingham,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01impressed Ruby with their winning performance back in 2013.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Absolute knockout! Absolute knockout.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11# This train is bound for... #
0:06:11 > 0:06:15Now they've been reunited to perform one of Ruby's gospel favourites.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19You have become linked with this song, This Train,
0:06:19 > 0:06:23and it has all the ingredients of a great gospel song, doesn't it?
0:06:23 > 0:06:28It's a fantastic song, and I came across this particular song,
0:06:28 > 0:06:29sung by Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34- # But this train don't pull no liars...- #
0:06:34 > 0:06:37And, you know, it's just one of those songs that just
0:06:37 > 0:06:40captivates, it does what it does, it drives, it rides,
0:06:40 > 0:06:42it says what it is, and it's just great.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46# This train... #
0:06:46 > 0:06:48I had to record it, just had to record it.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52It has really powerful lyrics, that song. What do they mean to you?
0:06:52 > 0:06:55You know, I was baptised Pentecostal when I was aged 15,
0:06:55 > 0:07:00and I kind of grew up with that sort of very deep in the gospel vibe.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03# This train is bound for glory... #
0:07:03 > 0:07:07What it is that drives me and keeps me in the industry is gospel.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09It's the music, it's the feel,
0:07:09 > 0:07:13it's the connection I have with the spirituality side of things,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15and the connection you have with the audience.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19When you come away, you leave them with some food for thought.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24I'm not there to convince anyone, I'm not there to preach to anyone,
0:07:24 > 0:07:28I'm just there to introduce the music, the gospel.
0:07:28 > 0:07:29# You better get on board... #
0:07:29 > 0:07:33The BBC are covering all sorts of music on Music Day,
0:07:33 > 0:07:36but gospel itself has been really influential on music, hasn't it?
0:07:36 > 0:07:38Goodness me, I think
0:07:38 > 0:07:41just about everybody who is in the industry has touched on gospel,
0:07:41 > 0:07:45and if you look back, you're going back to people like Stevie Wonder,
0:07:45 > 0:07:47you're going back to Ray Charles, Aretha,
0:07:47 > 0:07:49they came through from the church, yeah.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52So yeah, it's a huge influence, you know?
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- Is it a good song to sing? - It's a great song to sing.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02And what's really kind of wonderful, when I'm in it,
0:08:02 > 0:08:05when I'm there, and you see the response from the audience.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07It's wonderful. It's wonderful.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10So, hey, let's hope people enjoy it on the day.
0:11:09 > 0:11:10We'll be back with Ruby later
0:11:10 > 0:11:13as the build-up to the surprise performance continues.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15Now, you may not think that making music
0:11:15 > 0:11:17and trains naturally go together,
0:11:17 > 0:11:21but Diane Louise Jordan is heading to Yorkshire
0:11:21 > 0:11:24to meet someone who is well versed in both.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28The man I'm meeting today has got himself a bit of a reputation
0:11:28 > 0:11:32in recent months, and he is on this train right now.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- Any tickets and passes?- Oh, yes, please, single to Harrogate, sir.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37£8.40.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45By day, Paul Mirfin is a conductor on the Leeds to Harrogate line.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48We get to know the passengers, because they travel every day,
0:11:48 > 0:11:52so the conductors become part of their journey.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54It's like a community thing.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57But when he's not on the trains,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01Paul interacts with the public in a more entertaining way.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06He's a folk singer and a bit of a local hero, so today
0:12:06 > 0:12:09he's at the train station, but not to work.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12He's performing for the passing passengers.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15So I had a bit of a reputation on the railway
0:12:15 > 0:12:16for being a bit of a lad.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19I was doing my own thing and then I met this Christian lady,
0:12:19 > 0:12:23and she wanted to pray for me,
0:12:23 > 0:12:25and I said I weren't really very interested in that,
0:12:25 > 0:12:26I said, but thank you very much,
0:12:26 > 0:12:28but she said, I tell you what, I'll do that,
0:12:28 > 0:12:32and since she's been praying for me, I just felt completely
0:12:32 > 0:12:36convicted and really wanted to get to know more about God again.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39I knew that I had to start to follow him,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42and within a week, I'd got a whole new Christian band.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45THEY SING
0:12:53 > 0:12:57I really felt that I should go out, not to preach and not to talk,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00actually, we'll just go out and we'll just play our stuff.
0:13:00 > 0:13:06It's pure passion, we're singing about what we all passionate about.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09Paul's gigs seem to be having a profound effect,
0:13:09 > 0:13:11attracting other people back to church.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14# I saw the light
0:13:14 > 0:13:15# I saw the light... #
0:13:15 > 0:13:18We've played in a working men's club,
0:13:18 > 0:13:22and it were full of big guys, big skinhead guys, and all this.
0:13:22 > 0:13:23And they were all singing
0:13:23 > 0:13:26Praise The Lord, I Saw The Light by the end of it!
0:13:26 > 0:13:29# I saw the light I saw the light... #
0:13:29 > 0:13:34It's such a clear message, it's not like worship music, exactly.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39But there's simplicity in those words that just touch people.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41# Praise the Lord I saw the light... #
0:13:41 > 0:13:44So what's your secret?
0:13:44 > 0:13:48Why do you think your band is attracting so many people?
0:13:48 > 0:13:51I believe God told me to just go out and play.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53And that's it, that's it.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57# I saw the light I saw the light... #
0:13:57 > 0:14:00It gives you hope and makes you believe
0:14:00 > 0:14:03and that's what made me come back to Christianity, really.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05I've been going through so many bad times
0:14:05 > 0:14:09and his music just uplifts me, it's just brilliant.
0:16:49 > 0:16:50The train on platform 5B...
0:16:50 > 0:16:53What a fabulous medley there from the Hackney Empire.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55And if you love to sing,
0:16:55 > 0:17:00I bring you news of this year's Big Sing at the Royal Albert Hall.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Tickets go on sale immediately after this programme,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04and we are hoping you will be able to join us.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08We'll be singing some fabulous hymns old and new,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11as well as carols for our Christmas Day Big Sing,
0:17:11 > 0:17:13with some very special guests.
0:17:17 > 0:17:22The phone lines and box office are open as soon as this programme ends.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Next up, an international performer, who often sings for us
0:17:46 > 0:17:48at the Royal Albert Hall.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Here she is in a more intimate setting.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05# All things bright and beautiful
0:18:05 > 0:18:10# All creatures great and small
0:18:10 > 0:18:14# All things wise and wonderful
0:18:14 > 0:18:19# The Lord God made them all
0:18:19 > 0:18:24# Each little flower that opens
0:18:24 > 0:18:28# Each little bird that sings
0:18:28 > 0:18:32# He made their glowing colours
0:18:32 > 0:18:37# He made their tiny wings
0:18:37 > 0:18:41# All things bright and beautiful
0:18:41 > 0:18:46# All creatures great and small
0:18:46 > 0:18:50# All things wise and wonderful
0:18:50 > 0:18:57# The Lord God made them all
0:18:57 > 0:19:03# The purple-headed mountain
0:19:03 > 0:19:08# The river running by
0:19:08 > 0:19:12# The sunset and the morning
0:19:12 > 0:19:17# That brightens up the sky
0:19:17 > 0:19:21# The cold wind in the winter
0:19:21 > 0:19:25# The pleasant summer sun
0:19:25 > 0:19:30# The ripe fruits in the garden
0:19:30 > 0:19:37# He made them every one
0:19:37 > 0:19:41# All things bright and beautiful
0:19:41 > 0:19:46# All creatures great and small
0:19:46 > 0:19:50# All things wise and wonderful
0:19:50 > 0:19:55# The Lord God made them all
0:19:55 > 0:19:59# He gave us eyes to see them
0:19:59 > 0:20:04# And lips that we might tell
0:20:04 > 0:20:08# How great is God Almighty
0:20:08 > 0:20:13# Who has made all things well
0:20:13 > 0:20:17# All things bright and beautiful
0:20:17 > 0:20:22# All creatures great and small
0:20:22 > 0:20:27# All things wise and wonderful
0:20:30 > 0:20:42# The Lord God made them all. #
0:20:53 > 0:20:57BBC Music Day is about celebrating all types of music,
0:20:57 > 0:21:01whatever your taste, but what if you can't hear the music?
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Claire McCollum has been to meet a man
0:21:03 > 0:21:06who is bringing music to people who are deaf.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08# Two drifters... #
0:21:08 > 0:21:12'There are over 11 million people in the UK with some
0:21:12 > 0:21:15'form of hearing loss - that's one in six of us
0:21:15 > 0:21:18'who suffer from mild to profound deafness.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23'One of them is Paul Whittaker, who has been deaf from birth.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26'But that hasn't stopped him enjoying music to the full.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Music was always around the house when I was growing up, because
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Mum played the piano and both Mum and Dad had the radio on,
0:21:32 > 0:21:33they had records on, it was just there.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35I decided when I grew up,
0:21:35 > 0:21:38I wanted to go to university and get a music degree.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43I was turned down by 12 universities over two years, because I was deaf.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46"Deaf people can't be musicians, go and be a plumber."
0:21:48 > 0:21:52For people who aren't deaf, it's hard to understand how you,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55as a deaf person, know what sounds good.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57I think being a pianist is a big advantage,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00because you press the key down, you feel the hammer hit the string,
0:22:00 > 0:22:02the vibration travels back up your arm,
0:22:02 > 0:22:04and every single note feels different.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08I cannot just go to a concert and work out what is happening.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11I can't tell what voice is singing, I can't pick up the lyrics,
0:22:11 > 0:22:13the harmony, the melody, nothing.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16It's only when I see it that it makes sense.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19It is an incredibly powerful thing.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Life without music is not worth living.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25And I know your faith is very important to you as well.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Faith is something that I've had from being very, very young, but
0:22:28 > 0:22:31at the end of the day, I know what my relationship with God is like.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34I know who I am. He made me.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38And I don't think he made a mistake when he created me.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41He was obviously having a laugh, in that he made me deaf
0:22:41 > 0:22:44and he made me gay and a musician.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47# Moon river... #
0:22:47 > 0:22:50And now you've started these signing choirs.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51How have they been going?
0:22:51 > 0:22:54For many years, I have wanted my own signing choir
0:22:54 > 0:22:56and I finally started it off last September.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59# Wherever you're going... #
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Most of them are absolute beginners.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06My habit is to do that.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Both my children are deaf, and when they were a bit younger,
0:23:08 > 0:23:10they joined a music club that Paul ran.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13He was such an inspiration to them. They're both very musical.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15One plays the violin now, one plays the piano.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Well, I'm deaf and when I'm around hearing people,
0:23:18 > 0:23:20I feel very isolated.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22But when I'm here, I enjoy it.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24I feel involved.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26You going to win, OK? You're going to win.
0:23:26 > 0:23:27- Wrong hand?- Stop.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30Paul has invited me to join in.
0:23:30 > 0:23:31Everybody!
0:23:31 > 0:23:32Boom!
0:23:32 > 0:23:34'It's a steep learning curve.'
0:23:34 > 0:23:37# The highest mountain... #
0:23:37 > 0:23:38Yeah.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42# When I look up to the stars
0:23:42 > 0:23:46# There's a burning deep inside me
0:23:46 > 0:23:52# And I feel a power growing in my soul... #
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Very encouraging, when you watch the choir, that release almost,
0:23:56 > 0:23:59and the joy, when they get it right and they find,
0:23:59 > 0:24:01"I can express myself with my hands."
0:24:01 > 0:24:02It's beautiful to watch.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06# ..In me. #
0:24:13 > 0:24:15THEY CHEER
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Thank you!
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Now, before the big performance,
0:26:18 > 0:26:21here's a quick reminder to get your entry in
0:26:21 > 0:26:24for the Songs Of Praise Rugby League Fans Choir competition,
0:26:24 > 0:26:25before the closing date.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Go on! Give it a try!
0:26:31 > 0:26:34You could be on the Wembley pitch,
0:26:34 > 0:26:37singing your heart out at the Challenge Cup final at the end
0:26:37 > 0:26:42of August, leading the crowd in a rousing rendition of Abide With Me.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Details and full terms and conditions are on our website.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53It's early morning here at Birmingham New Street,
0:26:53 > 0:26:55and we're getting closer to the flash mob
0:26:55 > 0:26:59performance of gospel classic This Train with legend Ruby Turner.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05Preparations are clearly underway, and the stage is
0:27:05 > 0:27:09hidden behind here, right in the middle of the main concourse.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Passers-by are going to get such a surprise.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14Nobody has got any idea what's about to happen.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16Everyone's going to have a smile on their face.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20I just want people to really be surprised and enjoy the moment.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23'In order to blend in, the Town Hall Gospel Choir from Birmingham
0:27:23 > 0:27:26'are masquerading as a rail staff.'
0:27:26 > 0:27:27So, Ruby, this must be one
0:27:27 > 0:27:29of the more unusual backstage areas you've occupied?
0:27:29 > 0:27:32I'll say! I'm just going to print myself some tickets.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Sorry!
0:27:35 > 0:27:38It's great! I mean, you know, I'm representing Birmingham.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40This is my first flash mob,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43the first thing I've done like this, so I'm very nervous,
0:27:43 > 0:27:47but excited about how it's going to be and how they're going to react.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Any second now you're on. What is it feeling like?
0:27:50 > 0:27:52Can't wait. Buzzing. Loving it.
0:27:54 > 0:27:59And now we're going to cross live to Birmingham New Street Station.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03'Zoe Ball at Radio 2 is also in on the action.'
0:28:03 > 0:28:04David, tell us what's happening there.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06We've got the great Ruby Turner.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10We have the Gospel Choir of the Year from 2013 from Songs Of Praise.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12It's about to happen right now.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17'Please be aware that tickets
0:28:17 > 0:28:21'for London Midland trains only are not valid on this train.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25'First class accommodation is at the front of the train.'
0:28:26 > 0:28:30'The Songs Of Praise train Ruby Turner is about to depart.'
0:28:30 > 0:28:33This train is going to glory. All aboard!
0:29:06 > 0:29:12# You see the train in the yard
0:29:12 > 0:29:17# It is ready to make a morn start
0:29:17 > 0:29:25# Oh, just as soon as the conductor
0:29:25 > 0:29:27# He says
0:29:27 > 0:29:31# All aboard
0:29:33 > 0:29:37# This train is a clean train You know, this train
0:29:39 > 0:29:43# This train is a clean train You know, this train
0:29:44 > 0:29:49# This train is a clean train Everybody riding in Jesus' name
0:29:49 > 0:29:54# This train is a clean train You know, this train
0:29:55 > 0:29:59# This train has left the station This train
0:29:59 > 0:30:04# I said, this train has left the station, this train
0:30:04 > 0:30:08# I said this train has left the station
0:30:08 > 0:30:10# This train takes on every nation
0:30:10 > 0:30:14# This train is a clean train You know, this train
0:30:15 > 0:30:20# It's the prettiest train I ever did see, this train
0:30:20 > 0:30:21# Get on board
0:30:21 > 0:30:24# It's the prettiest train I ever did see, this train
0:30:24 > 0:30:26# Who's getting on board?
0:30:26 > 0:30:28# It's the prettiest train I ever did see
0:30:28 > 0:30:31# If you want to ride it Better get redeemed
0:30:31 > 0:30:35# This train is a clean train You know, this train
0:30:35 > 0:30:36# Better get on board
0:30:36 > 0:30:40# This train is bound for glory This train
0:30:40 > 0:30:41# Better get on board
0:30:41 > 0:30:45# This train is bound for glory This train
0:30:45 > 0:30:47# Who's getting on board?
0:30:47 > 0:30:49# I said, this train is bound for glory
0:30:49 > 0:30:52# Everybody riding her got to be holy
0:30:52 > 0:30:55# This train is a clean train You know, this train
0:30:55 > 0:30:57# You better get on board
0:30:57 > 0:31:00# Get on board
0:31:00 > 0:31:02# Yeah, yeah, yeah
0:31:02 > 0:31:05# Get on board
0:31:07 > 0:31:11# Get on board
0:31:11 > 0:31:13# All aboard
0:31:13 > 0:31:15# All aboard
0:31:15 > 0:31:17# All aboard
0:31:17 > 0:31:21# This train don't take no jokers This train
0:31:21 > 0:31:23# Better get on board
0:31:23 > 0:31:26# This train don't take no jokers This train
0:31:26 > 0:31:28# Who's getting on board?
0:31:28 > 0:31:31# I said, this train don't take no jokers
0:31:31 > 0:31:33# No tobacco chewers or cigar smokers
0:31:33 > 0:31:37# This train is a clean train You know, this train
0:31:37 > 0:31:38# Get on board
0:31:38 > 0:31:41# This train don't pull no wakers This train
0:31:41 > 0:31:44# Get on board
0:31:44 > 0:31:48# This train don't pull no wakers This train
0:31:48 > 0:31:52# I said, this train don't pull no wakers
0:31:52 > 0:31:54# No pop shooters or whisky drinkers
0:31:54 > 0:31:58# Because this train is a clean train, you know, this train
0:31:58 > 0:31:59# You better get on board
0:31:59 > 0:32:02# This train is a clean train You know, this train
0:32:02 > 0:32:04# You better get on board
0:32:04 > 0:32:08# This train is a clean train You know, this train
0:32:08 > 0:32:14# You better get on board. #
0:32:14 > 0:32:19CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Oh, that was amazing!
0:32:24 > 0:32:26That was fantastic!
0:32:26 > 0:32:30I couldn't believe the power coming out this early in the morning.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32When I heard her, I knew who it was instantly.
0:32:32 > 0:32:33I didn't know this was happening.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Literally, about to get on a train and just came across it.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Ruby, how did that feel?
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Oh...fantastic.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46Gospel music inspires people and especially on a day like today,
0:32:46 > 0:32:49gives you a good start and a good boost to the day.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51# Everybody riding her got to be holy... #
0:32:53 > 0:32:56Next week is another big gathering, as Josie D'Arby
0:32:56 > 0:32:59joins 25,000 people from churches all across the UK,
0:32:59 > 0:33:02plus some of the biggest artists in global Christian
0:33:02 > 0:33:06music at the annual Big Church Day Out.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09We end with a hymn I'm sure you're going to want to sing along with.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11Thanks for watching. Goodbye.