Bright and Early was a cheerful programme of uninterrupted music, rather in the style of Music While You Work, which was broadcast six days a week in the Home Service at 6.30 a.m. for 25 minutes. 

Commencing just after the war,initially as a record programme, it started using studio sessions in May 1947 with a different ensemble every day - light orchestras, dance bands, cinema organists and brass bands had their allocated slots each week.

Popular contributors included Troise and his Banjoliers, Frank Baron and his Sextet and Primo Scala and his Accordion Band. 

The show continued until September 1958, the last year featuring predominantly BBC staff orchestras. It returned in January 1962, this time on the Light Programme for a full half hour but as a brass band slot on Thursday mornings. Although this delighted many, the BBC received a few complaints from people who preferred to be soothed out of their slumber - one correspondent to 'Radio Times' suggesting that  every note was created 'in the devil's forge'! 

In the Autumn of 1963 the programme reverted to a six days a week format ,once again featuring mostly BBC orchestras. An exhiliarating start to the day, 'Bright and Early' finally bowed out on 1st January 1965.

Listen to Bright and Early played by The Billy Mayerl Rhythm Ensemble
as broadcast at 6.33 am on 28th July 1958

Bright and Early at 6.33 am. on 28th July 1958
Played by The Billy Mayerl Rhythm Ensemble

Going for a Ride Nursery Clock Polka Bali Hai Crystal Clear Villa Villa Bracken Brew Love in Bloom Guatemala Bird

Sidney Torch Terry Roper Richard Rodgers Billy Mayerl William Hill Bowen Ed Martin Robin & Rainger Ivor Slaney

Bright and Early at 6.30 am. on 13th October 1955
Played by Frank Baron and his Sextet