DENIS KING'S KEY CHANGES - A Glorious Musical Memoir Podcast

About DENIS KING'S KEY CHANGES - A Glorious Musical Memoir Podcast

KEY CHANGES is a funny, gripping and candid memoir written and presented by beloved composer-performer Denis King, renowned for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, but also for over 20 hit musicals and a career which began in the 50s at the age of 14. Legendary artists he's worked with include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Dame Edna, Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Alan Ayckbourn, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, Sinatra, Judy Garland.. With Denis performing much of his own music, this is a poignant, frank, hugely entertaining story of 70 years in showbiz!

Publisher

Denis King

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 May 2025

Latest episode

17 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Feb 2026

   Key Changes - Episode Thirteen - Pianos, Pantos and Peacefulness

   These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles. Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland. But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success. Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes. In this final episode, Episode Thirteen, Denis reminisces on his extraordinary career and brings us right up to date with the latest chapter in his musical journey. He recalls some of the more surprising perils of being a piano-player, and adds his own insights into why all the world's a stage (or at least can feel like it). This is a funny and touching finale to a story about the romance, the adversities, the peaks, the troughs, but ultimately the joy of a life lived in music.

2. 

   17 Feb 2026

   Key Changes - Episode Twelve - Generalities, a Judas and a Genius

   These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles. Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland. But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success. Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes. In Episode Twelve Denis sets out a few Golden Rules for working in musical theatre. These include a few dos and don'ts for anyone who comes into contact with it - in whatever capacity. But he also shares some lessons - good and downright bad - that he's learned from the very greatest exponents of the art.

3. 

   17 Feb 2026

   Key Changes - Episode Eleven - Friendship, Friction and Failure

   These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles. Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland. But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success. Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes. In Episode Eleven Denis reflects upon two opposing aspects of musical collaboration. Working closely with other artists who are equally passionate about their work can produce sparks which light up the stage and brighten the lives of all involved. But they can also cause things to burst into flames and lead to calamity.

4. 

   17 Feb 2026

   Key Changes - Episode Ten - Disasters, Dames and Dom Perignon

   These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles. Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland. But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success. Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes. In Episode Ten Denis pays tribute to some of the more remarkable (in every sense of that word) performers with whom he has forged musical partnerships. Character, charisma and even comedic talent do not, as it transpires, necessarily coincide with real musicality - but they can certainly help.

5. 

   17 Feb 2026

   Key Changes - Episode Nine - Musicals, Magic and Matrimony

   These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles. Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland. But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success. Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes. In Episode Nine, composition takes Denis into what may be the crowning phase of his musical career. Working in music theatre, with some of the theatre's most distinguished writers, proves to be the most demanding, but also the most rewarding work he has done to date. It also turns out to be the unexpected setting for matrimonial bliss.

6. 

   17 Feb 2026

   Key Changes - Episode Eight - Rights, Royalties and Richard Rodgers

   These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles. Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland. But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success. Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes. In Episode Eight, Denis reveals the perks, perils and pitfalls of being a working composer. Where does parody end and plagiarism begin? What are some basic rules for avoiding legal action? And why are the words "they're playing our song", not necessarily cause for celebration?

7. 

   17 Feb 2026

   Key Changes - Episode Seven - Stritch, Sammy and Schnaps

   These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles. Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland. But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success. Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes. In Episode Seven Denis's success leads to a project with three entertainment legends, each with their own remarkable qualities - some more challenging than others. It also inspires the creation of an imaginary orchestra which, under amazing circumstances, produces a very palpable hit.

8. 

   17 Feb 2026

   Key Changes - Episode Six - Breakup, Bunnies and Beauty

   These are the musical memoirs of Denis King, beloved composer of over twenty hit musicals, countless TV theme tunes and hundreds of (very familiar!) advertising jingles. Best known for his timeless 'Black Beauty' theme, Denis is also the composer of the classic musical 'Privates On Parade' as well as 'Stepping Out', 'A Saint She Ain't' and many more. He has been Alan Ayckbourn's long-time musical collaborator, and has worked as a composer/conductor/musician with most of the great names in popular entertainment of the past fifty years. These include: include Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Albert Finney, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna), Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Sammy Davis Jnr, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, Howard Keel and Judy Garland. But before all of that, in the 1950s, Denis was one-third of Britain's first ever 'boy band' and enjoyed huge – if now forgotten – success. Key Changes is Denis's funny, gripping and candid memoir of that remarkable career, which began at the age of 13 and took him to the heights of theatre, film and TV. With Denis performing much of his own music, he tells stories, remembers showbusiness legends, spills the beans on numerous celebrities - great and small - and describes a life in entertainment from behind the scenes. In Episode Six Britain's Teenage Pop Sensations reach their, er, thirties. Which suggests that this could be the moment to take stock. After a couple of rather questionable gigs, Denis looks ahead to where the music will take him and gallops towards his true calling. His first major job turns out to be an absolute beauty.

9. 

   1 Jun 2025

   Key Changes – Episode Five – 'Heroes, Haberdashery and a Heartstopper'

   DENIS KING shares stories of working with his musical heroes, opening a menswear boutique, and a possible encounter with a medical pioneer in this episode.

10. 

    1 Jun 2025

    Key Changes – Episode Four – 'Fandom, Fame and Felons'

    Denis King shares stories of fandom, fame, and brushes with felons as his band gains popularity in the swinging 60s, revealing the close proximity of fame and notoriety.

11. 

    1 Jun 2025

    Key Changes – Episode Three – 'Summer Season, Strippers and Soldiers'

    Denis King shares stories from his early career in post-war variety shows, including unusual acts and a disastrous gig at a US airbase in Germany.

12. 

    29 May 2025

    Key Changes - Episode One - 'Wife, Work and War'

    Composer Denis King recounts his early life and showbusiness debut during the war years, including a pivotal theatrical encounter that led to his West End debut, with an introduction from his wife Astrid Ronning-King in this interview.

13. 

    29 May 2025

    Key Changes - Episode Two - 'TV, Touring and Twice Nightly'

    Composer DENIS KING recounts the early touring and television experiences of The King Brothers, Britain's first boy band, revealing the challenges and surprising education they received in the entertainment industry.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

27

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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