Joining Chris in this episode is the vocal legend Ruby Turner. Born in Jamaica before moving to Birmingham in the Seventies, Ruby was brought up surrounded by music. In Chris' company, Ruby reveals that seeing the Jackson 5 live was a pivotal moment in her life, as was a live performance by Joan Armatrading. And so Ruby began her musical odyssey, working first with Culture Club, before she embarked on a solo career, now 20 albums deep. She's also worked with Bryan Ferry, UB40, Mick Jagger and has been a long time regular in Jools Holland's band. And she has an amazing story about her father and Johnny Cash.

In this episode, Chris is joined by Robbie Williams for a very funny and frank conversation. They cover everything from Robbie's childhood in a pub to the origins of Take That, how the songwriter within him was developed and the dark side of fame. And Robbie reveals how Ian Dury and the Britpop bands spurred him on to begin his extraordinary solo career, and elaborates on the pleasures and perils of being a totally committed showman.

Joining Chris in this first episode is Sting, the superstar songwriter, singer, band leader, actor and, of course, frontman for The Police. Chris has known Sting since the last Seventies, when they shared the same manager, Miles Copeland (brother of The Police drummer Stewart Copeland), and often the same stages, motels and station wagon to tour in. In this wide-ranging chat, they discuss Sting's childhood in Newcastle, how he became a musician, the background to The Police and why a musician should always give their all on stage... even if you're playing to just 3 people.

Episode 1 is out on Monday August 9th - subscribe now