The series of programmes, which starts on Friday October 1, will feature some of the world's best known pop and rock singer-songwriters, including Richard Thompson, Suzanne Vega, Lyle Lovett, Joe Ely, Chris Difford, Elton John and Cat Stevens.

The channel's celebration will include Singer-Songwriters At The BBC, alongside classic BBC In Concert shows and recent concert acquisitions such as James Taylor and Carole King at The Troubadour.

BBC Four controller Richard Klein says, "BBC Four is the home of contemporary ...