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Coffee Break

Coffee Break: Banned/controversial songs

Frankie Goes to Hollywood in 1985.
Frankie Goes to Hollywood in 1985.Jane McCormick Smith, Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0

by Anna Weggel

January 28, 2019

Today in 1984, Frankie Goes To Hollywood started a five-week run at No. 1 on the U.K. singles chart with "Relax".

Arguably one of the most controversial singles in British music history, "Relax" was banned by the BBC and several commercial British radio stations, although significant radio personalities including John Peel continued to play the song.

So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that have been banned or were extremely controversial?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive. Or, when you register for a Minnesota Public Radio account, you can send requests via Alexa, too Just say "Alexa, ask The Current to play Song by Artist" e.g. "Alexa, ask The Current to play Left of the Dial by The Replacements."

Songs played

Peter Paul And Mary - Puff (The Magic Dragon)
Donna Summer - Love To Love You Baby (Giorgio Moroder Feat. Chris Cox Remix)
Heaven 17 - (We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang
Bobby Darin - Splish Splash
Dixie Chicks - Not Ready to Make Nice
Link Wray - Rumble
Loretta Lynn - The Pill
Prince - Darling Nikki