BBC Radio 2 In the Park with Def Leppard, Soul II Soul, and more

Def Leppard, formed in Sheffield in 1977, are iconic for their blend of glam rock and pop ballads. Notable albums include "Pyromania" and "Hysteria," with major hits like "Pour Some Sugar on Me." Despite challenges, such as drummer Rick Allen's accident, they remained successful, producing chart-toppers and consistently touring. They collaborated with notable figures like producer Mutt Lange and recently worked with Alison Krauss. The band, known for its melodic metal and MTV success, earned numerous awards and remains a heavy metal legend today.

Soul II Soul, led by Jazzie B, emerged from London in the late '80s blending hip-hop, house, and R&B. Known for hits "Keep On Movin'" and "Back to Life," the group achieved Grammy wins, international acclaim, and U.K. chart success. Featuring rotating vocalists like Caron Wheeler, they released several successful albums and singles throughout the '90s. Despite disbanding by the decade's end, Jazzie B, awarded an OBE, continues to lead reunion performances.

London-based Suede, pioneers of ’90s Brit-pop glam rock, broke through with hits like "Animal Nitrate" and "Trash." Known for theatrical style, they won the Mercury Prize and worked with Bernard Butler and Richard Oakes.

David Gray, born in the UK, is known for his lyrical songcraft blending acoustics and electronica. His album White Ladder is among the bestselling British albums. Gray's 13th album, Dear Life, features vocals from his daughter Florence and Talia Rae. Renowned artists like Adele and Ed Sheeran laud his influence.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, a London-born pop artist, broke out in the 2000s with her disco- and '80s-synth-pop style, gaining fame with hits like "Murder on the Dancefloor" and "Groovejet." Formerly of Brit-pop band theaudience, she reached the U.K. charts' top spots with her solo albums. Known for her dance-pop sound, she has collaborated with producers like Greg Kurstin and Calvin Harris and worked with Ed Harcourt on folk-pop projects like Wanderlust. Her music remains popular, with "Murder on the Dancefloor" resurging thanks to its inclusion in films.

Anastacia, born in Chicago, rose to fame as a singer-songwriter blending pop, rock, and soul. Known for hits like "Left Outside Alone," she has sold millions of albums. A performer at VH1's Divas Live, she has collaborated with stars like Mary J. Blige and Cher. She boasts 19 number-one hits globally, six MTV Awards, and more. After battling illness, she returned with albums like Resurrection and Evolution. Her impactful career includes a successful foray into fashion, 100 million YouTube views, and accolades such as ECHOs and World Music Awards.