Born in London, to Jamaican parents who came to Britain as part of the 1950s Windrush generation, Shirley J. Thompson fell in love with music from a very young age – and it has remained her life’s passion. She’s created music for film, TV, orchestras and opera. Mark Coles talks to family and friends to find out what influences her work.

Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Sally Abrahams and Georgia Coan Editor: Simon Watts Production Co-ordinator: Sabine Schereck Sound Engineer: James Beard