Alan Yentob accompanies Dame Shirley Bassey from rehearsals to recording studios during the making of her latest album in London and Dublin, in tonight’s episode of Imagine.

Dame Shirley has seen five decades as a recording artist, a triumphant Glastonbury appearance and a major illness. Now, some of the best contemporary British songwriters have interpreted her life through song for a new album. The songs frame and explore the myth of Dame Shirley, the girl from Tiger Bay, and come from artists including Gary Barlow, The Pet Shop Boys, Manic Street Preachers and Rufus Wainwright, along with famous Bond composer John Barry and lyricist Don Black.

Alan discovers how Dame Shirley takes a song and makes it her own and how she has prioritised her performance and career over her private life. Along the way, Alan talks to artists contributing to the album about their inspiration behind the songs they have provided for Dame Shirley, their opinions on her artistry and her relevance in music today. The film also takes a look back at Dame Shirley’s life, including an archive of her greatest performances, to tell the story of what makes Dame Shirley the living legend that she is today.

Tuesday 24 November
10.35-11.35pm BBC ONE