The 1950s

The birth of British rock and roll during the 1950s. Articles cover early performers, venues, promoters and the influence of American music.

All About Gig Package Tours

Package tours brought multiple rock and roll acts to British theatres in the 1950s and 60s, mixing big names with up-and-coming performers.

All About the Impresarios

Larry Parnes built Britain's rock'n'roll industry by managing acts, arranging tours and connecting artists with record labels and songwriters.

American Rock Stars in the UK

How American rock stars like Eddie Cochran captured British audiences in the 1950s, despite Elvis never making the trip.

Cliff Richard

Cliff Richard started as Britain's answer to Elvis before becoming a record-selling icon who shaped modern music.

Early British Rockers

How American rock'n'roll sparked a British music revolution in the mid-1950s, with Tommy Steele leading the charge.

Lonnie Donegan

Lonnie Donegan brought rock and roll to Britain and inspired a generation of musicians through his skiffle sound and the hit Rock Island Line.

Rock 'n' Roll on TV

Jack Good pioneered rock on television in the late 1950s, starting with the groundbreaking 6.5 Special in 1957.

Skiffle, Music of the Fifties

How skiffle became Britain's first DIY rock music and a soundtrack to teenage rebellion in the 1950s.

The First British Rock Record

Lonnie Donegan's skiffle hit "Rock Island Line" launched British rock and roll in 1954, years before the Beatles.

The Soho Scene and British Rock

How the 2I's coffee bar in Soho became the birthplace of British rock and roll in the 1950s.