The British Invasion

excerpted in part from http://britishinvasion.eb.com/home.html

1. Britain in the 50s
   1. Britain had not recovered from the effects of WWII; economic hardship and shortages of goods and services were common.
   2. American media, particularly television, portrayed the prosperity of the U.S. The “typical” American teen seemed to owned a car, wear the latest and most fashionable clothes, and have ample money. In contrast, British youth could not afford a car, and the consumer choices in almost everything were extremely limited. The questions “Can I afford it?” or “Have they got one in stock?” were usually answered in the negative.
   3. The new Rock 'n' Roll music sounded “wild and exotic.”
   4. British youth culture was therefore almost completely dominated by American trends and styles.
2. British popular music
   1. Skiffle was a uniquely British adaptation of traditional American folk music.
      1. A singing guitarist was accompanied by a rhythmic instrument or a washboard. It was thus accessible to anyone with musical inclinations.
      2. "Skiffle groups (like the Beatles-launching Quarrymen) were drummerless acoustic guitar-and-banjo ensembles, jug bands really, who most often sang traditional American folk songs, frequently with more spirit than instrumental polish.”
      3. Lonnie Donegan was one of skiffle's best-known artists. His nasal renditions of old American songs were in some part responsible for inspiring several British rockers.
   2. Apart from skiffle and U.S.-imports, a few acts from London and the South were popular. Among these was Cliff Richard; although closely modeled after American pop, their recordings represented a real British rock 'n' roll.
   3. In “provincial” cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, and Belfast, however, an independent musical culture developed. It was fiercely independent of London, modeled after American R & B and rock 'n' roll.
      1. A highly competitive band “scene” performing the latest imports for a hungry but discerning audience characterized the early 60s.
      2. The Liverpool music combined American music with the so-called “Merseybeat.”
3. The Beatles - among the many internet sites with information of the Beatles are http://www.getback.org/ and the Rock Hall of Fame
   1. Among the many groups on the scene in 1962-3 was the Beatles; their popularity was due to a combination of musical style, material and personality (both on and off stage).
      1. Gradual improvements in the economy brought more spending power to British youth, who began to exercise their own influence on the market.
      2. The assassination of President Kennedy 3 months before the Beatles' Ed Sullivan appearance seemed to effect American cultural self-confidence.
      3. The Beatles found an effective manager in Brian Epstein and a brilliant record producer in George Martin. After the Beatles' early hits in the States (I Want To Hold Your Hand, followed rapidly by She Loves You and Can't Buy Me Love), America looked to Britain for music and fashion.
      4. Interestingly, London as the haven of a swinging society was in part a media creation. However, a new sense of creative energy and optimism developed in Britain that helped fuel arts and fashion. “But it wasn't just British bands that American teenagers were crazy about; it was all things British. The British Invasion brought Beatles boots, mop-top wigs, Mary Quant's miniskirts, and other Carnaby Street fashions to Main Street, U.S.A.”
   2. The Beatles arrived in America for the first time on February 7, 1964 and performed on the Ed Sullivan Show (I Want to Hold Your Hand and She Loves You) 2 nights later. More than 73 million Americans watched the show, which marked the beginning of what was termed the “2nd British Invasion.”
   3. Other British bands such as the Dave Clark Five, Gerry and the Pacemakers, the Animals, and the Hollies had hits in 1964. The continued success of the Beatles and others paved the way for “harder” bands such as the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, and the Who.
   4. The success of British rock groups in films inspired the creation of the Monkees.

“These charming invaders had borrowed (often literally) American rock music and returned it--restyled and refreshed--to a generation largely ignorant of its historical and racial origins. In April 1966 Time magazine effectively raised the white flag with a cover story on "London: The Swinging City." Peace quickly followed; by the pivotal year 1967, a proliferation of English and American bands were equal partners in one international rock culture.”

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