In the 1950’s people were still reeling from
the devastation of the war. Music around this time
generally consisted of a solo artist supported by
an orchestra or big band. However the 1960’s
saw the emergence of a highly competitive band scene.
It was in this decade British music really exploded
onto the international scene.
For the first time, British
people had money in their pockets to spend on music.
An underground music movement began to materialise
to light up the teen scene. This overtook the cosy
cardigan comfort music that people’s parents
and grandparents enjoyed listening to. It was an exciting
time for young people and this new, fresh and vibrant
style overwhelmed the country.
Things
really started to hot up when The
Beatles arrived. With their catchy melodies
and strong personalities, they captured the hearts
of Britain. Along with media hype, Beatlemania swept
into other countries and soon Britain was considered
to be the centre of the music world. The Americans
have even termed this as the “British Invasion”.
They continued to dominate the decade, becoming the
most influential band of all time.
The
legendary rock group, The
Rolling Stones was also a leading
member of the British Invasion. They were a heavier
alternative to The Beatles, and by 1966 had become
one of the most experimental and trendy rock groups
around. As with The Beatles, they had a huge following
and many many hits.
There was almost a rivalry between
these two great bands. The Beatles were seen as a
nice, clean-cut bunch whereas the Rolling Stones were
“naughty” and a band your mother would
not approve of. (Although no doubt The Beatles weren’t
quite as well-behaved as they seemed…)
In the mid to late 60’s
came the Hippy Movement. The way of the Hippy was
to dress, behave and live life in a manner that did
not conform to society’s standards. They had
a liberal attitude and lifestyle and greatly believed
in the importance of peace, love and freedom.
Another movement of this decade
was feminism and the rise of women in society, economy
and family, which was mirrored by the chart successes
of Lulu,
Dusty
Springfield, Sandie
Shaw and Cilla
Black.
Other major British
bands/artists of this time are listed below.
The
Kinks,
Gerry
and the Pacemakers,
The
Who
Tom
Jones
The
Hollies
The
Dave Clark Five
Cream
