1958 in British Music

The Story of 1958

Cliff Richard arrived, and British pop found its first enduring star. 'Move It', released in August, wasn't just a hit – it was a statement. Produced by Norrie Paramor with a snarling guitar riff and Cliff's sneering vocal, it's often called Britain's first true rock 'n' roll record, and for good reason. The Shadows were already there as his backing band, laying the groundwork for an instrumental sound that would define the next decade. Meanwhile, the skiffle boom was fading, but its legacy was everywhere – bands of teenagers with cheap guitars, dreaming of the big time. The charts saw British artists finally holding their own: Vic Damone, David Whitfield and the Kalin Twins all scored, but the dominance of American acts was waning. Lonnie Donegan was still a fixture, but the public's appetite had moved on. The year also saw the beginning of the UK's love affair with the EP, the extended play single that would become a staple. Cliff's breakthrough showed that a British artist could compete with the Americans on their own terms. The blueprint for British pop stardom was being written.