1959 in British Music

The Story of 1959

The shadows before the dawn. Cliff Richard dominated 1959 with 'Living Doll', a gentler, more pop-oriented sound that signalled rock 'n' roll's first flush was cooling into something more commercial. But the song's importance can't be overstated – it was Britain's biggest-selling single of the year and established Cliff as a genuine national treasure. The Shadows were honing their sound, perfecting the clean, twangy guitar tones that would influence a generation. Elsewhere, Britain was importing America's fading stars – Buddy Holly's death in February cast a pall, but his records continued to sell. The trad jazz revival was still going strong, with Chris Barber and Acker Bilk keeping the brass bands busy. The BBC's 'Juke Box Jury' launched, becoming essential weekend viewing. And in Liverpool, a teenager named John Lennon was playing skiffle with his band The Quarrymen, newly joined by a young Paul McCartney. The seeds of the Merseybeat explosion were being watered. The 1950s ended on a quiet note, but the 60s were already preparing their entrance.