Roots, Radicals and Rockers: How Skiffle Changed the World

Skiffle was a British take on American folk and blues that emerged in the 1950s, causing a sensation among a generation of kids looking for a music of their own. Billy Bragg charts its history, impact, and legacy, sparking a revolution and shaping pop culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2018
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Skiffle, a distinctive fusion of American folk and blues with a British twist, emerged from the jazz clubs of the early 1950s, captivating a generation of youngsters who had grown up in the dreary post-war years. In a culture dominated by crooners and mediated by the stuffy BBC, teenagers sought a music that resonated with their experiences. Against the backdrop of Cold War politics, rock and roll riots, and a newly assertive working-class youth, Billy Bragg delves into the history, impact, and enduring legacy of skiffle, a movement that ignited a revolution and profoundly shaped the world of pop culture as we know it today.
Skiffle, a unique blend of American folk and blues infused with a British flair, emerged from the jazz clubs of the early 1950s, captivating a generation of young individuals who had grown up in the aftermath of the dreary post-war years. In a society dominated by crooners and mediated by the staid BBC, teenagers yearned for a musical expression that truly resonated with their unique experiences. Against the backdrop of Cold War politics, rock and roll riots, and a burgeoning working-class youth, Billy Bragg embarks on a comprehensive exploration of skiffle's history, profound impact, and lasting legacy.

Skiffle, a distinctive fusion of American folk and blues with a British twist, emerged from the jazz clubs of the early 1950s, captivating a generation of youngsters who had grown up in the dreary post-war years. In a culture dominated by crooners and mediated by the stuffy BBC, teenagers sought a music that resonated with their experiences. Against the backdrop of Cold War politics, rock and roll riots, and a newly assertive working-class youth, Billy Bragg delves into the history, impact, and enduring legacy of skiffle, a movement that ignited a revolution and profoundly shaped the world of pop culture as we know it today.

Skiffle, a unique fusion of American folk and blues infused with a British flair, emerged from the jazz clubs of the early 1950s, captivating a generation of young individuals who had grown up in the aftermath of the dreary post-war years. In a society dominated by crooners and mediated by the staid BBC, teenagers yearned for a musical expression that truly resonated with their unique experiences. Against the backdrop of Cold War politics, rock and roll riots, and a burgeoning working-class youth, Billy Bragg embarks on a comprehensive exploration of skiffle's history, profound impact, and lasting legacy.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 198 x 130 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571327751
Edition number: Main