60's - British Invasion

The term "British Invasion" was coined by the American media and was applied to Bands mainly in either the Beat, Pop or Rock and Roll genre. New British bands started combining British and American styles into their music. Rebellious Rock and Roll and Blues musicians became popular in the late 1950s with the youth of Britain. A DIY attitude and hard working ethic was adopted by many young British bands which was all part of the appeal.

The Sound and Lyrics:

The British Invasion sound revolves mainly around typical rock and roll instruments such as guitar, bass, drums and vocals. Most bands have one lead singer with other members doing harmonies. The Beatles however had two main vocalists, Paul McCartney and John Lennon. The only common lyrical theme in the lyrics of most of these bands is love and woman.

The Look:

Bands mainly wore would be now considered "smart casual" clothes. The Beatles, The Kinks and some of the other 'invasion' bands often wore suits.

The Media:

In December of 1963, a story about The Beatles and "beatlemania" was ran on the CBS Evening News. The Americans were interested in the band and wanted to hear them to see what all the hype was about. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" was the first Beatles song to be played on the Radio. On February 9th 1964, they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. Seventy five percent of Americans watching TV that night watched the show.
Over the period of the next two years, The Kinks, The Animals, Manfred Mann, The Rolling Stones, Freddie and the Dreamers, and The Troggs and would have one or more number one singles. British Invasion acts also topped the music charts in their home country.

Influence:

The British Invasion played a very big part in the formation of popular music. It opened the door for subsequent British performers to claim international success. It took attention away from the careers of well known R&B acts like Chubby Checker and Fats Domino and temporarily squashed the chart success of 50s rock and roll acts, including Elvis Presley.

Important Bands:

The Animals

The Beatles

Rolling Stones

The Troggs

The Kinks

Freddie and the Dreamers