60s Genre - The British Invasion

60s Genre – British Invasion



Summary
The British invasion of the 1960s was a term coined by the media to describe the abundance of British music being popularised overseas, specifically in the American entertainment market. In the 1950s, Britain was still feeling the social and economic consequences of war. Naturally, British youth compared themselves to their American war time allies not only materially but also culturally. Out of this national feeling of inferiority uniquely British styles of music began to emerge from outside of London.
It was the provincial city of Liverpool that was to prove to be the hotbed of worldwide musical and cultural revolution. As a consequence of Liverpool being Britain’s primary Atlantic seaport, music became available there that was never heard in the capital. Notwithstanding, Liverpool developed a music scene fiercely independent of London. The notion of ‘Mersey beat’ amalgamated American rock’n’roll with colloquial ‘scouse’ humour.
The Beatles emerged as the best group of many from Liverpool, not only because of their catchy rhythms but their magnetic personalities. The Beatles triumphant arrival in New York in 1964 is seen as the start of the British Invasion.

Influenced By
‘Skiffle’, pioneered by Glaswegian Lonnie Donegan inspired much of what is now known as the British Invasion. It is defined as folk music with rhythmic accompaniment usually in the form of a singing guitarist. The simplicity of the style made it accessible to Britain’s budding musical youth.
The Invasions primary influence was however the exciting rock ‘n’ roll sounds coming from across the pond such as; Elvis, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Image/Fashion
The Beatles were very much cultural rebels and personified the changing attitudes of young society. Their long hair reflected the nonconformist nature of their music. One confused reporter is said to have asked: “Does all that hair help you sing?”
American media also claimed Carnaby Street, London to be the new fashion Mecca of the world. Bands such as the Who reinforced popular ideas of what it is to be British with the Union Jack emblazoned across their promotions.

Cultural Significance
The cultural impact of the British invasion was huge. The phenomenon reflected the increase in economic independence and the end of austerity in Britain. The youth of Britain would invest in musical instruments and other such items seen as luxuries. Essentially, the movement created a sense of energy and optimism unknown before the British Invasion. In my opinion, the country must have also gained a significant amount of revenue from tourism and merchandise sales.
The genre not only had a cultural affect its domestic market but also in the US. The tragic assassination of JFK left American in a national state of vulnerability. The Beatles softened the blow of a potentially socially crippling incident and became “pivotal figures in the creation myth of the counterculture” .
Conclusively, the greater cultural effect was on Britain which became the epicentre of what was ‘happening’. The capital was known globally as “Swinging London” .

References

oldies.about.com/od/britishinvasion/British_Invasion_Bands_and_Artists.htm
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Invasion
www.geocities.com/sunsetstrip/6742/
www.suite101.com/reference/60s_british_invasion
http://people.eku.edu/nelsonl/mus273/british.html
http://www.allthelyrics.com/articles/the_british_invasion_phenomenon-204324.htm