Aired Friday June 24, 10:30pm - 11:30pmon BBC Four HD

Rock Island Line: The Song That Made Britain Rock

In January 1956, a new pop phenomenon appeared in the UK charts: a British artist playing a guitar. His name was Lonnie Donegan and the song he sang was `Rock Island Line'. Donegan's rough-and-ready style was at odds with the polished crooners who dominated the charts. He played the guitar in a way that sounded like anyone could do it. `Rock Island Line' sounded like nothing else on the radio and it inspired a generation of British youths to pick up guitars.

Category
Documentary / Music / Special
Original air date
2019-04-12
Cast and crew
  • George ScottDirector
  • Billy BraggHost
  • Bob WatsonGuest
  • Peter DoneganGuest
  • Ron GouldGuest
  • Peggy SeegerGuest
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