Edith Piaf
French singer (1915-1963)
Lonnie Donegan was a pioneering British skiffle singer and musician who influenced many 1960s pop and rock artists. He had a string of hit singles in the UK, including the iconic “Rock Island Line,” and was the first British male singer to achieve two top 10 hits in the US.
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About the Lonnie Donegan
Anthony James “Lonnie” Donegan was a British skiffle singer, songwriter and musician, referred to as the “King of Skiffle”, who influenced 1960s British pop and rock musicians. Born in Scotland and brought up in England, Donegan began his career in the British trad jazz revival but transitioned to skiffle in the mid-1950s, rising to prominence with a hit recording of the American folk song “Rock Island Line” which helped spur the broader UK skiffle movement.
Donegan had 31 UK top 30 hit singles, 24 were successive hits and three were number one. He was the first British male singer with two US top 10 hits. Donegan received an Ivor Novello lifetime achievement award in 1995 and in 2000 he was made an MBE.
Donegan was a pivotal figure in the British Invasion due to his influence in the US in the late 1950s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lonnie Donegan was a British singer, songwriter, and musician who was known as the ,King of Skiffle, and helped popularize the skiffle music genre in the 1950s.
Lonnie Donegan’s biggest hit song was his recording of the American folk song ,Rock Island Line,, which helped spur the broader UK skiffle movement in the mid-1950s.
Lonnie Donegan had 31 UK top 30 hit singles, with 24 being successive hits and three reaching number one.
Lonnie Donegan received an Ivor Novello lifetime achievement award in 1995 and was made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2000.
Lonnie Donegan was a pivotal figure in the British Invasion due to his influence in the US in the late 1950s, paving the way for other British artists to find success in the American music market.
Lonnie Donegan was born in Scotland but was brought up in England, where he began his career in the British trad jazz revival before transitioning to skiffle in the mid-1950s.
Lonnie Donegan was the first British male singer to have two US top 10 hits.
3 Quotes by Lonnie Donegan
- 1.
The shows weren’t organized at all. They just happened.
Lonnie DoneganScottish-born skiffle musician (1931-2002)
- 2.
My original opinion still stands. I don’t think he should have put it out.
Lonnie DoneganScottish-born skiffle musician (1931-2002)
- 3.
I always thought I was singing American folk music.
Lonnie DoneganScottish-born skiffle musician (1931-2002)