THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.
484-Lonnie Donegan-Rock Island Line.
1955-Number 8 single.
Best Bit-At 2.33.Skiffle was just as important,if not more to the development of music in the 1950’s as Punk was in the 1970’s.
Rock Island Line is an American Folk song about the Chicago,Rock Island and Pacific Railroad,it was written in 1929 by Clarence Wilson.The first recorded performance was in 1934 by inmates of the Arkansas Cummins State Farm Prison.Many artists have recorded versions down the years,often changing the verses and adjusting the lyrics.
Lonnie Donegan was one of the most influential artists when piecing together the development of British music.His version of this song signalled the start of the UK Skiffle craze,he is regarded as Britain’s most successful and influential artist before The Beatles.
On this song playing alongside Donegan were Chris Barber on Double Bass and Beryl Bryden on Washboard.
‘Abc wxyz the cats on the cover but he don’t see me.’
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The countdown continues tomorrow at 1.0.pm.