Rock Island Line: The Song That Made Britain Rock

Overview

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 and begin a journey that would take them to the top of the American charts.

Key Crew

Top Cast

Billy Bragg

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Peggy Seeger

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Shirley Collins

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Chris Barber

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Hylda Sims

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Ron Gould

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Peter Donegan

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Chas McDevitt

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