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.

Directed by George Scott

Top cast

Billy Bragg

Himself

P

Peggy Seeger

Herself

S

Shirley Collins

Herself

C

Chris Barber

Himself

H

Hylda Sims

Herself

R

Ron Gould

Himself

P

Peter Donegan

Himself

C

Chas McDevitt

Himself

B

Bob Watson

Himself

R

Rod Davis

Himself

Len Garry

Himself

S

Stephen Winick

Himself

C

Colin Hanton

Himself

J

Jeff Place

Himself

B

Bobbie Jackson

Herself

Details