The 60's Revolutionary Decade and the Emergence of Rock and Roll in the UK

Richard Mellor

HEO/GED

12-26-25

 

Sina is great. And as I watched and listened to this it reminded me of my youth back home. Music is such an important part of our memories. This for me is probably one of the best rock albums ever produced. It is more than rock to be honest. Classical rock? I'm not sure what to call it but it is a brilliant creation. And there they are at Abbey Road studios.

Last time I was in London with my dear friend Roger who has moved on, he went to that crossing. I didn't bother but wished I had, especially as I won't have an opportunity now. 

I grew up in the 1960's and what a decade it was. Revolutionary change all around me. Some of it I never grasped. Football felt it as Georgie Best with his long hair, (no more Brylcream for them) as the natural look took over, can’t run your fingers through Brylcream hair. The Beatles didn’t use it. The massive General strike in France, the Black Revolt and the women’s movement. The former colonies that were driving British occupation from their shores like the Mao Mao uprising in Kenya. The decade was on fire.

 

And then the music. The skiffle bands and Lonnie Donegan, along with the Ken Colyers group were early skiffle bands.  The blues brought over from America by Willie Dixon, who wrote “spoonful” and partnered with Long John Baldry once billed as the greatest “White Blues Guitarist” on one billing. Muddy Waters Memphis Slim, Big Bill Broonzy and of course the great Howlin’ Wolf (Chester Burnett) changed the music scene forever. Alexis Korner, Cyril Davies, Long John Baldry, Dick Heckstall Smith, John Mayall, were early pioneers. The list is along one. Elton John and others still popular today came out of this milieu.

 

My friend Rupe and I were talking the other night about how when we were young and in to this music we all wanted to be the lead guitarist. But now, 50 or 60 years later we would love to play the drums. It looks like such fun and a great way to release some creative energy. The drummer is the heart of the band, the time keeper, no?

 

I have lived in the US for a long time, and the people I have lived and worked with are precious to me. And it’s definitely my second home. We don’t judge a people by the actions of the ruling class. But when I touch down at Heathrow I have this special feeling that my roots are there, and the ride on Piccadilly line into the city, now it’s the Elizabeth line, gives me a warm welcoming feeling. I love that city.  As in all countries, we separate the government from the people. There are classes in society that are antagonistic to each other and we choose which side we’re on. 

 

And here we have a young German woman who lives in London and produces drum covers’ for You Tube. Carrying the torch for Rock and Roll.  Bless you girl.

Here's her website.