The Impact of American Blues on the British Invasion of the 1960s
During the 1960s, American blues music had an indelible impact on the British music scene, particularly during the phenomenon known as the 'British Invasion.' Key bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, and The Yardbirds, among others, were profoundly influenced by the blues, leading to a cultural revolution in British music.
Discovering the Blues
As rock and roll became increasingly commercialized and dominated by pop stars, British bands and fans discovered the rich and diverse sounds of American blues. This transformed the landscape of British music, shifting the cultural and musical focus from the cookie-cutter hits of the 1950s to the authentic and impassioned performances of American blues artists.
Art schools in Britain played a crucial role in this discovery. They offered a haven for working-class youth to explore and appreciate minority cultures, including African American music genres like the blues. Pioneers like John Mayall, who formed The John Mayall Bluesbreakers in the early 1960s, were instrumental in introducing British musicians to the rich blues heritage.
A Race Record Phenomenon
The discovery of American race records by early British blues enthusiasts was a pivotal moment. Before this, American blues music was largely unknown in Britain. British ‘race music’ collectors and fans were introduced to a wealth of material, including 40-year-old blues classics, overlooked by mainstream commercial listeners. This re-discovered music captivated young British art students, who were captivated by the raw, emotional performances of older blues artists.
John Mayall and his band The Bluesbreakers were among the first to help bridge this cultural gap. Their music, which combined the energy of blues with the flair of British rock, paved the way for other British bands to explore and embrace their African American musical roots.
From West London to Liverpool
The blues scene in West London around the 1960s was bustling, with more than a dozen bands regularly performing. It was here that The Rolling Stones eventually emerged, far from being pioneers. The success of The Rolling Stones and their contemporaries led to a significant shift in British music, with the blues becoming a key component of their repertoire.
Simultaneously, in Liverpool and the North West, local bands were also influenced by Motown. Motown, founded in 1959, brought the sounds of young black artists directly from New York to Britain via transatlantic shipping crews. Motown hits became a significant part of The Beatles' early repertoire, further cementing the connection between British and American black music.
Galvanizing the British Music Scene
The influence of American blues on the British music scene was not just cultural; it was also commercial. British bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Animals introduced white American teenagers to a music scene largely overlooked by the commercialized teen culture of the time. This connection was not lost on American black performers, who appreciated the British bands' enthusiasm and support for their music.
By the mid-1960s, the British and European support for American black music became evident through events like the Stax tour in 1967. This tour was organized as an export version of the soul revues that had toured through black venues in the US. The positive response from white audiences in the UK and Europe was staggering. For the performers, it was a revelation to see how their music was received, and it marked a significant milestone in the global appreciation of black music.
Legacy and Influence
The legacy of American blues on the British music scene of the 1960s cannot be overstated. Bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, among others, played a crucial role in introducing British and American audiences to the richness and diversity of American blues music. This cultural exchange not only enriched the soundscapes of British music but also paved the way for future generations of British musicians to explore and embrace their musical heritage.
The impact of American blues on the British Invasion of the 1960s was profound and enduring. It transformed music, culture, and understanding, leading to a new era in which British and American artists could connect and celebrate their shared musical roots.