Rock'n'Roll was breaking out all over. Kids from all over the country were buying guitars, growing their hair and forcing their parents to emigrate. London was the Mecca that was their goal, although in the fifties there was a Mecca Ballroom in most large towns. Councils across Britain were in despair as dance halls and cinemas welcomed this new phenomenon.

America was the main source of this new music and British rockers had a hard time breaking their hold on our top twenty. All our own rockers could do was make cover versions of the American hits. As the big American artists toured over here, our boys would be relegated to supporting artists, but they were learning. Conway Twitty was (I think) one of the most copied stars.

Billy Fury

Billy Fury was one great rocker who found fame covering Conway Twitty's hits. His version of 'It's Only Make Believe' is every bit as good as the original.

Marty Wilde coverd many of Conway's hits, but made 'Lonely Blue Boy' his own.

In 1957 thirteen year old Laurie London appeared on the BBC show 'Six-Five Special', he had the 'Whole World In His Hands'.

Born Ronnie Hulme in Everton, started to write songs for a living. Until he changed his name to Russ Hamilton and started to sing his own songs. One of the few British artists to crack the American top slot. His record 'Rainbow' and 'We Will Make Love' were hits on both sides of the Atlantic.

Russ Hamilton

Gary Miller from Blackpool. His biggest hit was 'Garden Of Eden'.

Mike Holiday, not a rocker but a smoothie. He sadly had a short career, but he gave the likes of Perry Como and Bing Crosby a run for their money