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1953
1953 in British Music
Post-war optimism fuels the rise of the crooner, while skiffle stirs in London's coffee bars.
Key Events
- •Frankie Laine dominates with 'I Believe' — the year's biggest record
- •Lita Roza becomes first British female to top the sheet-music chart with 'How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?'
- •Lonnie Donegan's first recordings begin the skiffle craze in Soho clubs
Dominant Genres
Traditional PopBig BandJazzSkiffle
Notable Trends
- →American crooners dominate British listening
- →Sheet-music sales still the primary chart metric
- →Live radio orchestras remain central to music consumption