Y
1958

1958 in British Music

Cliff Richard breaks through, and British rock and roll finds its first proper star.

Key Events

  • Cliff Richard and the Drifters release 'Move It' — widely considered the first authentic British rock record
  • Connie Francis and Perry Como still dominate mainstream radio
  • The BBC's 'Six-Five Special' brings rock and roll to television

Dominant Genres

Rock & RollPopJazzCountry

Notable Trends

  • British rockers now competing with American imports on equal terms
  • Television begins to rival radio for music discovery
  • The teen market is now a commercial force record labels can't ignore

Key Artists of 1958

195719581959