The SKIFFLE craze captured the imagination of Britains youth in the mid 1950s.  It was a re-invention, in strictly British terms, of the American jug and spasm band music played at rent parties and get-togethers in the 20s and 30s. A hybrid music, it mixed the elements of folk, country, jazz and pop in a simple yet rhythmic style. It flourished in coffee bars, jazz clubs and even concert hall; and although eventually overtaken in popularity by Rock n Roll it still has its ardent devotees.

Thousands of kids had taken up the washboard, guitar and tea-chest bass and formed these Skiffle groups which became the spawning grounds for future rock legends,  the Quarrymen became the Beatles, the Railroaders became the Shadows. Van Morrison, Mark Knopfler, Albert Lee, Chris Farlowe, Roger Glover, Ralph McTell and Martin Carthy are just a few who acknowledge the influence that Skiffle had on their careers.