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Traditional British music has its roots in the rich folk traditions of England, Wales and Scotland. Each region had its own folk tradition, which has been handed down over centuries. However, it was from 1960s onwards that Britain started to feature as one of the strongest forces in the world of music, following the rock and roll revolution. The birthplace of Sir Cliff Richards and the Beatles, Britain has since been the breeding ground of a number of new and experimental, as well as highly popular musical trends and internationally acclaimed musicians.
British Folk Music
British folk music is the traditional music of England, Scotland and Wales. Folk music in England is region-specific and varies across Northumbria, Kent, Sussex and Yorkshire. Martin Carthy is presently one of the most renowned performers in English folk music. The first genre of popular British music was the broadside ballads that started in the 16th century. The lyrics of these ballads were transcribed and printed and sung to some well known tune. The Industrial Revolution ushered in a new era of professional songwriters as an answer to the growing demand for popular entertainment.
British Singers
Famous British singers have belted out some of the most popular chart numbers. Sir Cliff Richard is one of the Britain's most popular singers of all times. His composition and melodies are an all time hit. He dominated the British musical scene in the late 1950s and the early 1960s and his records sold over 250 million copies. Dame Julie Elizabeth Andrews is an award winning singer, author and an English actress. She gained immense popularity after starring in Broadway musicals like My Fair Lady, Camelot and musical films like Sound of Music and Mary Poppins. She is the recipient of many awards like the Golden Globe, Grammy and People's Choice Award. Mick Jagger, the lead singer for the band 'The Rolling Stones', is one of the most famous British singers. The ‘Spice Girls’ was the first famous all-women rock band of Britain. Geri Halliwell was a key member of this band. She attained fame under the nickname of 'Ginger Spice'.
British Bands
The 1950s breathed a new life in the musical scene of Britain. This period saw the birth of many rock groups, born out of the influence of rock and roll and rhythm and blues, that started to make their presence felt from across the Atlantic. Rock groups were popular at the club level. California Sound was a favorite rock and roll group for teenagers. In 1962 the growing 'Beat Group' surfaced. The movement culminated in the formation of the Beatles, and its immense popularity and influence. Other popular bands like the Rolling stones, Cream and Led Zeppelin followed in their wake.
From the 1980s, a number of new musical trends like Heavy Metal and Brit-pop enriched the scenario of British music. While bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest led the bastion of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWBHM) groups, Oasis and were among the leading Brit-pop bands.
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