91Èȱ¬

Mark Radcliffe presents classic music from the start of the folk revival.

During the 1950s, folk music surged in popularity on both sides of the Atlantic. Folk clubs and record labels in New York and London led the movement, connecting young people with their musical heritage and making serious political statements.

In the UK, Ewan MacColl founded his 'Ballads and Blues' club. Alongside characters like A.L. Lloyd (Bert Lloyd), he helped nurture a scene that would blossom and grow for more than 20 years, and continues to exist today.

For many, the skiffle craze of 1956-58 was a gateway to folk. Glasgow musician Lonnie Donegan helped start the phenomenon with his 1955 hit 'Rock Island Line' - the first record certified Gold in Britain, and a top ten single in the States. Folk acts like Martin Carthy were among those swept up by the craze.

Political aspects of the folk revival led to controversy and serious drama. In America, The Weavers (including Pete Seeger) were hugely popular before being blacklisted by the US government for having Communist sympathies. In 1955 they reunited for a famous concert at New York's Carnegie Hall, that was recorded for a classic album.

Paul Robeson, the singer, actor and civil-rights activist was similarly banned from working in America; in 1956 he released a version of worker's anthem 'Joe Hill' via Topic Records in the UK. The song was later covered by Joan Baez, The Dubliners and Bruce Springsteen.

Classic folk recordings from the 1950s include those by Isla Cameron, Shirley Collins, Odetta, and The Kingston Trio. The 91Èȱ¬'s influential Radio Ballads, with songs by MacColl and Peggy Seeger, came at the end of the decade.

Join Mark Radcliffe as he celebrates a remarkable time in the history of folk music.