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Great Lives

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Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

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Great Lives: Lonnie Donegan

Lonnie Donegan

BBC Radio 4 - Great Lives, Lonnie Donegan

Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter champions the life and work of skiffle king Lonnie Donegan.

Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter chooses ‘the king of 50s skiffle’ music, Lonnie Donegan. With Matthew Parris. From 2012.

Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter tells Matthew Parris why skiffle king Lonnie Donegan is his hero.  

Lonnie Donegan is probably best remembered for the novelty hits "My Old Man's a Dustman" and "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose its Flavour? "  However, early hits like "Rock Island Line" were instrumental in inspiring the likes of John Lennon, Brian May and Roger Daltrey to perform.  

Donegan played a decisive role in the development of British popular music.  His revitalisation of skiffle provided the inspiration for the whole British beat movement that was to come.  Ironically, although Donegan was the catalyst, he was soon eclipsed by the young electric guitar heroes of the mid-sixties, and he was left with the comedy and cabaret circuits.


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