Lonnie Donegan - Rock Island Line (Live) 15/6/1961

[@duckman531]

This man belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[@1blastman]

Tru' Dat!!

[@brechiner1]

For sure.

[@tonyhayes4980]

Definitely

[@alanoneill3065]

ach who cares aboiut that ...backslapping millionaires

[@alanoneill3065]

Lonnie was famous before the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame existed

[@NickNicometi]

Just learned of Lonnie watching a Lead Belly video wherein George Harrison is quoted, "Without Lead Belly, there'd be no Lonnie Donegan; with no Lonnie, there'd be no Beatles." HTF am I just now @ age 54 yrs learning of Lonnie? He was awesome!

[@Polyphemus47]

I was a teen in '61, living in Minneapolis. I remember hearing "Rock Island Line" on local radio back then. And THEN - "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor On The Bedpost Overnight" exploded. Magic - I've been a fan ever since.

[@claudiogallucci563]

Me too lol

[@nowayinhell91]

I’m 54 and just learning of him now :) and a musician

[@kevindavies2066]

It was Roger Daltrey who said that Elvis turned everyone onto Rock and Roll but that it was Lonnie Donegan who opened it up for everyone to go out and form groups. He was a huge influence on a huge number of British bands of the late 50s and early 60s

[@markiobook8639]

Tom Jones agrees.

[@richardherrtage3497]

The King of Skiffle! Need I say more?

[@craigmiller1870]

This song makes me want to start my own band too

[@craigmiller1870]

This song makes me want to start my own band too

[@craigmiller1870]

This song makes me want to start my own band too

[@clivemilson2372]

Couldn't get enough of Lonnie when I was a kid. He was amazing.

[@petermainwaringsx]

Such an intense performance from Lonnie, which was what he always gave you. If your feet aren't moving when this is playing, you're past all help. RIP

[@Polyphemus47]

I have to assume my feet were moving, since my legs have no feeling from the knees down, these days. But I know my heart was beating faster! LOVE Lonnie!

[@lonikay5657]

I’m named after Lonnie Donegan!! But my mum wanted to spell it Loni! I’m so glad I’ve come across this and actually taken the time to listen to Lonnie! I absolutely love it and I’ll be listening to more!!

[@leebutton3032]

Ah, back when music had talent and personality. A true classic from a very talented guy. Impossible not to sing along to.

[@taleoftwowolvesasmr3381]

Even if you haven't heard of this guy, you've heard of all the musicians he inspired

[@milquetoastmusic]

True! Jimmy Page talks about him in his interview at Oxford.

[@kristinazubic9669]

Heard of him now, thanks to his son and Sir Tom Jones!

[@awopbopaloobopawopbamboom5041]

The Beatles, The Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Tom Jones - BASICALLY EVERY SINGLE GROUP/ARTIST WHO WERE ALL PART OF "THE BRITISH INVASION" (ie: the music/soundtrack of the sixties and seventies - you have the man above to thank for that!!! Lonnie Donegan was responsible for the British Invasion; Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry were responsible for the American equivalent!! FACTS.) MAY ALL THREE MEN REST IN HARMONIOUS PEACE!! 🤍🌹🕊️

[@bcportch]

B😮rends lee

[@bcportch]

Brenda lee

[@Frod6]

This artist, performance and TV coverage changed the world of music more than it gets recognised for. Absolutely timeless....

[@pamelapreedy1797]

This song was part of my childhood in the mid-fifties, heard on the wireless. We had no TV and I asked my dad what Lonnie Donegan looked like. He screwed his eyes up and pulled his lips back to show his clenched teeth. I didn't believe him, but later when I saw Lonnie belting out the Rock Island Line lyrics at full pace I saw my dad was right. Still love Lonnie's version of that song. Great performer.

[@Polyphemus47]

Great story!

[@steveperry1344]

we had the record and 'chewing gum' song.

[@chrisjames6327]

Almost every British guitar band of the 60s and 70s got into music because of Lonnie. He was king when they were growing up

[@charlesfoutch1132]

and he probably admired southern blues music.

[@telsport]

I heard he owned the Moody Blues catalog of songs.

[@Springheeledjim5]

If it wasn’t for Lonnie John Lennon would never have started the Quarrymen !

[@jamesappleton7390]

I worked on several concerts over the years with Lonnie, mostly at the Chris Barber re-union tours, and was at his funeral to pay my last respects to the great man. Joe Brown did the eulogy and looking towards the coffin at the end said, " Such a small casket for such a great man ".. Just about summed him up really..

[@hanslehmann9411]

0

[@benjaminbouchard1887]

@Lian Ellis asssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

[@jomamma1750]

My condolences on the loss of your friend

[@tonybonnici5920]

There would be no Beatles, Stones, Zepplin, Queen, Bee Gees etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc without this man inspiring so many young British kids to pick up a guitar and make music their life...

[@elliotwalton6159]

Bernie Taupin credits him for everything in his recent memoir.

[@motorbike650]

Good

[@motorbike650]

​@@elliotwalton6159yeah?..so what?

[@victorsamon9672]

Elvis haircut,,,,,before Elvis,,,!

[@TheLewisLazuli]

My Grandad died a week ago yesterday, wish I knew the man better than I did but while talking to my Mum and my Nan recently and learning more, I learnt of my Grandad’s love for skiffle. I’d never heard of it, or Lonnie... I’m glad I have now. Cheers Grandad Ray, I’ll have a drink on you x

[@martentrudeau6948]

We should hear more of Lonnie Donegan than we do. This is a great song.

[@nack3218]

He's long gone , but his music lives on . R.I.P. Lonnie Donegan .

[@speckofdust272]

Who came here after watching his son on the voice duet with Tom Jones ? Great magical duet they did , your dad Lonnie would be so proud 👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@samanthadefoe2923]

Just watched the Voice with Lonnie's son he is a very talented young man

[@HercGem]

That was a once in a lifetime moment on The Voice UK! I know Tom & Peter will remember it always!

[@danishaussie63]

Hahahaha meeeeee!!!!

[@isaybub]

I did!!!

[@susansharkey1537]

Me

[@mattykevlee]

The quality of this is amazing.

[@christaylor2529]

Love you Peter Donegan ❤️ you did your dad proud on the voice with Tom. It was magical. Your dad's writing is pure brilliance.

[@jacquelineentwistle8692]

I have watched The Voice video of Peter Donegan with Tom Jones about 6 times, its wondeful brought tears to my eyes every time. I live in Canada now so missed it last Saturday but thank goodness for Face Book & KZbin.

[@johnyliltoe]

It is crazy that I have never heard of Lonnie Donegan until today! Can't help but tap that foot.

[@JohnRawlinsonCyprus]

Im 80 now and was inspired to form a skiffle group after listing to LD. The Beatles.were also.influenced by him and many other 60s bands. Thanks to LD for bringing music to life and influencing so many. As Joe Brown said at LD's funeral, "Such a small casket to contain such a huge talent"

[@tedtimmis8135]

Little late to be forming a skiffle group… but better late than never.

[@JohnRawlinsonCyprus]

@@tedtimmis8135 My wording wasn't very good was it? Although now 80 I started a skiffle group in 1958 when I was 15.

[@tedtimmis8135]

@@JohnRawlinsonCyprus LOL! Just having a little fun with your wording.

[@Polyphemus47]

But! I'm 76 now, and I'd be thrilled to join @JohnRawlinsonCyprus ' new band. I always wanted to form an instrumental 'surf' music band, and call us 'The Dentures'. Can't find any personnel, tho.@@tedtimmis8135

[@stewartnicol3028]

Lonnie Donegan spread rock music into the UK/Europe, he had a huge stage presence with the relaxation to use some humour to get the message across. Thanks!

[@accidentalpatient4152]

He is British you know?

[@robgoddard1122]

This song will always be a banger

[@jeromemckenna7102]

I haven't listened to this in more then 20 years. Its a great record.

[@felineth56]

Just realized that Lonnie Donegan had so much talent and charisma! A very good story teller too!

[@monaturcott9650]

The guy is great. Thanks for the song.

[@jerroldkazynski5480]

Being the son of a train man, this song was a hit when I was a youngster. A ride in a '56 Buick with my teenage buddy, on the old 2-lane out to Elgin, Illinois, his Mom swaying in the back seat as we cruised across the country.

[@tc19948]

The sheer energy of this man just humbles me. RIP Lon.

[@trevorpettingill4871]

star saw this live at the regal Gt Yarmouth

[@MarkGibsonrmarkgibson]

Singularly one of the most outstanding recordings ever made by Lonnie Donnegan and ever recorded in the 1960's

[@stevepayne5965]

Sorry to be pedantic but it was 1955 😉

[@shombie2737]

In Bernie Taupin's bio, "Scattershot", he talks about Lonnie, so I had to check him out

[@1001ruth]

this song was big on Chicago radio around 1960. It is one that certainly shaped my life. the trains coming into Chicago were awesome. Gosh, yes! So was Lonnie Donegan.

[@TheIgnatzz]

You know, in the US, we don't even know who Lonnie Donegan is. People who are into music know his name as the guy who inspired John, Paul, and George to start a skiffle band, and that's about it. My God, I love this man. He is absolutely wonderful.

[@strexus]

Half of America have never seen the ocean and believe in something called god! Why would they have the inclination to search out a Scottish icon? I've had to tell Pensylvanians about Johhny Appleseed. Sorry man, but America is the fattest most ignorant nation on earth. By the way, I work with a revolving door of international sportspeople. I commend you on your taste. Lonnie was from Glasgow, Scotland, like myself. Rock on. 👊

[@sharonraizor2839]

@@strexus Your ridiculous alcohol fueled insults aside, Skiffle never made it to America. We were the musical influencers at the time, rather than the influenced. Bill Haley, Little Richard, blues artists, and then came the movie, "The Girl Can't Help It", which effectively put Skiffle in the ground and replaced it with Rock N Roll. From there, British youth embraced rock, made it their own and influenced the world.

[@kdavis002]

@@strexus imagine writing this and not acknowledging how influenced Lonnie Donegan was by American music. This song is about an American railroad FFS.

[@rodrollingstone2362]

@@kdavis002 Yes, well, you can't teach stupid. His attitude shames Scotland.

[@megs3776]

@@sharonraizor2839 ,shame as I loved the skiffle as a lad and still do .

[@NecessaryDramaAddictionNDA]

Watching as a 40 years old woman in 2022 and I think this is spectacular

[@Bandstand]

watching as a 17yo young man in 1972 and I think this is splendid

[@1blastman]

@@Bandstand Watching as a 13 year old in 1961, it blew me away, a little later I heard Leadbelly do it. Both are great!!

[@georgewilliams8198]

Lonnie Donegan. The happiest Rock and Roller of all time.

[@chrisssy6467]

I love how the drummer Pete Appleby is feeling it as the song goes on brilliant

[@coronimus8120]

I remember it like it was yesterday, but I'd never seen him perform it. He gave it his all and made novelty songs sound great. PS If you don't know him his other big hit from the day was Does Your Chewing Gum Lose It's Flavor On The Bedpost Overnight

[@kennydeschynkel]

Came here by accident, looking for the Johnny Cash version, but God I'm happy I found this version. What a voice.

[@georgemoore2333]

That line ‘I fooled you’ is the DNA of rock and roll right there - his delivery the pay off the rebellion the freedom - magical!

[@laughliketheflowers]

Stunning! Never realized a British man could sing such American music as we as any in America. He did it his way. Musical genius. He seems so nervous here. He defined British bluegrass, it seems to me, and they called it Skiffle. I have bought some CDs to listen to him in respectable sound quality. A great discovery after 45 years of loving music.

[@omegajrz1269]

American folk is mostly British in origin.

[@HustleNGrow331]

I just stopped by the location where this was recorded in london.

[@OlafProt]

It’s amazing because here he is playing pure American folk blues on telly years before the stones etc “discovered” it. I think his comedy stuff did get in the way of just how revolutionary he was. I LOVED his comedy stuff as a kid, this came later 🎶👍🏼👍🏼

[@geraldnemeth7944]

Definitely should be in R R Hall of Fame.

[@ChrisMum]

Glasgow born Lonnie, you were the best in the world of skiffle

[@tonylombardi4661]

Lonnie deserves a lot more credit for his influence on what follows in RnR.

[@paolacelletti2056]

Lonnie is pure dynamite, he rocks!!!!

[@batya7]

I was today years old when I first heard of Lonnie Donegan. Wow! That is some singing!!

[@w.r.martin8370]

I went to the Empire theatre in Glasgow (196?0) to watch Lonnie and today these videos have brought back some very special memories

[@jefftron1504]

Clarence Wilson wrote this in 1929 who worked on the Rock Island line it was first recorded by Lead Belly and Prisoners...im quite bewildered how Donnie made claim to this song through copy right...great effort but he didn't spend a millisecond on the Rock Island line.

[@SpeegBJ]

If ever there was a folk singing hero, he is here, Donegan.....I've loved Lonnie since 1959, age 11. Love you.

[@randybobandy402]

Wow you're old as fuck!

[@floo1465]

Philadelphia C There’s something about your reply that I can’t stop giggling at.

[@donsimons9810]

Wow, you’re uncouth, rude, stupid and unfunny AF!

[@strexus]

@@randybobandy402 Wow, a clown like you put 5 words together. Well done. Now work on the composition Coco!

[@randybobandy402]

@@strexus thanks bro

[@apollocreed1000]

I notice that the actual song is quite short, but because it's an stage performance he fills it up with a story/monologue. I suspect that's because vinyl single records were limited to about 2 minutes so songs were always shorter than that.

[@racourdav]

I've heard this man's name mentioned many times, but had never listened to any of his music. What a discovery! Thanks Jimmy Page!

[@williamredfern2683]

Listen to gambling man, , , , ,

[@racourdav]

😶😶😶😶😶😐😐😐😐

[@chrisflaherty8991]

I came here because I was checking a post on social media about trains and saw the Rock Island Line. I remembered a version of this from a movie called The General's Daughter.

[@spiderbrandt4066]

I have known this song for all most 50 years but never saw a video of it , so for me this is Awesome

[@johnanast3246]

2023- J.Anast- EL Paso,Illinois. My mom worked for the Rock Island line is the youngest female telegrapher in their history. She is honored in the Rock Island Museum in Chillicothe Illinois near Peoria Illinois. I will be presenting a recording of this song to that museum.. God bless us everyone

[@Wheels-Wheels-Wheels]

Oh I wish today's music was as much fun as this.

[@johnflanagan7653]

This was an immensely popular record and still sounds good.

[@andyanderson6958]

Back when music required talent, no auto tune and no lip syncing!

[@chuckg2016]

I was a kid in grade school when I first heard this song and loved it from the beginning. Great version!

[@dk6317]

Came here as this was my dad's favourite song. Miss him so much and miss hearing this song. Thank you for the memory

[@Coastcrawler]

boah... what an impressive recording. That is eight years before I am born. And is is so good even without playback.

[@edwd1]

In 1956 or 7, I hired an old car with really bad steering (90 degress play), and after school at Melton Mowbray drove to Grantham Drill Hall, with Gerry Woodcock to see Chris Barber, and his singer wife (forget her name for the moment), Lonnie and his skiffle group played this in a spot, complete with tea-chest bass! Absolutely wonderful. Thanks for the memory.

[@rodneykitchen3869]

Ottilie Paterson ? singer

[@brendastansbie6687]

I'm a bit late with this, but wasn't Chris Barber's wife Ottilie Patterson? They came to Birmingham Jazz Club in the fifties. Wonderful times!

[@davidsheriff8989]

Unforgettable

[@2322Hoover]

Top pro band, stunning musicianship, great atmosphere. Lonnie was a hard act to follow. Thank you for this.

[@ericacarradus9152]

Kicks Cash's arse and I never thought I'd say that!

[@suerichardson2067]

I came here after seeing this on the BBC documentary, 12.4.19. I am old enough to remember Lonnie but strangely enough not this particular song. Cumberland Gap and Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavour On the Bedpost Overnight....I recall well. His son Peter even sounds like Lonnie when he is talking. When Peter sang with Tom Jones it was a fantastic moment, I got goosebumps on me goosebumps!!

[@jaysunbrady]

Just got up after watching it last night myself.

[@sj44kiehavik50]

I still can remember listening to Lonnie singing ,, diggin' my potatoes'' and Chris Barber playing Ice Cream, on mom's and dad's old Philips radio, my brother and I swinging to it in our dypers. Chris and Lonnie were also a big hit in Holland. Now I know, that those guys were the spark and the fuel that really started the engine up of a big load of bands in the UK and shortly after that also on the main land.

[@jorgeestomba9888]

Had a tremendous influence on British Rock and the Invasion !!! Thank you Lonnie !!!

[@hollydruann]

I had no idea he wrote this. I thought it was Johnny cash my whole life. I grew up listening to my mom and her twin sister picking this and singing.

[@SpeegBJ]

Lonnie D. did not write this tune, it's a folk song from as far back as 1929. First recording 1934.

[@williamcervetti1455]

Right around this time my best friend in High School memorized this and made me sing it along ith him, Along with a few Robert Johnson tunes like Hell Hound on my TRail,

[@victorianguyen6620]

I did! I did! ✋✋! Tom is the best ever and and Lonnie's son, Peter, will b a legend in his own rite. Good advise his father gave him-to write his own music.

[@mikehazelwood6106]

I remember learning that song in the second grade, well over 50 years ago! Of course we sang it at a much slower beat, but it was considered a classic folk song!

[@adriancaldwell9300]

Genius is a fickle thing!

[@ladyblackstardust390]

This is a Freedom song. In July 1954 Englishman Lonnie Donegan recorded a fast version of Leadbelly's "Rock Island Line". It was a hit in 1956. Donegan made no money because it was a bandsong. It was the first debut record to go gold in the UK. It reached the US Top Ten. It proved greatly influential on musicians in their younger days and was a catalyst in their musical motivation and careers. The skiffle style encouraged amateurs and one of many groups that followed was the Quarrymen, formed in March 1957 by John Lennon.

[@johnsmith-bx4rn]

+Lady Blackstardust not sure about the rest of your info but Lonnie Donegan was a Scotsman born in Glassgow

[@jennifergarlinski7698]

Born in Scotland by the way.

[@kitcarson57]

Not an Englishman ! Lonnie was from Glasgow, Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@1man1bike1road]

had one album of his original copy likely 60s i think and i just loved the raw sound just come back for more of the same

[@Vinnie-pu9vw]

The Voice UK brought me here, his son was singing, did a good job, then he sang with Tom Jones.

[@suerichardson2067]

OUCH!!!!!

[@johnsmith-rs2vk]

When music had a meaning ,was understood and appreciated .

[@jhelcruel4401]

I'm here because of his son😘

[@michaeldonegan1070]

Need to start listening to more of him

[@myepiphone]

So glad this footage survives, so much footage has been wiped, lost forever.

[@MauricedelPrado]

Came here because Patrick Stewart mentions Lonnie multiple times in his (Patrick's) autobiography, "Making it so". Lonnie is amazing. All the adulation in these comments are comments are merited. He should be in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.

[@moonoggin]

This guy is a brilliant interpreter of story and song. Such a joy to hear him. Thanks for posting.

[@Billdick360]

A song written by an African American.

[@sciexp]

Amazing performance... Thanks for sharing this ...

[@robertvanderclock2657]

LONNIE!! What a talent.

[@calibansfriend]

This is Laurie. I grew up with this and my dad when he was old and pulling little old man stunts, (like taking up smoking again) and I would call him on it and he'd deny it, later he'd say "I fooled ya, I fooled ya" and later"you know you're going miss me when I'm gone." And dad? He was right.....

[@calibansfriend]

@Dan Dugan Everyone loved dad he had a great sense of humor. FOR example he said "if my daughter ever would buy me lunch I'd have a stroke" and the day he died, I DID and an hour later he died. He used to say regarding trains "that SOB is so cheap if locomotives were selling for $100, he wouldn't buy the echo off the whistle." RIP Paul Dwight Lampe 1927 to 2013. Thanks....

[@SPOOKS28]

Saw lonnie donegan and others in the summer of 55 or 56 in blackpool i was about 12 It was a good show

[@colinjennings3661]

This is quite brilliant. Lonnie Donegan is very underrated.

[@robertomoi2044]

Hes never been underrated by anyone.

[@louisparsons1968]

If you’re trying to trace rock and roll back to it roots you’re heading straight to two things. The Blues and Lonnie Donegan

[@ladyvoice7747]

I did the exact same thing 😀 however I’m never gonna fall in love again is great favourite song of mine

[@carlharrison1765]

Wow! The Beginnings of British Rock n Roll, still go wild to this A big salute to Lonnie and the Band, again WOW xxx

[@77wallasey]

That is frickin' brilliant!

[@firsteerr]

lonnie donegan the ground zero for the whole British rock industry for then next forty years !!!

[@williamredfern2683]

It's great to see that young people like his music ,,it was wild then it still is ,,

[@SISU889]

My god what a difference this guy made to music ! RIP.

[@richardpalmer7640]

My god I was only 4 years old when I last heard this fantastic song Godbless mr lonnie Donegon ❤❤❤

[@aalanireland3982]

I remember seeing Lonnie Donagan at the Liverpool Empire in the early 60s. Des O'Conner was on the same blill. Lonnie was different from the American pop music we where subjected to at that time. His music inspired a lot of people.

[@James-vv9fr]

I remember watching this when I was about 10 in England and he really got my attention

[@stevemanleycbg.5232]

One of if not the most important songs in british music .it all started here!

[@iainkenworthyneale]

I saw him once in a club in Birkenhead circa 1975. A consumate entertainer. Greatly underated.

[@sauquoit13456]

On this day in 1956 {May 19th} Lonnie Donegan and his Skiffle Group performed "Rock Island Line" on the NBC-TV program 'The Perry Como Show'... At the time the song was at #24 on Billboard's Top 100 chart; one month earlier on April 5th, 1956 it had peaked at #8 {for 1 week} on Billboard's Best Sellers in Stores chart and stayed on the Top 100 for 17 weeks... The group had two other records make the Top 100; "Lost John" (#58 in 1956) and "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose It's Flavor (On the Bedpost Overnight)" (#5 in 1961)... R.I.P. Mr. Donegan, born Anthony James Donegan MBE, {1931 - 2002}...

[@aidanhickey9845]

Wow I finally get it. Right at 3:34, that's where Lennon got it from. Absolutely fantastic.