skiffle
genre of folk music with jazz, blues, folk, and roots influences
Skiffle is a sound that feels like a raucous celebration in the back alleys of post-war Britain. It embodies a spirited blend of folk, jazz, and blues, driven by homemade instruments like washboards and tea chests. The energy is vibrant and infectious, with a loose, organic feel that invites participation. You can hear the joy and resourcefulness in every strum and stomp, as if each note carries the laughter of friends gathering for a sing-along on a rainy afternoon.
Emerging in the early 1950s, skiffle was born from the desire to create something fresh out of the rubble of wartime. Influenced by American folk and jazz traditions, it offered a raw counterpoint to the polished pop music dominating the charts. Key figures like Lonnie Donegan, whose hit "Rock Island Line" helped propel skiffle into the mainstream, along with groups like The Vipers Skiffle Group, defined this moment with their infectious energy and DIY ethos. The movement was both a musical revolution and a cultural statement against the status quo, inviting young people to pick up instruments and make music together.
For newcomers curious about skiffle, start with Lonnie Donegan’s "Lonnie Donegan Showcase," which captures the genre's essence perfectly. The Vipers’ "The Vipers Skiffle Group" delivers delightful charm and energy that showcases the group’s playful spirit. Don't miss out on "Skiffle Songs" by The Chas McDevitt Skiffle Group; it’s an essential listen full of catchy tunes that highlight storytelling through song. Finally, check out performances from The Quarrymen (the early incarnation of The Beatles) to see how skiffle influenced some of rock's biggest icons. Once you've soaked all this in, you might find yourself drawn to the world of folk revival or even early British rock.
28 artists in the catalog.
Guides for skiffle artists
Top skiffle albums
See essentials
All skiffle artists
Cliff Richard
contemporary Christian music, pop music
Hugues Aufray
ballade, chanson
Bill Wyman
blues rock, rhythm and blues
The Quarrymen
blues, rock and roll
Lonnie Donegan
pop music
Banjo Band
country music, jazz
The Lords
beat music, rock music
Danny Thompson
blues, folk music
The Notting Hillbillies
alternative rock, country music
The Walkers
country music, pop music
Die Rhöner Säuwäntzt
The Dodge Brothers
Joe Brown
rock and roll
Thrill Collins
Ivan Vaughan
Clinton Ford
About skiffle
What is skiffle?
genre of folk music with jazz, blues, folk, and roots influences
Where should I start with skiffle?
Start with "Real as I Wanna Be" by Cliff Richard. It captures what makes skiffle worth exploring.
What are the best skiffle albums?
The skiffle albums worth hearing first: "Real as I Wanna Be" by Cliff Richard, "Bold as Brass" by Cliff Richard, "21 Today" by Cliff Richard, "Songs from Heathcliff" by Cliff Richard and "Cliff Richard" by Cliff Richard.
How many skiffle artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 28 skiffle artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.