Rock Legends

The origins of the British Rhythm & Blues were in the jazz, skiffle and folk movements of the 1950s. Chris Barber was one its early figures helping establish the Marquee Club, the key venue for British R&B bands. The 1958 visit of Muddy Waters influenced Blues Incorporated, with other bands emerging including the Animals from Newcastle, the Spencer Davies Group and the Yardbirds from London. British R&B had a harder edge born of black American blues with a gritty, syncopated sound and guitar-heavy mix.