My point about Cliff and the Drifters being the first true British RnR band is that, although Tommy Steele had what is known as our first RnR hit, he wasnt really a RnR artist, "Rock with the Caveman" is a very weak song, its a record company contrived piece of garbage really, all his RnR records were. He was placed to get teenagers to spend theyre new found wealth...he was a 1950´s version of an Xfactor winner. but probably more forgettable. They all were untill Cliff and the Drifters arrived. I personally think that those early RnR hits like "Rock around the Clock" "Rock with the Caveman" etc etc, are more swing/big band orientated. My personal favourite by Billy Fury is "Wonderous Place" it still sounds fresh today, if he sung the killer lyric any slower it would be a ballad, if he sang it any faster it would be a pop song, he gets it smack on......although i love him doing "Dont Knock Upon My Door" fantastic stuff....
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