It's interesting to read through the whole thread and see which performers from the 1950s and early '60s inspired the posters here, or got them started in a particular type of musical genre. Also interesting to see the US take on those performers.

I can't speak for everyone of my generation in the UK but, over here, a huge number of budding musicians were influenced by Lonnie Donegan and - without knowing it, therefore - trombonist and bass player Chris Barber. Barber was the first person I'm aware of who brought black American musicians like Bill Broonzy over to this country in the 1950s. Trumpeter Ken Colyer had started injecting skiffle sessions in the intervals of his jazz evenings and, when he left to form a new band, Barber continued them. Donegan's career mushroomed out of the music - and it spawned a new breed of guitar player.

(I never cared for the Kingston Trio and was effectively turned off Peter, Paul & Mary when they recorded "Puff the Magic Dragon"! What seemed so much more vital and raw, at the time, were performers like Eddie Cochran and early Elvis, Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. Commercial, of course, but full of guts.)

However, because of the influence of Donegan, who sang stuff by Leadbelly, I then listened to Leadbelly and - bingo! - the music clicked. A lifelong interest in blues - and thence ragtime, old-time, jazz and then (ironically) in folk tunes from the UK kicked off. And I still love Eddie Cochran!