skiffle

Skiffle is a style of music most strongly associated with Britain in the 1950s, though the word had earlier uses in American music. In its best-known sense, it refers to a lively, informal mix of folk, blues, jazz, and related roots styles. One of its most famous features is the use of simple or homemade instruments: washboards for rhythm, tea-chest basses for bass lines, and acoustic guitars for the main drive. The sound was energetic, rhythmic, and open to players who had more enthusiasm than training.

The style became widely known through performers such as Lonnie Donegan. His recordings, especially "Rock Island Line," helped turn skiffle into a major craze and inspired many young people to start bands of their own. For that reason, skiffle has an important place in music history: it helped open the door for many later British rock musicians, including members of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

The word usually refers to that specific musical style and period rather than to any informal performance in general. When people use it, they often want to suggest homemade instruments, a fast and lively feel, and a do-it-yourself spirit. Even though the style's peak was brief, its influence on British popular music was lasting.