Like DonM I turned 13 in 1956, what perfect timing - a new teenager synching with the new music. First record I bought was Bill Haley & The Comets' "Hook, Line and Sinker"/"Goofin Around".

Skiffle, a kind of acoustic American folk music, was the starting point in the UK. Early hits by Lonnie Donegan (Puttin' On The Style, Cumberland Gap), Nancy Whisky (Freight Train), etc. had everyone pestering their parents for a cheap guitar.

Then things got electrified and the rock acts came along, Elvis copies for the most part: Marty Wilde, Cliff Richard, Terry Dene, Billy Fury. Groups were springing up everywhere doing covers of American R&B acts like The Orlons, The Exciters, The Drifters, etc.

Great days, indeed. If I'd had the choice, I don't think I'd have chosen any other era in which to grow up.