Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, WA Home Inspector (King of the House)

Actually, there were two British artists, who made it to the top of the American charts, prior to that wave of young UK artists that has since been termed the British Invasion.

This time, I am telling you about the first British artist to ever attain the #1 position on the Billboard chart. I will write about the second such song, and the group that performed it, in yet another post. That first artist and song, to hit #1, was released almost two years before the Beatles became the first wave of the British invasion.

This first artist, when I identify him, might be a surprise to you. You have probably heard the song, or heard of it at least. It was a mellow instrumental.

The groundbreaking song was written and recorded by a 33 year-old clarinetist from Somerset, England. When the artist first wrote the tune, it was called Jenny. But the BBC had a new kid's TV show called "Stranger on the Shore" and they needed a theme song. The clarinetist renamed his song, to fit the show, and that theme went to #2 in the UK. Over here it topped the charts at #1 for one week in May 1962.

I remember first hearing the song in 1966. I was visiting my uncle, who must have been 70 at the time. He knew I was into the Beatles, the Stones and radio. He took me aside and said "here listen to this one, this is real music and it comes from England too." I found it interesting but it did not change my tastes in music.

Here is Mr. Acker Bilk, a few years later, hitting all the right notes for Stranger on the Shore. When you think about music from England, just remember he was #1 before the Beatles. 

For more "Stories Behind the Music" click on the guitar  

  Steven L. Smith

 Bellingham WA Home Inspections