Lonnie Donegan

The originator of "skiffle" and a major figure in the music industry throughout the U.K. and beyond, Lonnie Donegan proved an irreplaceably influential figure to such timelessly popular bands as the Beatles, among countless others. Born Anthony Donegan in Glasgow, Scotland, Donegan mastered multiple instruments before borrowing the moniker of blues legend Lonnie Johnson and joining Ken Coyler's blues band in the early '50s. Later forming the Lonnie Donegan Skiffle Group and scoring a hit on both sides of the pond with "Rock Island Line," Donegan's unique blend of jazz and country blues had music lovers tapping their feet and musicians worldwide forming their own skiffle groups. Though the popularity of skiffle would gradually wane, Donegan remained a popular fixture of the cabaret circuit, and his company, Tyler Music, signed many popular bands. In film, Donegan composed music for and appeared in the 1957 feature Light Fingers in addition to appearing in Six-Five Special (1958). Suffering several heart attacks in his later years, Donegan continued to tour until his failing health forced him to slow his pace. Never able to resist the limelight, the legendary musician collapsed while on a 2002 tour of England and died shortly thereafter. He was 71.

~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide