IT’S more than 35 years ago, but even today these guys look cool being in a band. Not the one in the front mugging it up for the camera – that’s the legendary Glasgow-born Lonnie Donegan who inspired more young men in Britain to take up the guitar than anyone else.
Behind him is the Glasgow band Shakin’ Pyramids, a rockabilly group who started off busking in Glasgow’s streets before making a few critically-acclaimed but modestly-selling records, including an EP – remember them? – with Lonnie in 1981.
Lonnie, who died in 2002, brought the music of skiffle and blues from America to Britain. He is probably best known for his cheery ditty My Old Man’s A Dustman, although the breadth of his music was far greater than that would suggest.
Apart from his own string of hits including Rock Island Line, Cumberland Gap, Puttin’ On the Style and Battle of New Orleans, he also wrote for Elvis Presley and Tom Jones.
Born in 1931 into a musical family in Bridgeton – his father was a classical violinist – Lonnie moved with his parents to London when he was two and, although he spoke like a Londoner, he was always proud of his Scottishness.
His real name was Tony Donegan but when he appeared on the same bill as guitarist Lonnie Johnson, the confused MC introduced him as Lonnie Donegan and the name stuck.
Although he left Glasgow at such a young age he always enjoyed coming back to play in the city.
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