Jeff Evans Explores the History of Rock and Pop on British Television

From the early days of rock and roll to the iconic performances of David Bowie and The Beatles, television has played a huge part in shaping popular music. Author and television historian Jeff Evans joined Paul Walter on Kennet Radio to discuss the fascinating history of music on our screens and the release of the updated edition of his book, Rock & Pop on British TV: The Definitive History.

Jeff, who has spent decades writing about television and music, explained that his fascination began during his childhood in Wales, where his older brother and sister introduced him to pop music at an early age.

“Some of my earliest memories are actually of watching some of those television pop shows from the early 1960s,” he recalled, mentioning programmes such as Ready Steady Go! and Top of the Pops.

His lifelong interest eventually inspired him to bring together the complete story of pop music on British television, resulting in the first edition of his book ten years ago.

During the interview, Jeff explored some of the pioneering programmes that brought rock and roll into British living rooms. He highlighted the importance of Six-Five Special, which launched on the BBC in 1957, and its producer Jack Good, who recognised the excitement that the new American music was generating among young people.

Good went on to create ITV’s Oh Boy!, a programme devoted entirely to rock and roll, helping to establish the format for generations of music shows.

“Jack Good was the godfather of pop music on television,” Jeff explained, describing how his approach transformed music broadcasting in Britain and later influenced American television.

The conversation also turned to Ready Steady Go!, which launched in 1963 and became one of the defining programmes of the decade. Although it ran for just three years, it showcased artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and some of the biggest names in Motown.

Jeff described how the programme captured much more than music, reflecting the fashions, dancing and culture of Swinging London.

Another memorable moment discussed was David Bowie’s performance of Starman on Top of the Pops in 1972. Jeff explained how Bowie’s colourful appearance, make-up and androgynous stage presence had a profound influence on young viewers, inspiring many to express their individuality.

The discussion naturally returned to Top of the Pops itself, which began on New Year’s Day in 1964 and continued for an extraordinary 42 years. At its peak during the late 1970s, the programme attracted audiences of up to 20 million viewers.

Jeff suggested that the arrival of colour television, combined with the spectacular costumes and performances of glam rock artists, helped make the programme essential viewing.

“I don’t think it’s any coincidence that glam rock arrived just after colour television arrived,” he said.

The interview also explored why traditional pop music programmes have largely disappeared from our screens. Jeff pointed to the rise of the internet, which made music videos and chart information instantly accessible, changing the way audiences discovered and enjoyed music.

One notable survivor is Later… with Jools Holland, which Jeff believes has endured because of its ability to bring together different musical styles and generations rather than focusing solely on the current charts.

Jools Holland also has a connection to Jeff’s newly updated book, having written its foreword. The expanded second edition includes additional research, new interviews and previously untold stories about some of television’s best-known music programmes.

Jeff rounded off the interview with the story of The Beatles’ first national television appearance in January 1963, performing Please Please Me on Thank Your Lucky Stars. He explained how heavy snowfall kept millions of people indoors watching television, helping introduce the relatively unknown group to a much wider audience.

Within weeks, The Beatles were topping the charts, and as Jeff observed, “The world was never the same again.”

Rock & Pop on British TV: The Definitive History is available to order through bookshops and online. Anyone wishing to purchase a signed copy can contact Jeff directly through his website at www.jeffevans.co.uk.

You can listen to the full interview with Jeff Evans on Kennet Radio here: