July 4, 1776, the United States declares its independence from Britain. For close to two centuries, the U.S. was free from British control. That changed, at least musically, in 1964.
The British completely took over the pop music charts in America. In the mid-60’s, if you didn’t have long hair and a British accent, you didn’t make it.
British Invasion groups often made appearances on the ABC-TV program, “Shindig.”
From tv.com:
Shindig! was a rock 'n' roll series that ran from September 16, 1964 through January 8, 1966 on the ABC network.
Shindig! was created and produced by Jack Good who had previously produced rock 'n' roll TV shows in his native Britain. There, he perfected his style of fast-paced rock music programming. In 1962, Good produced a pilot for American TV. The pilot, titled "Young America Swings the World," eventually became the blueprint for Shindig!
Shindig! premiered on September 16, 1964. During its first season, Shindig was broadcast Wednesdays at 8:30pm Eastern. It started as a half-hour show but expanded to an hour in January 1965.
Shindig! was different from previous U.S. rock 'n' roll programs. It featured non-stop music that, in most cases, was only interrupted by the commercial breaks. And the music was live...or so it seemed. In recent years it's been revealed that the backing music and most of the vocals were pre-recorded. Often, the guests would record special versions of their songs for Shindig. The music and vocal tracks were recorded a day or two before the episode was videotaped. The performers then rehearsed numerous times to make sure that their "mimed" performances looked live. (In some cases the vocals were live.)
Shindig! was hosted by Los Angeles disc-jockey Jimmy O'Neill. Other series regulars included the Blossoms, a female group who provided the back-up singing. The Wellingtons were the male back-up singers. There were also the Shindig dancers, a troupe made up of 10 (or so) teenage girls who did choreographed dance steps.
Shindig's cancellation was part of a mid-season reshuffle at ABC, which the network called "The Second Season." The final Shindig aired on January 8, 1966. As if to add insult to injury, many of the songs performed on that final Shindig were presented as sketches saluting the new ABC shows! One of these sketches was a tribute to "Batman," the series that replaced Shindig!
Tonight on Friday Night Live, the British Invasion (OK, baby boomers, see how many you remember).
Pass the tea and crumpets.
Time for another course.
The British Invasion.
Shindig.
The mid-60's.
ABC -TV.
Before we say goodnight, a very special encore presentation.
After all...
It wouldn't be a true British Invasion......
Without.....
