McCartney page 5

 McCartney page 5 by ric gustafson

In 1955, an American film caused the young people of England to talk. The film was called ' Blackboard Jungle'. The song the young people in England were talking about was ' Rock around the Clock'. The group singing it was Bill Haley and the Comets. The song went to number 1 on the charts.

When Haley's popularity quickly faded, another rock and roller from the US came on the English scene. His name was Elvis Presley. In Jan 1956, Presley came out with ' Heartbreak Hotel'. Presley dressed like a Teddy Boy. He had black backswept hair and broody eyes. Paul loved Elvis right away.

Paul also loved the first black rock and roller. His name was Little Richard. His trademark was a demented shriek and camp that went over most British heads.

Jim McCartney had a bulky valve operated wireless. He gave his two sons Bakelite headphones. Both boys enjoyed listening to Radio Luxembourg. From that station, they could listen to Elvis, Little Richard, Fats Domino and Chuck Berry. Paul began to style his hair like Elvis. The Institute was Paul's grammar school. The school had a strict dress code. At 14, Paul had to follow the rules or be punished.

research help: ' Paul McCartney the Life' by Philip Norman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric