In the early 1960’s the “teenager” began to become recognized. In the 1950’s daughters were like younger versions of their mothers, now for the first time teenagers had their own money as employment was high. “After handing mum a pound or two, they are left with more spending money than most of their elders”, this extra money meant they could afford to buy different fashions, music, and magazines from their parents. As they had money to spend things were aimed at teenagers as companies realised they could make money out of them. Source H Shows a view that teenagers now have “power” because of their money.
Magazines such as “Honey” and “19” were brought out for “Teenagers” for the first time in 1961. These kinds of magazines had never been around before they provided information on the latest fashions and music and were designed specially for Teenagers.
America was a big influence to Britain’s music and film industry, American singer “Elvis Presley” was one of the most popular singers in Britain in the late 50’s and early 60’s, popular actor “James Dean” was also American, and most films in the cinema were American. American trends were often copied and many American hit’s were covered by British singers. Some Stars who followed American trends were Cliff Richard, Tommy Steele and Billy fury.
Television in the 1960’s did not pay a lot of attention to popular music and did not cater for teenagers very well, although better than the radio. The programmes on the radio hardly ever played records so soon teenagers turned to Radio Luxemburg even though it was very poor quality as it was the only way to listen to the latest popular records. Source E describes the “Lousy Reception” but explains how important it was “hearing all the pop songs we’d ever desired”. The only pop music shows on television in the early 60’s were ‘six five special’ and ‘Juke box jury’, these showed that teenagers were becoming more noticed and catered for.
One of the popular styles in the early 1960’s was the “Beatniks” which were similar to hippies. They often dressed in black, had messy beards and hung around in coffee bars. Musicians such as Bob Dylan were popular among Beatniks.
In the early 1960’s popular culture was heavily influenced by America and the1950’s in Britain. Singers such as Elvis Presley from America were very popular and many British singers copied the styles of American music. Soap Operas were beginning to break through and be seen on telly for the first time. The British film industry was very weak and American films were shown in the cinema, starring Actors such as James Dean, Who was very popular in Britain.
The “teenager” was for the first time being recognised and gaining independence and money. Their new found money could afford their music magazines cosmetics and entertainment. Daughters no longer looked like miniature versions of their mothers.