Astonishingly, PUTTIN’ ON THE STYLE is the first biography of one of Britain’s greatest musicians and innovators, Lonnie Donegan. The book bounds along with the same energy as Lonnie himself as it recounts his days in Chris Barber’s Jazz Band, his years as the King of Skiffle and the many different things he tried when the bubble burst. Lonnie’s extraordinary, larger than life personality bursts off every page and, like him or loathe him, you will be captivated by the way he takes control of every situation. The book ends with an hilarious account of his creative but tetchy relationship with Van Morrison.

The well-known music writer, Spencer Leigh, has spoken to scores of musicians and backroom people about Lonnie including Kenny Ball, Chris Barber, Dickie Bishop, Oscar Brand, Joe Brown, Jack Bruce, Diz Disley, Adam Faith, Arlo Guthrie, Doug Kershaw, Finbar Furey, Chas McDevitt, George Melly, Gerry Rafferty, Monty Sunshine, Josh White Jr, Marty Wilde and many of his band members. Spencer also draws on several interviews he had with Lonnie over the years.

PUTTIN’ ON THE STYLE - The Lonnie Donegan Story is frank, funny and perceptive and abounds with the same good humour that made HALFWAY TO PARADISE, Britpop 1955 - 1962 and BABY, THAT IS ROCK AND ROLL, American Pop, 1954 -1963 so successful. As with those two books, there are pages of contemporary cuttings from the remarkable collection of John Firminger.

“Lonnie was singing black music before we even knew it existed.”
Adam Faith

“I was always a shouter and a screamer and a thumper and banger and I have never been accused of over-finesse.”
Lonnie Donegan

“Lonnie Donegan’s version of ‘Frankie And Johnnie’ is the best blues singing I have ever heard in this country from any white singer, it’s great.”
Marty Wilde

“Lonnie’s skilful enough and he certainly found a formula, but I wasn’t potty about him.”
George Melly

“Nobody on the stage is well-adjusted. We are all searching desperately for attention and affection.”
Lonnie Donegan

“Many people would cringe in England when they heard Lonnie sing ‘The Battle Of New Orleans’ as it was about a British defeat, but they loved the record in Germany and Ireland. It was as popular as any of the rebel songs in Ireland!”
Finbar Furey