The time of his life

"It was like a gradually evolving thing that happened," he said.

After a war period turned into one of hope and optimism, a new media era spread news further and faster and rock 'n' roll lit the touch paper.

Marty said: "It was about 1955 when I first heard rock 'n' roll. It was a colossal thing for everyone that lived at the time. And that's why people pour into my shows now!

"It was exciting, it was fantastic and it was all new. You've got to realise that prior to rock 'n' roll coming in, it was all very tame. There were big bands making great music technically, but youngsters wanted something more exciting. Rock 'n' roll had the rhythm. Like billions of people, I love the rhythm."

For full feature and more arts and entertainment see West Sussex Gazette April 29