I know that 61 is not really a recognised anniversary, but I fancied doing homage to 1960, with a nod to the Billy Joel song:-
Eddie Cochran - Jimmy Jones - Connie Francis - Tommy Bruce - Lonnie D. - Everlys and Adam Faith - Michael Cox (who he?) - Connie Stevens - Jim Reeves and Tommy Steele. Johnny and his Hurricanes - Johnny K and his Pirates - Gene Vincent - Neil Sedaka -Duane Eddy - Billy Fury - Cliff Richard - Frank Sinatra - Steve Lawrence - Freddie Cannon - Brenda Lee - Nat King Cole - Emil Ford - Russ Conway - Dave Sampson(who he?) - Teresa Brewer(who she?).
That is just the top 30 from 30/06/1960 - depending on which chart you use. Were there not giants in those days? Chance is we will not see their like again.
As its just passed Hogmanay (and not attempting the accent!)
Here's to us, few like us and those nearly all gone,
Kindest regards,
Christopher