Pop Music

The Pop Music section of the British Library Sound Archive holds one of the most wide-ranging collections of popular music in the world. We do not believe in any simple definition of what
constitutes "Pop" music and our collection reflects the diversity of styles that have been popular over the years, from early 20th Century music hall to the latest rock, jazz and dance music.

We try to collect and preserve copies of every recording commercially issued in the UK. We also acquire pop videos, radio and television programmes and make our own recordings at festivals, conferences and seminars. All of these, together with our extensive reference library and on-line services combine to provide the premier public research facility for pop music in the UK