How Two Eyes By Tommy Steele Was Influenced By Early Skiffle Music

March 21, 2025

Tommy Steele stood backstage, heart racing, just moments before stepping into the spotlight. The chatter of the crowd buzzed like a thousand bees, filling the air with anticipation. This was no ordinary show for him; it was a chance to share a piece of his life with the audience through his song “Two Eyes.” But behind the cheerful tune and catchy lyrics lay a tale deeply rooted in the early days of skiffle music, a genre that had changed everything for him.

In the late 1950s, skiffle music, a mix of folk, blues, and jazz, captured the hearts of young people all over Britain. It was raw and energetic, often played with homemade instruments, reflecting the struggles and dreams of the youth. Tommy, a teenage lad in London, stumbled upon this vibrant sound while listening to a friend strum a guitar on a weathered wooden crate. The rhythm ignited something within him, a passion that would soon turn into a fierce desire to create and perform. Inspired by artists like Lonnie Donegan, who made skiffle wildly popular, Tommy began to experiment with his own music, blending his unique storytelling style with the upbeat, infectious sounds of skiffle.

As he wrote “Two Eyes,” he poured his soul into the lyrics, capturing the longing and joy of young love. The song told the story of seeing the world through the eyes of someone special, and it resonated deeply with the experiences of his generation. Tommy knew he had something special, and with the help of his friends and the vibrant skiffle scene, he took a leap of faith, performing at local clubs and honing his craft. Every chord he strummed and every note he sang felt like a step closer to realizing his dreams.

Despite the challenges he faced, including rejection and self-doubt, Tommy’s relentless passion shone through. He refused to give up, pouring every ounce of his energy into perfecting his music. In a twist of fate, his dedication paid off when “Two Eyes” caught the attention of a record producer. That moment marked a turning point in his life. With the influence of skiffle still echoing in his work, the song became a hit, soaring to the top of the charts and opening doors that had once seemed firmly shut.

As he performed “Two Eyes” to a cheering crowd that night, the joy radiating from the audience filled Tommy with a sense of fulfillment he had never known. It was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of resilience and the power of music. Looking out into the sea of faces, he saw the same passion and dreams he had once felt himself. In that moment, he understood that skiffle had not only influenced his music but had also given him the strength to chase his dreams against all odds. Tommy Steele had transformed from a young boy strumming a guitar to a beloved artist, inspiring countless others to find their voices and never stop believing in themselves.