Skiffle is a music genre that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1950s. It combines elements of folk, jazz, and blues, often featuring homemade or improvised instruments like washboards, tea chest basses, and acoustic guitars. Skiffle bands typically perform upbeat, lively songs, making the genre popular among youth during that era. The movement gained significant popularity with the rise of groups like Lonnie Donegan, who is often credited with bringing skiffle into the mainstream. Skiffle played a crucial role in influencing later music styles, including British rock and pop, and helped pave the way for famous bands like The Beatles.