All the best bands are British; British music is derivative

[Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party]

I remember reading years ago (sorry, cannot remember the source) that one of the reasons Liverpool became a hotbed of music in the early 60s was because it was a port city.

This is true. American music came into the north of England through Liverpool. Northern soul all nighters sprang up in mining towns around Liverpool where it became really popular. Fans would go to these nights to dance and trade rare records.