PL: ‘Rockin’ Fifties’ Golden Oldies from the 1950’s
Take a nostalgic journey back to the fabulous 1950s with “Rockin’ Fifties,” a celebration of the classic sounds that defined an era. This playlist features a mix of rock ‘n’ roll hits, doo-wop harmonies, and early rhythm and blues from iconic artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Johnnie Ray, and Patti Page. Whether it’s the upbeat tempos that make you want to dance or the heartfelt ballads that tug at your heartstrings, these tracks capture the essence of a decade marked by cultural transformation and musical innovation. Perfect for anyone who lived through the 50s or those eager to explore its rich musical heritage, “Rockin’ Fifties” will have you tapping your toes and singing along to the timeless tunes that shaped a generation.
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Playlist track information
“Mona Lisa” – Nat King Cole
Release Date: 1950
Genre: Pop/Jazz
Notes: A huge hit for Nat King Cole, it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
“Goodnight Irene” – Gordon Jenkins and The Weavers
Release Date: 1950
Genre: Folk
Notes: A traditional folk song that topped the charts for 13 weeks in 1950.
“Too Young” – Nat King Cole
Release Date: 1951
Genre: Pop
Notes: One of the best-selling songs of 1951, featuring Cole’s smooth vocal style.
“Cry” – Johnnie Ray
Release Date: 1951
Genre: Pop
Notes: A major pop hit, Johnnie Ray’s emotional delivery made him an early heartthrob.
“Wheel of Fortune” – Kay Starr
Release Date: 1952
Genre: Pop
Notes: One of the top-selling songs of the year, blending pop with jazz influences.
“You Belong to Me” – Jo Stafford
Release Date: 1952
Genre: Pop
Notes: A ballad that was a crossover hit in both pop and country charts.
“How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?” – Patti Page
Release Date: 1953
Genre: Pop
Notes: A charming novelty song that was a major hit, especially popular on jukeboxes.
“Vaya Con Dios” – Les Paul and Mary Ford
Release Date: 1953
Genre: Pop
Notes: A melodic and harmonious duet that topped the charts in 1953.
“Mr. Sandman” – The Chordettes
Release Date: 1954
Genre: Doo-Wop/Pop
Notes: A playful, catchy tune that became an iconic ’50s hit with its harmonized vocals.
“Sh-Boom” – The Chords
Release Date: 1954
Genre: Doo-Wop/R&B
Notes: One of the first R&B songs to cross over to the pop charts, paving the way for doo-wop.
“Rock Around the Clock” – Bill Haley & His Comets
Release Date: 1954 (hit in 1955)
Genre: Rock ‘n’ Roll
Notes: Considered one of the first major rock ‘n’ roll hits, it became the anthem of a generation.
“The Ballad of Davy Crockett” – Bill Hayes
Release Date: 1955
Genre: Folk/Pop
Notes: A catchy folk song tied to the Disney TV series about the legendary frontiersman.
“Heartbreak Hotel” – Elvis Presley
Release Date: 1956
Genre: Rock ‘n’ Roll
Notes: Elvis’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard chart, establishing him as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
“Blue Suede Shoes” – Carl Perkins
Release Date: 1956
Genre: Rockabilly
Notes: A rockabilly anthem that was later covered by Elvis Presley, furthering its fame.
“Jailhouse Rock” – Elvis Presley
Release Date: 1957
Genre: Rock ‘n’ Roll
Notes: A smash hit for Elvis, also featured in his iconic film of the same name.
“That’ll Be the Day” – Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Release Date: 1957
Genre: Rock ‘n’ Roll
Notes: A defining track for Buddy Holly, marking his entry into rock ‘n’ roll stardom.
“Johnny B. Goode” – Chuck Berry
Release Date: 1958
Genre: Rock ‘n’ Roll
Notes: One of the most iconic rock songs of all time, celebrating the rise of guitar-driven rock.
“All I Have to Do Is Dream” – The Everly Brothers
Release Date: 1958
Genre: Pop/Rock ‘n’ Roll
Notes: A harmonious pop ballad that topped multiple charts and is still beloved today.
“Mack the Knife” – Bobby Darin
Release Date: 1959
Genre: Pop/Jazz
Notes: A jazzy adaptation of a song from The Threepenny Opera, Darin’s version became a huge hit.
“What’d I Say” – Ray Charles
Release Date: 1959
Genre: Rhythm and Blues
Notes: A groundbreaking song that blended gospel, R&B, and jazz, it became one of Ray Charles’ signature songs.
Honourable Mentions:
“Hound Dog” – Elvis Presley (1956)
“La Bamba” – Ritchie Valens (1958)
“Great Balls of Fire” – Jerry Lee Lewis (1957)
“Tutti Frutti” – Little Richard (1955)
“Chances Are” – Johnny Mathis (1957)
Disclaimer: The music featured in this playlist is curated for your easy access and listening pleasure. I do not own the rights to any of the music contained within these playlists. All content is owned by the respective artists and creators.
We strive to make our playlists available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. However, due to licensing differences, some playlists may vary slightly between platforms, and in some cases, may not be available on certain platforms.
All playlists on this site are thoughtfully curated, and I encourage you to be part of the process! Feel free to share your suggestions, offer changes, or recommend new tracks by commenting below. Let’s build a community of great music together!
