A new countdown- 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1950s. Continues tomorrow.

Caffé Latté presents...

THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE

1950s

Rhythm and blues, country and folk music were coming together to create the first rock and roll records. Cashed up youths started spending their money on the new genre. Radio exposed audiences to exciting new sounds and artists. Labels such as Sun, Atlantic and Chess began to flourish. The 1950s created a revolution with the arrival of rock music.

This countdown looks back on 200 recordings that had a lasting impact at the time, and- in most cases- beyond that decade. At the start of the 1950s, music was targeted to segregated audiences. Rock ‘n’ Roll was dismissed by many as a passing fad. By the end of the decade, rock was established as the dominant genre in popular music. These 200 sons form part of the soundtrack of rebellion…

200

RAINING IN MY HEART

Buddy Holly

Buddy Holly remains one of rock music’s most influential artists. His version of “Raining In My Heart” was issued in 1959. The song was written by Boudleaux & Felice Bryant.

199

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO MAKE THOSE EYES AT ME FOR?

Emile Ford & The Checkmates

Although born in the Caribbean, Emile Ford relocated to England where he scored a #1 hit with "What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For?"

198

RUNNING BEAR

Johnny Preston

"Running Bear" was penned by The Big Bopper (J. P. Richardson). Johnny Preston's single- issued in 1959- topped the US and UK charts as well as peaking at #3 on the R&B listing the following year.

197

OH WHAT A DREAM

Ruth Brown

In 1954, "Oh What A Dream" was an 8-week R&B Chart #1 for Ruth Brown. The song, penned by Chuck Willis, helped to cement her place as one of the seminal rhythm and blues / rock female vocalists.

196

PARTY DOLL

Buddy Knox

Buddy Knox kicked off his chart run with "Party Doll". The song, co-written by him and Jimmy Bowen, peaked at #2 in America during 1957. He helped usher in the "pop-abilly" sound which combined rockabilly and pop music.

195

THE HAPPY ORGAN

Dave “Baby” Cortez

David Cortez Clowney scored an American #1 in 1959 with an instrumental he co-wrote entitled "The Happy Organ". It was issued under his moniker Dave "Baby" Cortez.

194

ROCK ISLAND LINE

Lonnie Donegan

Lonnie Donegan was a significant exponent of skiffle music. His 1955 US and UK Top 10 hit "Rock Island Line" inspired countless new British guitarists and musicians. Among the youths he inspired were future members of The Beatles: George Harrison, Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

193

HONEY LOVE

 The Drifters featuring
Clyde McPhatter

In 1954, "Honey Love" brought The Drifters onto the US Pop chart for the first time. It was also the vocal group's second #1 R&B hit. This early configuration of The Drifters featured Clyde McPhatter on lead vocals.

192

ONE NIGHT

Elvis Presley

Originally recorded by Smiley Lewis in 1956, "One Night" became a new hit for Elvis Presley when he covered it 2 years later. He scored a British #1 and reached #4 in America with the disc.

191

ROCK-A-BEATIN’ BOOGIE

Bill Haley & His Comets

Bill Haley penned "Rock-A-Beatin' Boogie", which was a 1955 #4 smash in the UK and featured in the film 'Rock Around The Clock'.

Check out the Caffé Latté 1950s playlist on spotify as new songs are added to coincide with each new update on this blog.