200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1950s. This post: Honourable Mentions.
These singles aren't rock records, but they did have an impact on the evolution of rock 'n' roll during the 1950s:

Caffé Latté presents...

THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE

1950s

As we are a quarter of the way through the countdown, we begin a tribute to some discs that deserve

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Although these songs are not directly related to rock music, they each had a profound influence on the advent of the shift in popular culture.

O

MONA LISA

Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole began as a jazz entertainer but crossed over to a mainstream audience with articulate and sublime vocal performances. In 1950, he scored a global smash with “Mona Lisa” which featured his golden voice and an arrangement from the legendary Nelson Riddle. The disc not only become one of the biggest hits of the decade, but Cole became one of the trailblazing African-American entertainers during the time of racial segregation.

O

CRY

Johnnie Ray

Johnnie Ray was a traditional pop artist that helped pave the way for rock ‘n’ roll. His 1951 release “Cry” was produced by the successful producer/ performer Mitch Miller. The single featured Ray with background vocals from The Four Lads. His unique delivery on the recording influenced the pop music that would follow in its wake.