200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1950s. This post: #40-31. 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…

40

MATCHBOX

Carl Perkins

Recorded at Sun Studios, "Matchbox" as adapted by Carl Perkins, features Jerry Lee Lewis on piano. Despite only being an A-side at the time of release, the song has become a rock staple. The classic track was later covered by Lewis and The Beatles.

39

LUCILLE

Little Richard

To appreciate how daring Little Richard was at the time he began charting: the legendary performer wore make-up and was flamboyant. The gay rocker co-wrote "Lucille". In 1957, the disc topped the R&B Chart and reached #21 and #10 in the US and Britain respectively.

38

BLUEBERRY HILL

Fats Domino

When Fats Domino covered "Blueberry Hill", his instantly became the definitive version. Earlier interpretations immediately paled in comparison. The 1956 remake changed the context to a sexual one. On the R&B Chart, it reached the top while the disc peaked at #2 Pop.

37

TOM DOOLEY

The Kingston Trio

It may not have aged well, but "Tom Dooley" had a seismic impact on rock 'n' roll in the 1950s. Released in 1958, the #1 hit sold over 3,000,000 copies. Adapted from a traditional folk song by The Kingston Trio's Dave Guard, the disc sparked the folk revival that paved the way for The Byrds, Peter, Paul & Mary and Judy Collins. Folk would enjoy a popularity it had never experienced prior to this song about a murderer waiting execution.

36

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE

James Brown

James Brown infused gospel, R&B, doo wop and rock 'n' roll into his reading of "Please, Please, Please". Co-written by Soul Brother #1 with Johnny Terry, this single became Brown's first chart entry. In 1956, the disc peaked at #6 R&B. Brown would go on to influence soul, funk, disco  and hip-hop.

35

SH-BOOM

The Chords

In 1954, black vocal group The Chords peaked at #2 R&B and #9 Pop in America with the doo wop classic "Sh-Boom". It was swiftly followed by a remake from a white Canadian group named The Crew-Cuts. This version was pitched at the extensive (and lucrative) white pop audience. The remake fared way better, reaching #1 in America. Suddenly, more white acts began scoring major hits originally issued by African- American performers.

34

BO DIDDLEY

Bo Diddley

Bo Diddley's guitar work influenced countless guitarists. The single that bears his name was issued in 1955. Many subsequent rock recordings borrowed its sound. "Bo Diddley" reached #1 R&B.

33

DON'T BE CRUEL

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley grew up poor. His family struggled financially, but his success would make him the most famous rock star on the planet. In just 2 years, Presley had gone from unknown to the leading exponent of the new genre. "Don't Be Cruel" became Presley's 3rd #1 single in the United States in 1956.

32

SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES

The Platters

The Platters enjoyed so many crossover hits that it was the premier vocal group of the 1950s. "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" was unleashed in 1958 and reached #1 in America, the UK and Australia.

31

ALL I HAVE TO DO IS DREAM

The Everly Brothers

In 1958, "All I Have To Do Is Dream" reached the top in America and Britain. The siblings' harmonies soon became a trademark of the duo's catalogue. Its flip side featured "Claudette", a song penned by the then unknown Roy Orbison.

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