TRACING POPULAR MUSIC TASTES (UK PERSPECTIVE). 

Today: 1955-62. More: tomorrow.

Caffè Lattè traces the shifts in popular music through the decades…

-THE LEADERBOARD-

 

The Rock Era is said to have begun in 1955 when “Rock Around The Clock” became the first rock ‘n’ roll disc to reach #1 on Billboard’s Singles Chart. Later that year, the song climbed to the top in the UK. Rock ‘n’ roll was making its mark on both sides of the Atlantic. We’ve already traced the shifts in musical trends from the US perspective, now our focus is on the British Top 40 Chart.

British acts would soon thrive as rock music evolved, helping to elevate trends such as Merseybeat, Britpop, skiffle, punk, house, disco and many other sub-genres.

The 1960s continued with Elvis Presley comfortably in the lead. Local star Cliff Richard notched up more #1s, most credited to his backing band The Shadows. The group also reached the top in its own right.  Other climbers included The Everly Brothers, Frank Ifield and Helen Shapiro.

PART TWO

November 1955-1962

1.    ELVIS PRESLEY                                        12      56

2.    THE SHADOWS                                           8       36

3.    CLIFF RICHARD                                         5       22

4.    THE EVERLY BROTHERS                        4       19

5.    LONNIE DONEGAN                                    3       11

6.    CONNIE FRANCIS                                      2       12

     FRANK IFIELD                                           2       12

7.    JOHNNIE RAY                                            2       10

8.    FRANKIE VAUGHAN                                2        7

9.    RUSS CONWAY                                          2        6

     BOBBY DARIN                                           2        6

     HELEN SHAPIRO                                      2        6

10.ADAM FAITH                                              2        5

     ANTHONY NEWLEY                                 2        5