1955: The Greatest Songs (#50-31). More: tomorrow.

Caffe´ Latte´presents

1955

THE GREATEST SONGS

MCMLV

1955 was a year of great change. Winston Churchill resigned as British Prime Minister. Argentina ousted Juan Peron. Rosa Parks refused to sit at the back of a bus to protest against segregation.

Famous scientists Albert Einstein and Alexander Fleming passed away. Screen idol James Dean died in a car crash at the age of 26.

1955 was a watershed year for popular music. There was a line in the sand drawn up by the older generation and a new demographic: cashed up teenagers. This impacted significantly on pop music trends.

A song released in 1954 was featured in ‘The Blackboard Jungle’ movie. It resonated with teens and was re-released. “Rock Around The Clock” opened the floodgates for rock and roll hits.

Here are 50 songs that were standout recordings during the year…

 

31 BIRTH OF THE BOOGIE Bill Haley & His Comets

32 SOMEONE YOU LOVE Nat King Cole

33 SPEEDOO The Cadillacs   

34 THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC Sammy Davis Jr.

35 DON’T YOU KNOW Fats Domino

36 I FORGOT TO REMEMBER TO FORGET Elvis Presley

37 A BLOSSOM FELL Nat King Cole

38 I NEED YOU ALL THE TIME The Platters

39 MAMBO ROCK Bill Haley & His Comets

40 POOR ME Fats Domino

 

41 EVERYONE’S LAUGHING Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters

42 SIXTEEN TONS Tennessee Ernie Ford

43 UNCHAINED MELODY Al Hibbler

44 BURN THAT CANDLE Bill Haley & His Comets

45 THIS LITTLE GIRL OF MINE Ray Charles

46 LET ME GO, LOVER! Teresa Brewer

47 CHERRY PINK AND APPLE BLOSSOM WHITE

Perez Prado

48 SOFTLY SOFTLY Ruby Murray

49 GREENBACKS Ray Charles

50 AUTUMN LEAVES Roger Williams