1950s Wedding Songs Trending Now & Best Ever
Updated on June 20, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)
So, you and your dreamboat are getting married?
Then why not celebrate going to the chapel with the best music the 1950s had to offer?
Let’s start with the most popular right now.
Top Trending 1950s Wedding Songs
- “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole (R&B – 1951)
- “Shout” by The Isley Brothers (Rock – 1959)
- “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra (Jazz – 1958)
- “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley (Rock – 1957)
- “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin (Pop – 1953)
- “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley (Blues -1953)
- “Sway” by Dean Martin (Pop – 1954)
- “Great Balls Of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis (Rock – 1957)
- “La Vie En Rose” by Louis Armstrong (1950 – Jazz)
- “I Walk The Line” by Johnny Cash (Country – 1956)
- “Tequila” by The Champs (Surf – 1958)
- “High Hopes” by Frank Sinatra (Pop – 1959)
- “Island In The Sun” by Harry Belafonte (Pop – 1957)
- “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry (Rock – 1958)
- “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens (}Rock – 1958)
- “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley (Blues – 1953)
- “Mack The Knife” by Bobby Darin (Pop – 1959)
- “Put Your Head On My Shoulder” by Paul Anka (Pop – 1959)
- “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley (Rockabilly – 1956)
- “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke (R&B – 1957)
1950s Songs For Your Wedding
You will enjoy a list of the most popular and unique 1950s songs for your wedding day.
Every couple’s music tastes are different. Thus, we selected wedding songs from the 1950s that include many different music styles.
R&B Favorites
Money (That’s What I Want) – Barrett Strong
Released in 1959, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Money don’t get everything, it’s true
But what it don’t get I can’t use
I need money (That’s what I want)
Sea Of Love – Phil Phillips
Released in 1959, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Come with me, my love
To the sea, the sea of love
I want to tell you
How much I love you
What’d I Say – Ray Charles
Released in 1959, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
See the girl with the red dress on
She can do the Birdland all night long
Yeah yeah, what’d I say
Love Potion No. 9 – The Clovers
Released in 1959, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I started kissin’ everything in sight
But when I kissed a cop down on Thirty-Fourth and Vine
He broke my little bottle of Love Potion Number Nine
Dance With Me – The Drifters
Released in 1959, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Dance with me
Dance with me closer, closer and closer
And maybe we’ll be lovers when the music ends
Shout – The Isley Brothers
Released in 1959, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You know you make me wanna (Shout)
Kick my heels up and (Shout)
Throw my hands up and (Shout)
Kansas City – Wilbert Harrison
Released in 1959, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Goin’ to Kansas City
Kansas City, here I come
They got some crazy little women there
And I’m gonna get me one
Chantilly Lace – Big Bopper
Released in 1958, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Chantilly lace and a pretty face
And a ponytail hangin’ down
A wiggle in her walk and a giggle in her talk, Lord
Make the world go ’round, ’round, ’round
Hang Up My Rock And Roll Shoes – Chuck Willis
Released in 1958, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I don’t want hang up my rock and roll shoes
Because my feet start movin’ ev’ry time i hear those blues
Let’s rock let’s roll
For Your Precious Love – Jerry Butler & the Impressions
Released in 1958, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Just for you to say that you’ll be my girl
Wanting you, I’m so lonely and blue
That’s what love will do
Willie & The Hand Jive – Johnny Otis
Released in 1958, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Hand jive, hand jive
Hand jive, doin’ that crazy hand jive, hey, hey
Come on, sugar, yeah!
He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands – Laurie London
Released in 1958, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
He’s got the whole world in His hands
He’s got the whole wide world in His hands
You Send Me – Sam Cooke
Released in 1957, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
At first I thought it was infatuation
But, woo, it’s lasted so long
Now I find myself wanting
To marry you and take you home
Honky Tonk, Part 1 – Bill Doggett
Released in 1956, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
She’s your (ya) thunderin’ lightning rod
(Well it was) Born at the junction of form and function
It’s the (‘e) hammer of the honky-tonk gods
Blue Suede Shoes – Carl Perkins
Released in 1956, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Well, it’s one for the money
Two for the show
Three to get ready
Now go, cat, go
Blueberry Hill – Fats Domino
Released in 1956, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I found my thrill on Blueberry Hill
On Blueberry Hill, when I found you
I’m In Love Again – Fats Domino
Released in 1956, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Yes it’s me and I’m in love again
Had no lovin’ since you know when
You know I love you, yes I do
And I’m saving all my lovin’ just for you
The ABC’s Of Love – Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers
Released in 1956, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Gosh, knows I love you
Heaven knows it’s true
I want to be near you
Jim Dandy – Lavern Baker
Released in 1956, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Spot a lady on a runaway horse
Ah-hah, that’s right, of course
Jim Dandy to the rescue
Let The Good Times Roll – Shirley & Lee
Released in 1956, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Come on baby while the thrill is on
Come on baby lets have some fun
Come on baby let the good times roll
Bo Diddley – Bo Diddley
Released in 1955, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Bo Diddley bought his babe a diamond ring
If that diamond ring don’t shine
He going to take it to a private eye
At My Front Door (Crazy Little Mama) – El Dorados
Released in 1955, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
If you got a little mama and ya want to keep her neat
Keep your little mama off my street
Pledging My Love – Johnny Ace
Released in 1955, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
My heart’s at your command dear
To keep, love and to hold
Making you happy’s my desire
Keeping you is my goal
Tweedlee Dee – LaVern Baker
Released in 1955, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Tweedle dot, tweedle dot
Gimme gimme gimme gimme
Gimme all the love you got
Sincerely – The Moonglows
Released in 1954, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Oh Lord, won’t you tell me why
I love that girlie so
She doesn’t want me
But I’ll never never never never let her go
I’ve Got A Woman – Ray Charles
Released in 1954, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
She saves her lovin’, early in the mornin’
Just for me, oh yeah
She saves her lovin’, just for me
Ah, she, loves me, so tenderly
Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight – The Spaniels
Released in 1954, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Goodnight sweetheart, well, it’s time to go
I hate to leave you, I really must say
Oh, goodnight sweetheart, goodnight
Next, read the biggest classic 1950s love songs.
Country Hits
My Special Angel – Bobby Helms
Released in 1957, Genre: Country
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You are my special angel
Through eternity
I’ll have my special angel
Here to watch over me
Kisses Sweeter Than Wine – Jimmie Rodgers
Released in 1957, Genre: Country
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Well we worked very hard, both me and my wife
Workin’ hand-in-hand to have a good life
Young Love – Sonny James
Released in 1957, Genre: Country
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Just one kiss from your sweet lips
Will tell me that your love is real
And I can feel that it’s true
We will vow to one another
I Walk The Line – Johnny Cash
Released in 1956, Genre: Country
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Yes, I’ll Admit I’m A Fool For You
Because You’re Mine
Jambalaya (On The Bayou) – Hank Williams
Released in 1952, Genre: Country
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and a fillet gumbo
‘Cause tonight, I’m gonna see my ma cher amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou
Hey Good Lookin’ – Hank Williams
Released in 1951, Genre: Country
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Say hey, good lookin’, what you got cookin’?
How’s about cookin’ somethin’ up with me?
Listen to the 1940s wedding playlist.
Doo-Wop Tracks
Charlie Brown – The Coasters
Released in 1959, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Charlie Brown Charlie Brown he’s a clown that Charlie Brown
He’s gonna get caught just you wait and see
(Why’s everybody always picking on me)
I Only Have Eyes For You – The Flamingos
Released in 1959, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Maybe millions of people (sha bop sha bop) go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only have eyes for you
Rock and Roll is Here To Stay – Danny & the Juniors
Released in 1958, Genre: Doo Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Rock ‘n roll will always be
Our ticket to the end
It’ll go down in history
Just you watch, my friend
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes – The Platters
Released in 1958, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
When your heart’s on fire
You must realize
Smoke gets in your eyes
16 Candles – The Crests
Released in 1958, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Sixteen candles in my heart will glow
For ever and ever for I love you so (for I love you so)
Little Star – The Elegants
Released in 1958, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Twinkle twinkle little star
How I wonder where you are
Wish I may, wish I might
Make this wish come true tonight
At The Hop – Danny & the Juniors
Released in 1957, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Where the jockey is the smoothest
And the music is the coolest at the hop
All the cats and the chicks can get their kicks at the hop
Little Darlin’ – The Diamonds
Released in 1957, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
My darling I need you
To call my own
And never do wrong
To hold in mine
Your little hand
The Stroll – The Diamonds
Released in 1957, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Take me by my hand
I feel so goo-ooh-ooh-ood
Take me by my hand
And let’s go strolling
In wonderland
Little Bitty Pretty One – Thurston Harris
Released in 1957, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Little bitty pretty one
Come on and talk-a to me
Lovey dovey lovey one
In The Still of The Night – The Five Satins
Released in 1956, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
In the still of the night
I held you
Held you tight
‘Cause I love
Love you so
Promise I’ll never
Let you go
Come Go With Me – The Del-Vikings
Released in 1956, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Well I love, love you darlin’
Come and go with me
Come home with me
Way beyond the sea
Only You – The Platters
Released in 1955, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Only you
Can make this change in me
For it’s true
You are my destiny
Sh-Boom – The Chords
Released in 1954, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Every time I look at you
Something is on my mind
If you do what I want you to
Baby, we could be so fine
Earth Angel – The Penguins
Released in 1954, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Earth angel, earth angel
The one I adore
Love you forever and ever more
I’m just a fool
A fool in love with you
Gee – The Crows
Released in 1953, Genre: Doo-Wop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Oh Gee, my oh Gee, well o-o Gee
Why I love that girl, love that girl
Rockabilly Tunes
Rebel Rouser – Duane Eddy
Released in 1958, Genre: Rockabilly
(Instrumental)
Summertime Blues – Eddie Cochran
Released in 1958, Genre: Rockabilly
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I’m gonna take two weeks, gonna have a vacation
I’m gonna take my problem to the United Nation
Well I called my congressman and he said quote
“I’d like to help you son, but you’re too young to vote”
Party Doll – Buddy Knox
Released in 1957, Genre: Rockabilly
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Every man has got to have a party doll
To be with him when he’s feelin’ wild
To be everlovin’, true and fair
Susie Q – Dale Hawkins
Released in 1957, Genre: Rockabilly
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Oh Suzie Q
Oh Suzie Q
Oh Suzie Q, baby I love you
Be-Bop-A-Lula – Gene Vincent & the Bluecaps
Released in 1956, Genre: Rockabilly
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Be-bop-a-Lula she’s my baby
Be-bop-a-Lula I don’t mean maybe
Be-bop-a-Lula she’s my baby doll
Play the 1960s wedding playlist too.
Rock Chart Toppers
Sea Cruise – Frankie Ford
Released in 1959, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I got to boogie-woogie like a knife in the back
So be my guest, you got nothin’ to lose
Won’t ya let me take you on a sea cruise?
Splish Splash – Bobby Darin
Released in 1958, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
There was Lollipop with-a Peggy Sue
Good Golly, Miss Molly was-a even there, too
A-well-a, splish splash, I forgot about the bath
I went and put my dancing shoes on
Rockin’ Robin – Bobby Day
Released in 1958, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
‘Cause we’re really gonna rock tonight
(Tweet, tweedle-lee-dee)
A pretty little raven at the bird-band stand
Taught him how to do the bop, it was grand
Rave On – Buddy Holly & the Crickets
Released in 1958, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Rave on, rave on and tell me
Tell me not to be lonely
Tell me you love me only
Rave on for me
Tequila – The Champs
Released in 1958, Genre: Rock
(Instrumental – except Tequila!)
Johnny B Goode – Chuck Berry
Released in 1958, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
His mother told him “someday you will be a man
And you will be the leader of a big old band
Many people coming from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun go down
All I Have To Do Is Dream – Everly Brothers
Released in 1958, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I need you so that I could die
I love you so and that is why
Whenever I want you, all I have to do is
Dream, dream, dream, dream
Good Golly, Miss Molly – Little Richard
Released in 1958, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Good golly, Miss Molly, sure like to ball
When you’re rockin’ and a rollin’
Can’t hear your momma call
La Bamba – Ritchie Valens
Released in 1958, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Yo no soy marinero, soy capitán
Soy capitán, soy capitán
Bamba, bamba
Book Of Love – The Monotones
Released in 1958, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I love you darlin’
Baby, you know I do
But I’ve got to see this book of love
Find out why it’s true
Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly & the Crickets
Released in 1957, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty Peggy Sue
Oh Peggy, my Peggy Sue
Oh well, I love you gal yes I need you Peggy Sue
That’ll Be The Day – Buddy Holly & the Crickets
Released in 1957, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Well, that’ll be the day
When you say goodbye
Yes, that’ll be the day
When you make me cry
Rock And Roll Music – Chuck Berry
Released in 1957, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
That’s why I go for that rock and roll music
Any old way you choose it
It’s got a back beat you can’t lose it
Any old time you use it
It’s gotta be rock roll music
If you wanna dance with me
Elvis Presley – All Shook Up
Released in 1957, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I can’t seem to stand on my own two feet
Who do you think of when you have such luck?
I’m in love
I’m all shook up
Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock
Released in 1957, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Rockin’ Pneumonia & the Boogie Woogie Flu – Huey “Piano” Smith & the Clowns
Released in 1957, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I would be runnin’ but my feet’s too slow
Young man rhythm’s got a hold of me too
I got a rockin’ pneumonia and a boogie woogie flu
Great Balls Of Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis
Released in 1957, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Kiss me baby
Mmmmh, it feels good
Hold me baby
Well I’m off to love you like a lover should
Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On – Jerry Lee Lewis
Released in 1957, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Come along my baby, whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Yes, I said come along my baby, baby you can’t go wrong
We ain’t fakin’, while lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Keep A Knockin’ – Little Richard
Released in 1957, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Keep a knockin’, but you can’t come in
Come back tomorrow night and try again
Searchin’ – The Coasters
Released in 1957, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
My goodness, searching every which a-way Yeah Yeah
But I’m like the Northwest Mountie
You know I’ll bring her in some day Gonna find her
Roll Over Beethoven – Chuck Berry
Released in 1956, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
A trifle further and reel and rock with
One another
Roll over Beethoven
Dig these rhythm and blues
Don’t Be Cruel – Elvis Presley
Released in 1956, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Come on over here and love me you know what I want you to say
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
Well I don’t want no other love honey it’s just you I’m thinkin’ of
Hound Dog – Elvis Presley
Released in 1956, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You – Elvis Presley
Released in 1956, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Ev’ry time that you’re near
All my cares disappear
Darling, you’re all that
I’m livin’ for
I want you, I need you
I love you more and more
Love Me Tender – Elvis Presley
Released in 1956, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Love me tender
Love me long
Take me to your heart
For it’s there that I belong
And we’ll never part
Fever – Little Willie John
Released in 1956, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Listen to me, baby
Hear ev’ry word I say
No one could love you the way I do
‘Cause they don’t know how to love you my way
You give me fever
Love Is Strange – Mickey & Sylvia
Released in 1956, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Your sweet loving
Is better than a kiss
When you leave me
Sweet kisses I miss
Tutti Frutti – Little Richard
Released in 1955, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
A wop bop a loo bop a lop ba ba
Rock Around The Clock – Bill Haley & His Comets
Released in 1954, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
One, two, three o’clock, four o’clock, rock
Five, six, seven o’clock, eight o’clock, rock
Nine, ten, eleven o’clock, twelve o’clock, rock
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
Pop Must-Plays
Mack The Knife – Bobby Darin
Released in 1959, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Ooh, Miss Lotte Lenya and ol’ Lucy Brown
Oh, the line forms on the right, babe
Now that Mackie’s back in town
Venus – Frankie Avalon
Released in 1959, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I promise that I always will be true
I’ll give her all the love I have to give
As long as we both shall live
Put Your Head On My Shoulder – Paul Anka
Released in 1959, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Put your head on my shoulder
Whisper in my ear, baby
Words I want to hear
Tell me, tell me that you love me too
Sleep Walk – Santo and Johnny
Released in 1959, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Every night I just Sleepwalk
And when you walk inside the door
I will Sleepwalk no more
Come Softly To Me – The Fleetwoods
Released in 1959, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I love, I love you so
Please hold, hold me so tight
All through, all through the night
Do You Want To Dance – Bobby Freeman
Released in 1958, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Well, do you want to dance and make romance?
Kiss and squeeze me, mmmm yes
Do you want to dance?
To Know Him is To Love Him – Teddy Bears
Released in 1958, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I’ll be good to him, I’ll bring love to him
Everyone says there’ll come a day
When I’ll walk alongside of him
Lollipop – The Chordettes
Released in 1958, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
His kiss is sweeter than an apple pie
And when he does his shaky rockin’ dance
Man, I haven’t got a chance
It’s All in The Game – Tommy Edwards
Released in 1958, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Soon he’ll be there at your side with a sweet bouquet
And he’ll kiss your lips and caress your waiting fingertips
And your hearts will fly away
Tammy – Debbie Reynolds
Released in 1957, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
When the night is warm, soft and warm
I long for his charms
I’d sing like a violin
If I were in his arms
All The Way – Frank Sinatra
Released in 1957, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
When somebody needs you
It’s no good unless he needs you all the way
Through the good or lean years
And for all the in between years come what may
Chances Are – Johnny Mathis
Released in 1957, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Just because my composure sort of slips
The moment that your lips meet mine
Chances are you think my heart’s your Valentine
April Love – Pat Boone
Released in 1957, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Rain to grow the flowers for her first bouquet
But April love can slip right through your fingers
So if she’s the one don’t let her run away
Diana – Paul Anka
Released in 1957, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Stand by mi diana
Memories Are Made Of This – Dean Martin
Released in 1956, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Add one stolen night of bliss
One girl, one boy
Some grief, some joy
Memories are made of this
Banana Boat Song – Harry Belafonte
Released in 1956, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Day-o, day-o
Daylight come and we want go home
Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing – The Four Aces
Released in 1955, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Love is a many splendored thing
It’s the April rose that only grows in the early spring
Love is nature’s way of giving a reason to be living
Autumn Leaves – Roger Williams
Released in 1955, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song
But I miss you most of all, my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall
FAQs
What defines 1950s music?
The decade that followed the end of World War II brought prosperity and, with that, fun tunes to dance the twist, and more.
Sure, the 1950s brought rock and roll which was a natural evolution from jazz.
Their parents listened to Big Band and Swing. Partner dancing just kept up its pace.
Ballads were still big in the 1950s, with such crooners as Dean Martin, Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, and Pat Boone.
So, what defines 1950s music is the backbeat, great vocals, and a memorable chorus.
Backup on the Backbeat – A Little About 1950s Songs
Rock and roll music started in the mid-1950s and became mainstream with artists such as Bill Haley & His Comets and Elvis Presley. Elvis Presley became the image of Best 1950s Music. That decade made him “The King of Rock and Roll.”
Elvis ruffled the feathers of the squares after his pelvis gyrations on The Ed Sullivan Show. That kind of dancing was never shown on television before. Rock and Roll didn’t dominate the 1950s, however. Country and Western grew in popularity with such artists as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Porter Wagoner. Carl Perkins fueled a new version of country and western and R&B combined called rockabilly. Arguably, there was quite a bit of crossover.
Hank Williams also helped to popularize Honky Tonk, a style of country music characterized by a style of piano playing emphasizing rhythm more than harmony. (Does this remind you of jazz? It should) It is interesting to note the “tonk” in the word Honky Tonk was taken from a manufacturer of an upright piano.
1950s Pop Culture
In the 1950s, we saw the popularization of television, dance shows, and even the credit card system in the USA. Although color televisions were being introduced, most shows were seen in the afternoon and evenings in black and white.
Popular TV shows included I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, and The Twilight Zone. Segregation was also made illegal. Space travel became a reality with the Russian Sputnik 1. America also grew by 2 States with the addition of Hawaii and Alaska. That was a lot of change. Sound stressful? Yeah, dance it out.
Hot fashion trends included men’s bomber jackets (WWII), Bermuda shorts, and a nipped waist for women. In the early 1950s, there was a major advancement in medicine with the creation of a vaccine to prevent polio. So you can see, Daddy-O, why people wanted to splish splash, rock around the clock, and do the jailhouse rock.