Why not celebrate going to the chapel with the best music the 1950s had to offer? Add a little classic romance and upbeat party songs to your big day!

Quick Tips

When picking out 1950s songs for your wedding, you must consider the following 3 factors:

1. What is the tempo of the song to determine the style of dance?
2. What is the meaning of the song and is it appropriate for your wedding?
3. Does the song’s genre match the theme of your wedding?

As an experienced wedding DJ, I’ve assembled a list of popular 1950s songs to get people on the dance floor and for romance at your wedding!

Trending 1950s Hits

“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)

Song Ideas by Vibe

Romantic Slow Dances

If you want to have a classic slow dance song for all couples or even to celebrate a relative’s anniversary, these songs hit the mark.

All I Have To Do Is Dream – Everly Brothers
All The Way – Frank Sinatra
April Love – Pat Boone
Autumn Leaves – Roger Williams
Chances Are – Johnny Mathis
Come Softly To Me – The Fleetwoods
Earth Angel – The Penguins
For Your Precious Love – Jerry Butler
Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight – The Spaniels
I Only Have Eyes For You – The Flamingos
I Walk The Line – Johnny Cash
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You – Elvis Presley
In The Still of The Night – The Five Satins
Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing – The Four Aces
Love Me Tender – Elvis Presley
My Special Angel – Bobby Helms
Only You – The Platters
Pledging My Love – Johnny Ace
Put Your Head On My Shoulder – Paul Anka
Sea Of Love – Phil Phillips
Sleep Walk – Santo and Johnny
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes – The Platters
To Know Him is To Love Him – Teddy Bears
You Send Me – Sam Cooke
Young Love – Sonny James

Upbeat and Fun

When it comes time for the dancing portion of your reception, consider playing these songs when the dance floor opens to get all ages dancing.

All Shook Up – Elvis Presley
At The Hop – Danny & the Juniors
Banana Boat Song – Harry Belafonte
Be-Bop-A-Lula – Gene Vincent & the Bluecaps
Blue Suede Shoes – Elvis Presley
Chantilly Lace – Big Bopper
Come Go With Me – The Del-Vikings
Dance With Me – The Drifters
Do You Want To Dance – Bobby Freeman
Don’t Be Cruel – Elvis Presley
Gee – The Crows
Good Golly, Miss Molly – Little Richard
Great Balls Of Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis
Hang Up My Rock And Roll Shoes – Chuck Willis
Hey Good Lookin’ – Hank Williams
Hound Dog – Elvis Presley
Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley
Johnny B Goode – Chuck Berry
Kansas City – Wilbert Harrison
La Bamba – Ritchie Valens
Let The Good Times Roll – Shirley & Lee
Little Bitty Pretty One – Thurston Harris
Little Darlin’ – The Diamonds
Lollipop – The Chordettes
Love Potion No. 9 – The Clovers
Mack The Knife – Bobby Darin
Party Doll – Buddy Knox
Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly & the Crickets
Rave On – Buddy Holly & the Crickets
Rock And Roll Music – Chuck Berry
Rock Around The Clock – Bill Haley & His Comets
Rockin’ Robin – Bobby Day
Sea Cruise – Frankie Ford
Sh-Boom – The Chords
Shout – The Isley Brothers
Splish Splash – Bobby Darin
Summertime Blues – Eddie Cochran
Susie Q – Dale Hawkins
Tutti Frutti – Little Richard
What’d I Say – Ray Charles
Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On – Jerry Lee Lewis
Willie & The Hand Jive – Johnny Otis

Classic Pop Ballads

A list of slow songs that are more in the pop genre that many people will know for a dance with their partner.

Diana – Paul Anka
He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands – L. London
It’s All in The Game – Tommy Edwards
Kisses Sweeter Than Wine – Jimmie Rodgers
Little Star – The Elegants
Memories Are Made Of This – Dean Martin
Sincerely – The Moonglows
Tammy – Debbie Reynolds
Venus – Frankie Avalon
Volare – Dean Martin

Classic Rock & Roll

Rock and Roll was in the early stages of reaching mainstream listeners. These songs dawned the beginning and are great party tunes.

At My Front Door (Crazy Little Mama) – El Dorados
Blueberry Hill – Fats Domino
Bo Diddley – Bo Diddley
Honky Tonk, Part 1 – Bill Doggett
I’ve Got A Woman – Ray Charles
Jim Dandy – Lavern Baker
Keep A Knockin’ – Little Richard
Money (That’s What I Want) – Barrett Strong
Rebel Rouser – Duane Eddy
Roll Over Beethoven – Chuck Berry
Searchin’ – The Coasters
The Stroll – The Diamonds
Rockin’ Pneumonia & the Boogie Woogie Flu – H. Smith
Tequila – The Champs
That’ll Be The Day – Buddy Holly & the Crickets

Novelty and Unique Songs

If you are looking for fun and unexpected songs for your reception, these tracks should be considered!

16 Candles – The Crests
Fever – Little Willie John
Love Is Strange – Mickey & Sylvia
Rockin’ Pneumonia & the Boogie Woogie Flu – H. Smith
Shout – The Isley Brothers
Tweedlee Dee – LaVern Baker

Do you have a favorite 1950s wedding song? Please share it below in the comments!

Tip

Next, read the biggest classic 1950s love songs.

Other Playlists To Check Out: