How to Create a 1950s Wedding Playlist That Dazzles

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!

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!

Trending 1950s Hits

1. “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole (R&B – 1951)
2. “Shout” by The Isley Brothers (Rock – 1959)
3. “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra (Jazz – 1958)
4. “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley (Rock – 1957)
5. “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin (Pop – 1953)
6. “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley (Blues -1953)
7. “Sway” by Dean Martin (Pop – 1954)
8. “Great Balls Of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis (Rock – 1957)
9. “La Vie En Rose” by Louis Armstrong (1950 – Jazz)
10. “I Walk The Line” by Johnny Cash (Country – 1956)
11. “Tequila” by The Champs (Surf – 1958)
12. “High Hopes” by Frank Sinatra (Pop – 1959)
13. “Island In The Sun” by Harry Belafonte (Pop – 1957)
14. “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry (Rock – 1958)
15. “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens (}Rock – 1958)
16. “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley (Blues – 1953)
17. “Mack The Knife” by Bobby Darin (Pop – 1959)
18. “Put Your Head On My Shoulder” by Paul Anka (Pop – 1959)
19. “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley (Rockabilly – 1956)
20. “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

DJs! Plan 1950s Wedding Playlist by BPM and Key

(Click on the Song, Artist, Key and BPM table columns for sorting)

*BPM and key pulled from SongData.io

Spotify 1950s Playlist

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