1955 in music

“Rock Around the Clock” appears on the British charts for the first time. The song would not become a hit in the U.S. until the film Blackboard Jungle is released later in the year. The song ignited the First Rock Era (1955-59). The song reaches #1 on the charts. Shortly thereafter, Little Richard records “Tutti Frutti” and Elvis hires Colonel Tom Parker to manage his career.  Additionally, Pat Boone debuts and 45s outsell 78s for the first time in history.

#1 song of 1955:

Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley and the Comets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-qjc17KEsc

Other hits:

Sixteen Tons by Tennessee Ernie Ford: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUpTJg2EBpw

Only You by the Platters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZs-e_x0PGM

Love is a Many Splendored Thing by the Four Aces: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnDtxiNwDS8

The Ballad of Davy Crockett by Bill Hayes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZoq8yjOvxs

The Yellow Rose of Texas by Mitch Miller: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLw7Rot-9oY

The Great Pretender by the Platters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gBxeslnd0Y

Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDktBZzQIiU

Tutti Frutti by Little Richard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFq5O2kabQo