Little Richard: Long Tall Sally

The song was originally titled "The Thing."  As "Long Tall Sally", Little Richard's classic has been covered hundreds of times. It's a 12 bar blues tune done to a rock n roll beat. It's one of the greatest songs of all time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxNSvFMkag

Carl Perkins: Matchbox (1957)

"Matchbox" was first recorded in 1924 by Ma Rainey. Carl Perkins reworked it 30 years later and turned it into song about a poor boy with no prospects. On the day he recorded this, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash wandered in and formed the Million Dollar Quartet with Perkins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzshXgrqeK0

Fats Domino: Blueberry Hill (1956)

"Blueberry Hill" dates to 1940 and Gene Autry. Louis Armstrong scored a Top 30 hit with it in 1949. Fats Domino made it a classic in 1956. Richie Cunningham adopted it on Happy Days. Vladimir Putin made it his own in 2010.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mix3gmzPa0

Buddy Holly: Rave On (1958)

Buddy Holly uses his trademark hiccup style in "Rave On." The song was inspired by the Carl Perkins song "Dixie Fried" from 1956. It was one of six hit singles for Holly in 1958. He would die in February 1959.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04E24MKU3yU

Elvis Presley: Blue Suede Shows (1956)

This is one of the greatest rock songs ever. Carl Perkins recorded the defining version. It had been covered several times most notably by Elvis. Scotty Moore claimed the band just went along with what Elvis felt as they recorded.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm5HKlQ6nGM

1959 in Music

People believed rock n roll died in 1959. Indeed, the year marked the end of the first generation of rockers. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper died in a plane crash. Holly's death dealt a significant blow to the genre. By this point, Jerry Lee Lewis fell due to personal scandal, Little Richard quit performing in favor of the ministry, and Elvis Presley was drafted. Despite this, rock's so-called last gasp produced iconic works such as "La Bamba", "What I'd Say", and "There Goes My Baby." Rock n Roll gives way to the Dance Craze, teen idols, and Folk revival. Meanwhile, The Supremes form and Jimi Hendrix buys his first guitar. The year's biggest star was Bobby Darin.

#1 song of 1959:
Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qrjtr_uFac

Iconic songs of 1959:

Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEIDep_UMmk

El Paso by Marty Robbins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UVVS5-9HvA

I Only Have Eyes for You by The Flamingos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63nlhoda2MY

La Bamba by Ritchie Valens: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Coy8Hoa1DNw

Sea of Love by Phil Phillips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EroRtEUmZcU

A Teenager in Love by Dion and the Belmonts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pwgswchPDo

There Goes by Baby by The Drifters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noFS4_oEakI

What I'd Say by Ray Charles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIqWwiC1BFI



Other hits:

The Battle of New Orleans by Johnny Horton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL7XS_8qgXM

Stagger Lee by Lloyd Price: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCPutYaGFlE

Lonesome Town by Ricky Nelson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN7mjvok6MI

Love Potion Number Nine by The Clovers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt7htnE1s4o

Dream Lover by Bobby Darin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzkECdHu1dQ

Poison Ivy by The Coasters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRfRITVdz4k

Personality by Lloyd Price: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thwJBqzNB7g

The future appeared in 1959 with...


Teen Idol Frankie Avalon:
Venus by Frankie Avalon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fakpqLDEQAo



Kicking off the folk revival:

M.T.A. by The Kingston Trio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Jw_v3F_Q0



Chubby Checker's remake kicks off the Dance Craze:

The Twist by Hank Ballard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUZqK65OAHE



and later becomes a key component of a Clint Eastwood film:

Misty by Johnny Mathis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JwhJMFDybQ









　


　

　

　
　


　 

1958 in Music

In 1958, Iran bans rock n roll because its music is against Islamic beliefs. Elvis joins the army while Phil Spector, Marvin Gaye, and Kenny Rogers begin their musical careers. Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13-year-old cousin causing a major scandal that he never really recovered from. Meanwhile, Billboard Magazine launches the Hot 100 chart for the first time.

The first #1 on the Hot 100:
Poor Little Fool by Ricky Nelson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R12H8QWnwvE

#1 song of 1958:
Volare by Domenico Modungo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4IjJav7xbg

The most important songs of 1958:
Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFo8-JqzSCM

All I Have to Do is Dream by The Everly Brothers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbU3zdAgiX8

Tequila by The Champs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5J802Hqsu8

The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) by The Chipmunks with David Seville: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whY9MKlvisI

Tom Dooley by The Kingston Trio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZYjc57V55U

Twilight Time by The Platters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nRU0GEBmWc

Yakety Yak by The Coasters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6-2eXjx-h0

Other hits:
Bird Dog by the Everly Brothers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SkvaALFQOs

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by The Platters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3l001-zSA4

It's All In the Game by Tommy Edwards: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akbfXUA08OY

Breathless by Jerry Lee Lewis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwXHtfHJ3Co

Don't by Elvis Presley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC9l9EH7d-8

Hard Headed Woman by Elvis Presley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kaoukme-KyY

It's Only Make Believe by Conway Twitty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJefPaBsSug

Maybe Baby by Buddy Holly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4yqhCypYfE

Oh Lonesome Me by Don Gibson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc-2eO8FJzk

Rave On by Buddy Holly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04E24MKU3yU

Stupid Cupid by Connie Francis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl3UE8yxn-0

The Purple People Eater by Sheb Wooley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL1ZH0Ke92A

You Always Hurt the One You Love by Connie Francis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA2bAaHvJCY




　


　
　

　


　
　


　

　

　
 




 

Muddy Waters: Hoochie Coochie Man (1954)

Willie Dixon wrote this blues standard. Muddy Waters recorded the definitive version in 1954. The hoochie coochie was a dance crazy from the 1890s. A hoochie coochie man watched the girls do the dance or ran the show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFxrLOVwsEE

1957 in music

Elvis Presley had another monster year. He scored three #1 hits, bought Graceland, and made his last Ed Sullivan appearance. At the same time, Jerry Lee Lewis released two songs that made him immortal. At the same time, Ricky Nelson, Bo Diddley, and the Everly Brothers record iconic tracks. Meanwhile, John Lennon and Paul McCartney meet for the first time and Simon and Garfunkel unite as Tom and Jerry.


#1 song of 1957:
Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj0Rz-uP4Mk



Other Elvis #1s:
All Shook Up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rQEbQJx5Bo


Teddy Bear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89MihWd6zKk




Other important songs of 1957:
Bo Diddley by Bo Diddley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMZjAOoX6nw


Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IjgZGhHrYY


Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On by Jerry Lee Lewis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yRdDnrB5kM


That’ll Be the Day by Buddy Holly and the Crickets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq9FCBatl3A


Wake Up Little Susie by the Everly Brothers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X7b2E_Jq-k


You Send Me by Sam Cooke: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX6QlnlMqjE



Other hits:
Young Love by Tab Hunter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQNu4Vc7Yl8


Tammy by Debbie Reynolds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew3mtNZFrMY


Diana by Paul Anka: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDDgYDQjtEs


At the Hop: Danny and the Juniors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIXMKA7d4to


Chances Are by Johnny Mathis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEH3uqbpsm8


Not Fade Away by Buddy Holly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyTtFNGzFsE


Oh Boy by Buddy Holly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkJT1cgQeGI


Rock and Roll Music by Chuck Berry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XSaKQlBZuE


Stardust by Nat King Cole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VezW1PtDq5E

1956 in music

The first rock era began in earnest in 1955. The genre exploded dramatically the following year as Elvis Presley became the biggest artist since Frank Sinatra. Elvis was omnipresent in 1956. His talent, youth, and good looks helped expand rock’s appeal to America’s teens. Presley had four #1 singles that year and three of 1956’s top 5 hits. His appearance on Ed Sullivan was a key milestone for that generation.

#1 song of the year:

Que Sera Sera by Doris Day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZbKHDPPrrc

 

Elvis on Ed Sullivan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGZm7EOamWk

 

Other hits of 1956:

Blueberry Hill by Fats Domino: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mix3gmzPa0

Hound Dog by Elvis Presley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzQ8GDBA8Is

Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71fuhzYDeT4

Don’t Be Cruel by Elvis Presley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUWMSVDPdGQ

Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76We6yBnIKE

I Want You, I Need You, I Love You by Elvis Presley:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Obxq3kvnc

Be-Bop-A-Lula by Gene Vincent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDU9FP5_B2M

I’ve Got You Under My Skin by Frank Sinatra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yqGujr2-Jw

Blue Suede Shoes by Carl Perkins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAa8BW_sR_c

I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEV58ztuihs

Roll Over Beethoven by Chuck Berry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT3kCVFFLNg

Bill Haley and the Comets: Shake, Rattle, and Roll (1954)

Big Joe Turner recorded "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" and scored a #1 R&B hit. Bill Haley covered the tune, but removed any illusions to sex. At the time, many white artists recorded songs written or recorded by black artists. Many of the black artists failed to gain compensation or notoriety from their work. However, in this case, Haley's recording helped Turner's version, which increased record sales for both. The pair eventually became fast friends.

Haley:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B7xr_EjbzE

Turner:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Feq_Nt3nM

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

 

1954 in music

Frank Sinatra wins an Academy Award for From Here to Eternity. The award ignites an amazing comeback for Sinatra. However, a music revolution is underway that few recognize. Alan Freed used the term “rock n roll” for the first time to promote his “Rock n Roll Jubilee.” Bill Haley records “Rock Around the Clock” which would ignite rock n roll. Elvis Presley records “That’s All Right (Mama)” at Sun Studios. Big Joe Turner recorded “Shake Rattle and Roll”, which became a huge hit for Haley. Muddy Waters released the highly influential blues work “Hoochie Coochie Man”, which influenced the next generation of rock stars. Meanwhile, Les Paul creates the first 8 track recorder. In the end, what we think of as the 1950s music scene began in 1954.

#1 song of 1954:

Mr. Sandman by the Chordettes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNuX7bs2qAM

And other hits:

Sh-Boom by the Crew Cuts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9G0-4TWwew

Secret Love by Doris Day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL87sHjXlVU

Hey There by Rosemary Clooney: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSASnjrWxmY

Oh! My Pa-Pa by Eddie Fisher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y04seHfYLAA

Other songs of note:

Earth Angel by The Penguins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJcGi4-n_Yw

In The Still of the Night by The Satins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRb1-SAAIzs

Someone to Watch Over Me by Frank Sinatra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E07b0SbWWFc

Tenderly by Nat King Cole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaK5tSm-H58

I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man by Muddy Waters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV_ZhBcNiQQ

Shake Rattle and Roll by Big Joe Turner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Feq_Nt3nM

 

1953 in Music

Elvis Presley begins recording in 1953. At the same time, Frank Sinatra moves to Capitol Records. Bill Haley scores the first rock hit on the Billboard charts and The Platters form. Hank Williams Sr. recorded the most important and timeless song of the year.  Most of the other major events occurred in Opera.

Your Cheatin’ Heart by Hank Williams: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS4LCoh0VGQ

#1 song of the year: Dean Martin “That’s Amore”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69O4PXzAQ5Y

Other hits:

Vaya Con Dios by Les Paul and Mary Ford: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqZ0Sdz_V40

Don’t Let Stars Get in Your Eyes by Perry Como: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmkg_E2evbg

I’m Walking Behind You by Eddie Fisher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vTTjjCQz-w

Rags to Riches by Tony Bennett: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y22tIJ6toPY

Hey Joe by Frankie Laine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0z6BbTpsaY

Three Coins in a Fountain by Frank Sinatra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VYWvEkDBtw

And the first rock hit:

Crazy Man, Crazy by Bill Haley and the Comets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBWF2m6K7sQ

Chuck Berry: Rock n Roll Music (1957)

“Rock n Roll Music” is one of the all-time great songs written by one of the greats. It hit #6 on the Billboard’s R&B chart and #8 on the Hot 100 in 1957. It has been covered by a number of artists, most notably the Beatles.

Chuck Berry:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH8IrcvdiD8

Beatles:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBiLhQpaUaM

1952 in Music

1952 is an important year for rock n roll. Sun Records opened shop under Sam Phillips stewardship and teenagers rioted in Cleveland at Alan Freed’s Moondog Coronation Ball. The genre would break out four years later. Bill Haley led the charge in 1956. In 1952, he changed his band name from Bill Haley and His Saddlemen to Bill Haley and His Comets. Despite the important rock moments, traditional pop music continued to dominate, which might explain the teenage frenzy at a show focused on them and not elevator music.

Percy Faith had the year’s #1 record “Delicado”:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qDlsnSTIbY

Other hits:

You Belong To Me by Jo Stafford: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQfF84ackMM

Wheel of Fortune by Kay Starr: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpWDKlEqLtA

High Noon (Don’t Forsake Me) by Frankie Laine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sLwPziSznU

Here is My Heart by Al Martino:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCgmhrJtMFI

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus by Jimmy Boyd:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoZeZ4spQQo

1951 in Music

Frankie Layne signs a mega-record deal and Dinah Shore begins her show.   Not much else exciting happens….kinda boring…

#1 for the year:

Cry by Johnny Ray:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iob-_shdLQ0

Although the most timeless song of 1951 was:

Unforgettable by Nat King Cole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkVuQGgx7d8

And the other hits:

Too Young  by Nat King Cole:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaFtsqU2V6U

How High the Moon by Les Paul and Mary Ford: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOzB7I2y7Ic

Be My Love by Mario Lanza: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o8SZng55T0

If by Perry Como: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc3brhdDESU

Jezebel by Frankie Laine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHvn1VH7q0E

Rose, Rose, I Love You by Frankie Laine:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpEGTSed1lI

Because of You by Tony Bennett: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-4zvArJDGg

And for Christmas:

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas by Perry Como and the Fontane Sisters:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmc9gfowJmk

 

1950 in music

Sam Phillips started Sun Records in Memphis in 1950. In a few years, Sun Records would be an industry leader. Meanwhile, Patti Page became the only artist to ever score a #1 on the country, rock, and R&B charts at the same time. Nat King Cole had the year’s biggest hit with “Mona Lisa.”

Mona Lisa by Nat King Cole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxEmnxiUz8w

The Tennessee Waltz by Patti Page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ek3eCbfqp0

Music! Music! Music! By Teresa Brewer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCcV2B8mHa0

Goodnight Irene by Gordon Jenkins and the Weavers:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj3s8qq3kU4

Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy by Red Foley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYl31e_0buQ

Peter Cottontail by Gene Autry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOwGBeCcun4

The Thing by Phil Harris: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FdWRsHeV98