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

Ricky Nelson: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

Ricky Nelson's life and career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/ricky-nelson/bio/

Official Site:

 http://www.rickynelson.com/

He began in show business on the Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet on the radio in 1949. Three years later, it moved to TV:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-qk4FMTkKo

The show ran from 1952-1966.

During the fifties, Ricky was influenced by Carl Perkins and decided to try music.

1957:

A Teenager’s Romance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_awf9C4rSgc

I’m Walkin’ (Fats Domino cover):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP4UOSiA75A

1958:

Stood Up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE455KVZswY

Poor Little Fool: (His first #1):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hrwJvdPtwI

Lonesome Town:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4iBMbwdxPQ

In 1959, he starred with Dean Martin and John Wayne in Rio Bravo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IpEnsdXwFM

Nelson continued to score hits. His next #1 was in 1961.

Travelin’ Man:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0janfcZ8LUw&feature=related

Hello, Mary Lou:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLkCWT2neuI&feature=related

1962:

Young World:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCioEY-Anio

1963:

For You:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiXFRioXZiY

Nelson remained prolific, but music changed making it difficult for him to chart. He transitioned to country-rock making him a pioneer in the genre. His next big hit came in 1972. “Garden Party” was written after he was booed off stage for not performing his older songs.

Garden Party:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAHR7_VZdRw&NR=1

Nelson imploded after Garden Party. He fought with his record label and his band quit. He never scored a major hit again.

In 1985, he died in a plane crash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YZxYAB2Wcg