1962 in Music

The Beatles are rejected by Decca Records, Bob Dylan releases his debut, and Peter, Paul, and Mary have a #1 album. Pete Seeger has a big year as well. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards meet Brian Jones and the Rolling Stones form. The Beatles appear on "My Bonnie", which is credited to Tony Sheridan and the Beat Brothers. Elvis dominated while the Twist permeated.

#1 song:
Stranger on the Shore by Mr. Acker Bilk:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFaH1KFmLyI


The Beatles- My Bonnie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgkAgyQgEH4

Important releases:
I Can't Stop Loving You by Ray Charles:
Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis:
Big Girls Don't Cry by The Four Seasons
Green Onions by Booker T and the MGs
He's a Rebel by The Crystals
If I Had a Hammer by Peter, Paul and Mary
The James Bond Theme by John Barry Orchestra
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee
Sherry by The Four Seasons:
Surfin' Safari by The Beach Boys
The Twist by Chubby Checker
Twistin' The Night Away by Sam Cooke
The Wanderer by Dion

Other Notable songs:
Return to Sender by Elvis
Good Luck Charm by Elvis
409 by The Beach Boys
The Ballad of Paladin by Duane Eddy
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do by Neil Sedaka
Duke of Earl by Gene Chandler
Johnny Angel by Shirley Fabares
The Loco-Motion by Little Eva
Roses Are Red by Bobby Vinton

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

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

1961 in Music

1961 provided a lull in rock music. Although Elvis returned, the pop scene focused on teen idols. However, change was coming. Motown began to move, Bob Dylan was a year away, and the seeds of the British Invasion were planted when The Beatles made their Cavern Club debut.

Motown scored it's first million seller with "Shop Around" and signed The Supremes. The Beach Boys release their initial single. Frank Sinatra starts Reprise Records. Judy Garland performed at Carnegie Hall. Patsy Cline is seriously injured in an auto accident.


Shop Around by The Miracles:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQGXa3FiXKM




I Fall to Pieces by Patsy Cline:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuZTk1hdpMs




Judy Garland:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-i2uXjQZHs



#1 Song of 1961:


Stand By Me by Ben E. King:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwZNL7QVJjE

Other important releases:



Runaway by Del Shannon

At Last by Etta James

Crazy by Patsy Cline

Crying by Roy Orbison

Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles

Please Mr. Postman by The Marvelettes

Runaround Sue by Dion

The Wanderer by Dion

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow by The Shirelles
Other Hits:


Let's Twist Again by Chubby Checker

Are You Lonesome Tonight by Elvis Presley

Calendar Girl by Neil Sedaka

Hello Mary Lou By Ricky Nelson

Spanish Harlem by Ben E. King

The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens

1960 in music

In the year Kennedy won the White House, Elvis was discharged and hit the charts full steam. Ben E. King went solo. The Beatles make their Hamburg debut. Neil Young forms his first band at age 14.

#1 song:
It's Now Or Never by Elvis Presley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkMVscR5YOo



Other classics:

Are You Lonesome Tonight? by Elvis Presley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPjnE1WRMKo

Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8OlDPqYBLw

Cathy’s Clown by The Everly Brothers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXvKAWiU_cQ

Chain Gang by Sam Cooke: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmZdvVnMXCc

El Paso by Marty Robbins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-y3DB0wLh4

Only the Lonely by Roy Orbison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjq4wYuwgxs

Shop Around by The Miracles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQGXa3FiXKM

Walk, Don’t Run by The Ventures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW21rcHiVU0



Chubby Checker set off a major dance craze:

The Twist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im9XuJJXylw



and then this...

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini by Brian Hyland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge9Ou3-YyqU

Top 10 Songs of 2002

Once again, my favorites...This could have been almost all Bruce, but I decided to diversify.

1. The Rising- Bruce Springsteen

2. Lonesome Day- Bruce Springsteen
3. Electrical Storm-U2

4. A Little Less Conversation- Elvis Presley

5. The Hands that Built America- U2
6. Cochise- Audioslave

7. I am Mine- Pearl Jam

8. Clocks- Coldplay

9. All My Life- The Foo Fighters

10.. Last DJ- Tom Petty

Mort Shuman: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2010

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/mort-shuman/



Shuman was a writer at the famous Brill Building in New York.

Some of his works:

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

Viva Las Vegas by Elvis Presley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucubLr3ZLbw

This Magic Moment by The Drifters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul041CSNJto



He died in 1991.

Otis Blackwell: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2010

Official Site: http://www.otisblackwell.com/about.html

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/otis-blackwell/bio/



Blackwell won a talent contest at the Apollo in 1952. He became a major songwriter.

Fever by Little Willie John: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGD4VfWtwWM

Don't Be Cruel by Elvis Presley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViMF510wqWA

Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jt0mg8Z09SY

Jimmy Jones: Handy Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKpbNvDg6zY



He suffered a stroke in 1991 and died of a heart attack in 2002.

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




　


　
　

　


　
　


　

　

　
 




 

Bill Black: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2009

Bill Black helped pioneer rockabilly and played bass for Elvis Presley.
White Silver Sands (1960): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VD5cLnDYGU

Don't Be Cruel (1960): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViMF510wqWA

Joey's Song (1962): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kjcMRoMNp4

Little Queenie (1964): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vesLJdXZXgs



He died of a brain tumor in 1965.

Turn on Your Love Light (1968): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5bXlhky5WU

DJ Fontana: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2009

Fontana served as Elvis Presley's drummer on over 450 tracks including some of Elvis' most important and influential works.
Heartbreak Hotel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PotB76gi2_4

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

A Big Hunk O Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f78tRmbike8

Viva Las Vegas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFw5a5Bp_Pw

1968 Comeback Special: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUiJCCOR3k8

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

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

 

Elvis Presley: An American Trilogy (1972)

Mickey Newbury melded three 19^th century American standards into one and Elvis Presley made it his own. It became a regular feature of Elvis concerts in the 70s and one of the highlights of every show. The song combines “Dixie”, which was the Confederate anthem, “All My Trials”, an old slave lullaby, and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” representing the Union army.  There have been an amazing 465 covers of the song since it first appeared.

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

 

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

Floyd Cramer: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2003

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/floyd-cramer/bio/

Pianist Floyd Cramer was one of the originators of the so-called “Nashville Sound.”  He taught himself to play piano.

After his first single, Dancin’ Diana in 1953, he toured with Elvis Presley.

He moved to Nashville in 1955 and played alongside country and rock greats.

Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley  (1956): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PotB76gi2_4

He was mainly a session man, but had a hit of his own in 1960.

Last Date (1960): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvfG9uFswis

On the Rebound (1961): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKwq6UW9bnU

San Antonio Rose (1961): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUR2EAXycTY

After his brief solo success, he continued as a session man and solo artist.

He died of cancer in 1997.

 

Brenda Lee: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2002

Official Site: http://www.brendalee.com/

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/brenda-lee/bio/

Brenda Lee had 37 hits in the 1960s. Only Elvis, the Beatles, Ray Charles, and Connie Francis had more. She began recording at age 12. Her popularity waned when she grew older and her voice changed. So, she moved to the country world.

One Step at a Time (1957): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBlBc6C4Ozc

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (1958): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6xNuUEnh2g

Sweet Nothin’s (1959): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfJ-q0VFe_g

That’s All You Gotta Do (1960): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgImoFl2_N0

I’m Sorry (1960): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-TkjEdB1kE

I Want to Be Wanted (1960): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3goKQDeo4g

Emotions (1960): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iVgcHo6xe0

You Can Depend on Me (1961): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDpLnSZvKak

Dum Dum (1961): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ3bhgQWeJA

Fool No. 1 (1961): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIVZzGU-sww

All Alone I Am (1962): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnApJcGBDFY

Losing You (1963): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPdA3YzgTMs

Is It True (1964): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqVFeSdqHIk

Too Many Rivers (1965): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnxL7PFFXdg

Coming on Strong (1967): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEtbin9pwSc

Johnny One Time (1968): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye_Bh6QimJE

Nobody Wins (1973): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvLoS0_8jK0

He’s My Rock (1975): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZGdioYu5FA

Tell Me What It’s Like (1979): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWCCuHa2Sao

Broken Trust w/The Oak Ridge Boys (1980): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIMRjNnwbLY

A Little Unfair (1991):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2CiWQZnKbE

In 2000, she was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.