From Ray to Frank - the 50s in 10 Songs
The 1950s saw the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll, giving us acts such as Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Fats Domino and of course, Elvis, plus the newly formed pop charts were full of the likes of Cliff Richard, Doris Day and Dean Martin to name a few.
Meanwhile the world of Rhythm & Blues was laying down the foundations for the history of soul music, with the likes of Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson and The Drifters.
If that wasn’t enough, country music revelled in the genius of Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, while Nat King Cole and Peggy Lee were selling millions of records for the newly formed Capitol records label.
Discover more about the most exciting decade in musical history throughout the Sounds of the 50s series.
Here’s presenter Leo Green’s top 10 songs from this defining musical era.
1. Jerry Lee Lewis - High School Confidential (1958)
Mr. Lewis has to feature in this chart as I was fortunate enough to join his band as his saxophonist when I was just 19-years-old. During those couple of years, I toured the world with him. Looking back now, it seems almost surreal that I was able to play some of the biggest Rock ‘n’ Roll hits of all time with one of the music’s’ true innovators.
2. Nat King Cole - Smile (1954)
Nat was one of the very few singers who could sing anything and is one of my all-time favourites. As a pianist, he has (quite rightly) gone down in the history books as one of the true greats and as a vocalist, he was the singer Frank Sinatra said he listened to at home when he wanted to relax – and that’s more than good enough for me!
3. Elvis Presley - Heartbreak Hotel (1956)
Elvis Presley- Heartbreak Hotel
A clip from James Marsh's 1993 film 'Tales of Rock and Roll - Heartbreak Hotel'. Elvis' performance of that song is combined with voice recordings and photographs of the rock and roll star at his zenith.
Everything’s been said about the man from Tupelo, Mississippi. We know the songs, we know his story and for so many, Elvis was the sound of the 50s and I’m really looking forward to including his recordings in the show.
4. Frank Sinatra - I’ve Got You Under My Skin (1956)
Frank Sinatra - I've Got You Under My Skin
The Opening of BBC Arena's 1998 film Frank Sinatra: The Voice of the Century. Sinatra performs I've Got You Under My Skin followed by testimony from Tony Bennet and Sammy Dennis Jnr. on his influence and importance
I never tire of hearing Mr. S’s faultless interpretations of songs and could wax lyrical about him for hours. This is from 1956’s ‘Songs From Swinging Lovers’, an album that is quite simply one of the greatest accomplishments of the human race.
5. Ray Charles - I've Got A Woman (1957)
Ray Charles had everything and I love this track as it’s one of the most exciting records in my collection. No matter what kind of mood you find yourself in, this record will put a smile on your face and get you jumping around!
6. Little Richard - Tutti Frutti (1957)
I remember the first time I heard this record as a 12-year-old – this is one of the most exciting sounds known to man!
7. Sam Cooke - You Send Me (1957)
It was a toss up between this and ‘Wonderful World’ – Sam Cooke’s voice immediately transports me back to the 50’s – one of the purest voices in soul music.
8. The Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes For You (1959)
An old standard written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin back in 1934, given the perfect Doo Wop treatment by one of the greatest vocal groups of all time – perfect when you find yourself needing to relax.
9. Ella Fitzgerald - Ev’rytime We Say Goodbye (1956)
Ella recorded this as part of her Cole Porter Songbook collection and the combination of Ella delivering Cole Porters romantic lyrics with Buddy Bregman’s arrangement, is as close to musical perfection as you can get. If this was the last song I was to ever hear in my life, I would die a happy man.
10. Lord Rockingham’s XI - Hoots Mon (1958)
OK – I admit it, this one is a bit of a curve ball! But do you know why I’ve included this in the list of my 10 favourite 50’s recordings? Please send your answers, along with any requests to fifties@bbc.co.uk
Sounds of the 50s with Leo Green
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Monday's from 10pm
Listen to the very best in music from the decade that had everything - including hits, rare gems and the stories behind the songs and the stars.
