As far as the record industry goes, the 1950s was a decade of major change. At the start of the decade, comforting, well-sung ballads and chirpy novelties were the order of the day – intended for family listening and certainly not bought by teenagers. But in the mid-50s a seismic shift came about with the popularity of the new rock’n’roll music, and by the end of the decade records were being made specifically for teenagers. This wonderful collection of chart topping hits from both Britain and America demonstrates how strong the charts were back then. Most of these tracks are still golden oldies – and several are candidates for the best record ever made.
DISC 1
1. Bill Haley & Comets -Rock Around The Clock
2. Elvis Presley – Don’t Be Cruel
3. Paul Anka – Diana
4. Danny & The Juniors – At The Hop
5. Bobby Darin – Dream Lover
6. The Coasters – Yakety Yak
7. Sam Cooke -You Send Me
8. Connie Francis – Stupid Cupid
9. Conway Twitty – It’s Only Make Believe
10. The Crickets – That’ll Be The day
11. Jerry Keller – Here Comes Summer
12. The Fleetwoods – Come Softly To Me
13. Guy Mitchell – Singing The Blues
14. The Kalin Twins – When
15. The Teddy Bears – To Know Him Is To Love Him
16. Jimmie Rodgers – Honeycomb
17. Adam Faith – What Do You Want?
18. The Kingston Trio – Tom Dooley
19. Larry Williams – Bony Moronie
20. Lonnie Donegan – Puttin’ On The Style
21. The Platters – Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
22. Johnnie Ray – Just Walkin’ In The Rain
23. Wilbert Harrison – Kansas City
24. Tommy Edwards – It’s All In The Game
25. Connie Francis – Who’s Sorry Now
DISC 2
1. The Everly Brothers – Wake Up Little Susie
2. Buddy Holly – It Doesn’t Matter Anymore
3. Elvis Presley – All Shook Up
4. The Champs – Tequila
5. Jerry Lee Lewis – Great Balls Of Fire
6. Santo & Johnny – Sleep Walk
7. Buddy Knox – Party Doll
8. The Chordettes – Mr. Sandman
9. Connie Francis – Don’t Break The Heart That Loves You
10. Lord Rockingham’s X1 – Hoots Mon
11. David Seville – Witch Doctor
12. Frankie Avalon – Venus
13. Emile Ford –
What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For?
14. Johnny Horton – The Battle Of New Orleans
15. Kay Starr – Rock And Roll Waltz
16. Laurie London – He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands
17. Marvin Rainwater – Whole Lotta Woman
18. The Platters – Twilight Time
19. Russ Conway – Side Saddle
20. Elvis Presley – Heartbreak Hotel
21. Tennessee Ernie Ford – Sixteen Tons
22. Sheb Wooley – The Purple People Eater
23. Tab Hunter – Young Love
24. Guy Mitchell – Heartaches By The Numbers
25. Frankie Laine – Woman In Love