1950s Singers Before the Emergence of Rock and Roll
Until 1955 the music industry was just simmering, waiting for something big to revitalize it. Popular playlists were consumed by a hodgepodge of influences; mostly easy listening, light country, light jazz, calypso (Harry Belafonte) and a lot of tunes from Broadway. It was, in fact, an industry that was seeking to define itself and looking to recover the excitement of the defunct big band era. However, there were some non-rock and roll 1950s singers who are worthy of note.
Among the singer superstars from the 1950s was a white singer who had the rare distinction of crossing over, from pop to R&B. Of course, R&B has frequently crossed into the mainstream but Johnnie Ray was the first white artist to accomplish that fete (1952) with a #1 song called “Cry.” The flipside of that single, “The Little White Cloud That Cried,” also became a hit. Interestingly, the single appeared on 78rpm and, with his uniquely powerful style, Johnnie Ray became a teen idol. Ray’s style was actually a forerunner of the more animated rock and roll era that was soon to follow. His act was characterized by hair tearing, falling to the floor, shedding tears, and even ripping his shirt…all while singing emotional ballads.
Patti Page enjoyed her greatest wave of popularity in the 1950s although, now in her 80s, she continues to perform. In her career, which began in 1947, she has sold over 100 million records. Between 1950 and 1965 she produced 15 singles that sold over a million copies each. Her 1950 hit, “Tennessee Waltz,” was one of the biggest selling singles of the 20th century.
Any discussion on the singers of the 50s must also include Nat King Cole. Possibly, to today’s music audience, Nat is probably better known as the father of his superstar daughter, Natalie. But Nat King Cole was a superstar in his own right both as a jazz pianist and singer. His song, “Too Young,” was the number one hit for the entire year of 1951. Other notable classics from Nat Cole’s 50s catalogue include “Mona Lisa” and “Unforgettable.” Nat King Cole was the first African-American performer to host a TV show. The Nat King Cole Show debuted on NBC-TV on November 5, 1956 and lasted a year. Due to the racial climate of the day the show was unable to attract advertisers which led to the show’s cancellation after only one year.
Another superstar 50s singer, worthy of note, is Teresa Brewer who charted 35 hits in the 1950s and recorded more than 600 songs throughout her illustrious career that spanned 3 decades. Her first 50s number one hit came in 1950 with “Music, Music, Music.” In 1951 she hit number one again with “Till I Waltz Again With You.” Teresa Brewer’s song catalog include a variety of styles including country, jazz, R&B, musicals and novelty songs.
Tony Bennett’s long lasting career began in the 50s with the 1951 hit, “Because of You.” His second number one hit came that same year with a cover of the Hank Williams country song, “Cold, Cold Heart.” His third #1 song came in 1953 with “Rags to Riches.” In all, Tony Bennett has sold more than 50 million records.
Perry Como (#1 songs- “If” 1950, “Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes” 1952, and “Wanted” 1953. Other notable Como hits from the 50s include: “Papa Loves Mambo,” “Hot Diggity,” and “Catch a Falling Star.” “Catch a Falling Star” is worthy of note because it was the first ever gold record which also resulted in an Emmy for Como.
Doris Day also belongs on the 1950s singers superstar list. During her amazing career, she appeared in 39 films, recorded more than 650 songs, received an Academy Award nomination, won a Golden Globe and a Grammy Award, and, in 1989, received the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in motion pictures. In 1951 she hit #1 for the 4th time with “Secret Love” which also resulted in a Grammy. Other Top 10 hits from the 1950s include: “Bewitched” 1950 and “What Ever Will Be Will Be”1956.
Eddie Fisher was not only one of the biggest superstars among 1950s singers but his list of marriages was like a list of who’s who among 50 celebrities. That marital list includes celebs like Debbie Reynolds, Elizabeth Taylor, and Connie Stevens. He also produced a famous daughter, Carrie, who rose to fame in the role of Princess Leia in the Star Wars Trilogy. His list of 1950s number one’s includes: “Wish You Were Here” 1952, “I’m Walking Behind You” 1952, “Oh, My Pa-Pa” (1953), and “I Need You” from 1954. He had seventeen Top 10 songs between 1950 and 1956 and thirty-five in the Top 40.
Frankie Laine’s career peaked in the 1950s but actually endured 75 years. 1953 was his biggest year for #1 hits including: “I Believe,” “Hey Joe,” and “Answer Me.” His #2 50s hits include: “Jezebel” 1952, “Where the Winds Blow” 1953, “Blowing Wild” 1954, and “Cool Water” in 1955. Throughout the 1950s, Laine sang the title songs for Hollywood films and television shows, including: Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, 3:10 to Yuma, Bullwhip and Rawhide. His rendition of the title song for Mel Brooks‘ 1974 hit movie Blazing Saddles won an Oscar nomination.
This represents just a few of the 1950s singers who dominated the music charts prior to the emergence of the greatest of all 50s’ singers (Elvis Presley) and the beginning of rock and roll. These artists were the stabilizing force for an industry that was about to get “All Shook Up.”
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