During the 1950s, music was a powerful and influential force in many people’s lives. It was a time of transition as rock and roll, and other forms of popular music were beginning to gain traction. But before the era of rock and roll, there were a few singers who stood out as the most popular of the decade. Here are the top five singers of the 1950s that your great-grandparents likely used to listen to.
1. Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra is perhaps the most iconic singer of the 1950s. His smooth, crooning style and, signature blue eyes, and slicked-back hair quickly made him a household name. Sinatra was a versatile singer, capable of singing both ballads and jazz with equal skill, and was among the first to successfully transition from big band to solo artist. He was a major influence on the crooners and singers of the 1960s, and his music continues to be enjoyed by generations of Sinatra fans.
2. Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole was another popular singer of the 1950s. His smooth baritone voice and sophisticated, jazzy style were a hit with audiences. Cole was a masterful jazz musician who often performed with his trio, playing the piano and singing. His smooth crooning style was a major influence on singers in the decades that followed, and his classic songs, such as “Mona Lisa” and “Unforgettable,” remain popular today.
3. Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash was a major force in the music of the 1950s. His unique style of country music, which blended folk and blues, was unlike anything else at the time. His songs often dealt with themes of love, heartbreak, and redemption, and his gritty, gravelly voice and unpretentious stage presence made him a favorite of audiences. His classic songs, such as “Folsom Prison Blues” and “I Walk the Line,” remain popular today.
4. Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley is perhaps the most iconic popular singer of the 1950s. His energetic rock and roll style was like nothing anyone had ever heard before, and it quickly made him a star. He was a major influence on the rock and roll singers of the 1960s, and his music continues to be enjoyed by generations of fans. His classic songs, such as “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog,” remain popular today.
5. Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee was another popular singer of the 1950s. Her smooth, sultry voice and sophisticated style made her a favorite of audiences. She had a unique ability to make any song her own, and her jazzy, bluesy style was a major influence on singers in the decades that followed. Her classic songs, such as “Fever” and “Is That All There Is?” remain popular today.
These five singers were among the most popular of the 1950s, and your great-grandparents likely used to listen to them. Their classic songs remain popular today, and their influence can still be heard in the music of today. They are true icons of the 1950s, and their music will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
