Brushing up on 50’s music is as memorable as it is interesting and hearing the sounds of one of the fastest changing times in the U.S. brings a nostalgia to most of us. There are many interesting facts from the 1950’s music scene, with the era containing a wealth of changes, teen idols, oldie hits, and much more.
- One quite famous 50’s star that never made top 40 during the 50’s was Roy Orbison, whose hits weren’t reaching top 40 until the 60’s. In 1956, he reached only number 59.
- Elvis actually had a twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, who, unfortunately, was stillborn causing Elvis to grow up an only child.
- When giving credit to the creation of the term “rock and roll”, Alan Freed claimed notoriety and even attempted to copyright the phrase but was unable.
- One of Elvis Presley’s songs that held number one the longest was “Hound Dog”, which held the spot for 11 weeks.
- Some have mistaken “Splish Splash” for other famous artists’ song, but it actually belonged to Bobby Darin and was recorded during 1958 reaching number 3.
- During the song “Daddy-O” by The Coasters recorded in ’58, Charlie Brown called the teacher by the same name.
- Lloyd Price sang “Stagger Lee”, which was adapted from “Stack-A-Lee”, a Cresent city lament.
- “Hound Dog” was actually not a creation of Elvis Presley, though he brought the song much fame. It was originally written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and recorded by Willa Mae Thornton, also known as “Big Mama”. Freddy Bell & the Bell Boys were performing the song when Elvis happened to hear and later re-record.
Reminiscing through the 50’s is a exciting journey with many great fact that you may think you know but were incorrect for all these years.