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Find the top 100 R&B songs for the year of 1950 and listen to them all! Can you guess the number one R&B song in 1950? Find out now!
Sep 18, 2024 · Wexler and Ertegun worked closely with Clyde McPhatter (both in and out of his group the Drifters) and Chuck Willis, both of whom were important figures in early 1950s rhythm and blues.
- Ed Ward
- Senior Writer
- 2 min
- The Drifters. Through its various lineup shifts in the early days, The 1950s and ’60s-era iteration of The Drifters produced some of the group’s biggest R&B hits, including “Money Honey” in 1953, “Honey Love,” (1954), “Adorable” (1955), and their 1959 single “There Goes My Baby.”
- The Coasters. Breaking through by the late 1950s, The Coasters had most of their hits, including “Searchin,'” “Young Blood,” and “Yakety Yak” written by the songwriting and production duo of lyricist Jerry Leiber and composer Michael Stoller (Leiber and Stoller).
- Ruth Brown. By the early 1950s, Ruth Brown was already an R&B superstar. Called the “Queen of R&B,” after her No. 1 hit “Teardrops From My Eyes,” which remained on the Billboard R&B chart for 11 weeks, Brown also brought some pop to R&B in the 1950s and hits, including another chart-topper “(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean,” released in 1953.
- Sam Cooke. Throughout his short life, Sam Cooke was already beginning to leave behind a string of hits in the 1950s, including “Chain Gang” and “You Send Me.”
In the commercial rhythm and blues music typical of the 1950s through the 1970s, the bands usually consisted of a piano, one or two guitars, bass, drums, one or more saxophones, and sometimes background vocalists.
- Mona Lisa by Nat King Cole
- How High The Moon by Les Paul & Mary Ford
- Too Young by Nat King Cole
- Cry by Johnnie Ray & The Four Lads
- The Little White Cloud That Cried by Johnnie Ray & The Four Lads
- Pretend by Nat King Cole
- (We’Re Gonna) Rock Around The Clock by Bill Haley & His Comets
- Unchained Melody by Al Hibbler
- Ain’T That A Shame by Pat Boone
- The Great Pretender by The Platters
Mona Lisa by Nat King Cole is a timeless classic that has been captivating audiences for decades. The song, which was originally written for the movie “Captain Carey, U.S.A.”, tells the story of the iconic painting and its mysterious smile. With Nat King Cole’s velvety voice and the elegant piano accompaniment, the song paints a vivid picture of th...
How High the Moon by Les Paul & Mary Ford is a landmark song in the history of jazz and popular music. This up-tempo tune features the innovative guitar work of Les Paul and the sweet, sultry voice of Mary Ford. The song’s catchy melody and intricate harmonies make it a favorite among musicians and music lovers alike. It’s a perfect example of the ...
“Too Young” by Nat King Cole is a poignant ballad that speaks to the fleeting nature of youth and the importance of cherishing the present moment. The song’s gentle melody and Cole’s rich, velvety voice create a sense of wistful nostalgia that is both heartwarming and bittersweet. Written by Sidney Lippman and Sylvia Dee, “Too Young” became a massi...
“Cry” by Johnnie Ray & the Four Lads is a raw, emotional ballad that showcases Ray’s powerful voice and unique vocal style. The song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics tell the story of a man who is heartbroken and crying over the loss of his love. Ray’s impassioned performance perfectly captures the pain and anguish of the song’s protagonist, m...
“The Little White Cloud That Cried” by Johnnie Ray & the Four Lads is a classic love song that has stood the test of time. The song’s upbeat melody and catchy chorus are complemented by Ray’s distinctive vocals, which bring a sense of joy and nostalgia to the tune. Written by Johnnie Ray himself, “The Little White Cloud That Cried” is a celebration...
“Pretend” by Nat King Cole is a timeless classic that tells the story of a man who is desperately trying to convince himself that he’s over his lost love. The song’s lush, orchestral arrangement and Cole’s smooth, velvety voice perfectly capture the sense of longing and heartache that the protagonist feels. Written by Lew Douglas, Cliff Parman, and...
“(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets is a legendary rock and roll anthem that helped to launch the genre into the mainstream. The song’s driving rhythm and catchy lyrics were a hit with audiences of all ages, and the band’s energetic performance made them an instant sensation. Written by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myer...
“Unchained Melody” by Al Hibbler is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that has become a classic in its own right. The song’s sweeping melody and Hibbler’s soulful vocals create a sense of longing and romance that is both powerful and poignant. Written by Alex North and Hy Zaret, “Unchained Melody” has been covered by countless artists over the years, b...
“Ain’t That a Shame” by Pat Boone is a classic rock and roll tune that helped to popularize the genre with mainstream audiences. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat lyrics were a hit with listeners of all ages, and Boone’s clean-cut image and wholesome persona made him a favorite of parents and teenagers alike. Written by Fats Domino and Dave Barth...
“The Great Pretender” by The Platters is a soulful ballad that speaks to the pain and loneliness that can come with love. The song’s lush harmonies and emotional vocals create a sense of vulnerability and yearning that is both powerful and moving. Written by Buck Ram, “The Great Pretender” was a massive hit for The Platters and helped to establish ...
Sep 20, 2016 · While R&B music was not explicitly political from the late 1940s through the 1950s, its appeal across racial divides served as an emotion and psychological bond that linked American youth of all races and ethnic backgrounds.
Apr 6, 2024 · The 1950s witnessed a surge of influence from rhythm and blues (R&B) on mainstream music, with blues artists significantly shaping the landscape of modern music. This era set the stage for iconic figures such as Ray Charles and Sam Cooke , who were instrumental in bringing R&B into the limelight.
