In the 1950s, music created an atmosphere conducive to dancing. Rock ‘n’ roll introduced new dance styles that quickly evolved.
American Bandstand even featured an entire episode devoted to this dance! One popular dance was the Stroll, in which two people dance along a line together.
Doo-wop songs like Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine) by the Penguins are perfect for slow dances, featuring smooth vocal harmonies and an exquisite melody.
At The Hop by Danny & The Juniors
Danny and the Juniors were one of several early vocal groups in rock and roll. This film, originally released in 1958 but shot during 1957, features Danny and his Juniors performing their number one hit “At the Hop”, making an important statement about music and teenage culture at that time. It’s worth watching simply for this insight into its creation!
This film captures the social revolution among American teenagers during the 1950s. Teenagers had never felt more liberated before rock and roll’s introduction. “Hop” parties for teens became common place, and its lyrics represent that spirit of spontaneity perfectly.
Danny Rapp, Dave White, Frank Maffei, and Joe Terranova met while attending John Bartram High in Philadelphia and formed The Juvenairs. While playing local gigs they caught the attention of Artie Singer who later changed their name to Danny and the Juniors with him writing this song for them!
It was an international hit, topping the charts for seven weeks in America alone and also becoming popular in England and Australia. It proved an invaluable starting point in their career.
Once their debut success had taken hold, The Juniors enjoyed further successes, appearing on various television shows and Alan Freed’s touring revue; ultimately becoming one of the most enduring bands of their time.
They had an enormous effect on The Platters, who followed closely in terms of popularity. Furthermore, their influence spread further; British groups like The Bee Gees were heavily influenced by them while American groups like Four Seasons also benefitted greatly from them.
This song serves as an exemplary demonstration of how pop melodies can be tailored to suit different environments and circumstances. With an infectious tune featuring a memorable hook and dynamic rhythm, this tune has been covered many times over and even made appearances in films like American Graffiti.
Popularity was enhanced after its inclusion in the 1978 movie Grease, providing it with increased exposure and making the song accessible to a broader audience. A lively dance track with catchy lyrics.
In the Still of the Night by The Five Satins
In the 1950s, family television shows like Leave It to Beaver and I Love Lucy debuted, along with music legends such as Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. Additionally, doo-wop was an underground genre combining R&B harmonies and rhythms with those evoking nature – trees, flowers, stars in the sky – into songs suitable for couples to dance to together at parties. Doo-wop was especially appealing since couples could dance the night away to its beat that fit their lives’ pace of life!
The Five Satins’ 1956 hit In the Still of the Night — originally written as Nite — would make an ideal wedding song selection for couples who appreciate doo-wop music. This tune conjures images of an overcrowded dance hall as its lyrics call on partners to don their dancing shoes and join in a fun dancing session! A wedding song like this can also help celebrate both your love for one another as well as embarking upon new journeys together!
Frank Sinatra’s timeless song has stood the test of time for generations, conjuring memories of romantic love, longing, and the excitement of entering into new relationships. It is an exquisite tune perfect for slow dancing with your partner under moonlight or slow swaying under its spell.
At the same time that the Five Satins recorded In the Still of the Night, another group called the Penguins was creating hits with their ballad, “Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine).” Their 1954 song Earth Angel is beautiful and romantic — ideal for couples who enjoy listening to doo-wop and slow dancing together.
Fred Parris, frontman for The Five Satins whose 1956 ballad “In the Still of the Night” became an international success, passed away at 85 due to pneumonia-related issues while hospitalized. His death leaves an enormous void within doo-wop music as well as fans of Dirty Dancing as his group’s song was featured prominently within that movie.
Love Is Strange by The Five Satins
This classic doo-wop song is an ideal starting point for beginners looking to swing dancing. The melody is easy to follow, the rhythm is great for learning swing dancing and its creative interludes add dimension and excitement – not forgetting Five Satins’ version, which remains popular dance music today.
Bill Haley and His Comets’ Rock Around the Clock will transport you back to 1950s America. This iconic track marks an essential moment in rock ‘n’ roll history and its popularization; its classic guitar riffs and fast-paced beat will have you dancing quickly!
No list of the 50s’ top dance music would be complete without including at least one track by The BeeGees, an iconic four-piece group renowned for their timeless hits that evoke feelings of romance and love. Their songs provide the perfect addition to any party and can be danced to by couples of all ages!
One of the greatest classic songs ever composed by Frank Sinatra, You Make Me Feel So Young is an ever-popular number that tells of two lovers who fall deeply in love. It features romantic lyrics with an infectious rhythm perfect for dancing!
The Isley Brothers have contributed much to dance music history and have created numerous memorable hits over their long careers. One song they are especially known for is this track “From Childhood”, which tells of two young lovers who have been together from birth. Both its lyrics and tune are extremely catchy and upbeat.
The Coasters provide an entertaining alternative to love songs on this list with their lively track Yakety Yak. The catchy melody and harmonies make this track truly irresistible; its upbeat tempo will have you dancing immediately! Not your average love song but definitely worth adding into your repertoire of lively dance tracks!
At the Wedding
No matter the scale or style of your wedding celebration, one thing all weddings share: love. That’s why it’s essential that your playlist includes both slow and upbeat love songs that set an appropriate mood during receptions; these classic tunes can serve as first dance songs or other romantic dancing opportunities during the night.
These timeless tunes hold a special place in our hearts because we associate them with joyful memories. From classic jazz tunes to oldies love hits, these songs will help relive the magic of love while adding a romantic element to your celebrations.
Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of “I Can’t Take That Away From Me” from the 1950s is an elegant and romantic tune, ideal for dancing together as couples. The lyrics describe being deeply in love and sharing an upbeat melody together – perfect for creating memorable experiences for all involved at your event! Easy dancing songs such as this can leave your guests smiling!
If you’re searching for something more energetic to dance to, why not give Camila Cabello’s hit tropical-vibe pop song an airing? This catchy pop tune with an infectious beat will get everyone up on their feet and singing-along-friendly chorus will leave guests thrilled about what lies ahead in your event!
Al Green’s Motown hit “Shout” will add another upbeat song to your wedding playlist and is a fun choice to include as part of its playlist. The track boasts a memorable sound that has been used in several films and music videos over time; with its groove bass line and catchy chorus, your guests will quickly join in singing along!
16 Candles by The Crests has become the go-to song for milestone birthdays, making it the ideal doo-wop classic to set the mood of any celebration! Perfect for dancing couples together and their guests alike, its catchy melody will have everyone laughing out loud along with you on this joyous milestone day celebration!