The 1950s was an exciting decade of youth culture and rock & roll music, and these popular dance songs from this era represent its spirit! Get up and dance along!
Earth Angel by The Penguins is an iconic doo-wop song featuring soft vocal harmonies and a soothing slow tempo, making it ideal for strolling, a popular partner dance.
Sh-Boom by The Crew-Cuts
Sh-Boom by The Crew-Cuts remains captivating and inspirational to this day, its catchy melody and timeless message making it an instant classic that resonates across cultures. Sh-Boom has had an enormous influence on modern music genres; from its disco origins through to early eighties club sounds such as electro and Latin freestyle, jungle and trance and EDM parties; all have been heavily influenced by it over time.
Dance music has always had more than its intended function: rhythm for dancing. It can have deeper cultural implications that reflect its times; this is especially true of doo-wop, which combines vocal harmonies and nostalgic melodies with upbeat beats. Doo-wop is also one of the few genres that never really goes away; although its original fans may disband over time, its influence may reappear with new generations as its influence endures in new forms; nonetheless it will always remain present.
The Crew-Cuts were a white rock band known for covering R&B; songs, most notably The Chords’ 1954 hit “Sh-Boom (Life Could Be A Dream).” Their rendition became a huge success, reaching number two on R&B; charts and number nine on pop. This song introduced many white audiences to black R&B; music and has since been covered by various artists; Pixar’s Cars even featured it during repairs of Radiator Springs neon lights!
Showchoirs and pop groups alike will find this stunning tribute to popular dance music to be an engaging 6 minute medley, easily learned. Perfect for choreography and featured solos alike! Also available as an SSA, 2-Part, ePak(C), or ShowTrax CD version with performance time approximated at 5 hours and 15 minutes.
At The Hop by Danny & The Juniors
Danny & The Juniors’ 1957 hit, “At The Hop,” is an unforgettable example of dance music from the 50s-60s that captures the spirit of its time. An upbeat anthem celebrating rock and roll’s freedom while uniting people from various backgrounds together through its infectious melody and energetic vocals, “At The Hop” remains a timeless classic today that still resonates strongly among many listeners.
The Juniors were a young group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that began singing street corners in the mid-1950s before soon being booked at local venues. In 1955, they met Artie Singer – a vocal coach and songwriter who signed them to his Singular Records label; originally recording under their original title “Do the Bop,” Singer decided to change it later to “At the Hop” since he felt it could become outdated soon enough.
Juniors’ single became an instant regional success after it was released, and was showcased on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand the following December, quickly going national. Unfortunately, Singular Records had already fallen upon hard times by this time; Clark sold its rights for five grand to ABC-Paramount.
This song became The Juniors’ debut major success, reaching number one on both pop and R&B charts simultaneously and breaking into England and Australia’s Top 40 chart.
While the Juniors released other hits, none would match their initial success. They did perform at 1969 Woodstock festival and the 1973 movie American Graffiti though.
The Juniors eventually disbanded, yet a reformed version featuring original members Dave White and Frank Maffei remains active on the oldies circuit today, based out of Arizona. Two original Juniors members, Dave White and Joe Terry both passed away this year but the remaining members continue performing as tribute acts that often include humor, parody, nostalgia for early rock & roll as well as humorous performances to honor their memory. Their legacy serves as an example of music’s power to unite people together and alter lives forever.
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” by Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis remains one of the greatest legends of rock and roll, impressing audiences around the globe with his electrifying piano playing and emotive vocals on songs such as Great Balls of Fire and Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On. His unique style and rebellious nature inspired generations.
Lewis was best-known for his powerful piano playing and stunning vocals; however, he also enjoyed a distinguished country music career. His rendition of Hank Williams’ I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive made for an outstanding listen, while his touching tribute to JFK’s death, Lincoln Limousine was mesmerizing.
Lewis was known for both his musical abilities and flamboyant showmanship, knowing exactly how to entertain an audience. This 1957 appearance on The Steve Allen Show illustrates just how electrifying he could be: performing at lightning pace while getting his audience amped up for it, even adding one or two dance numbers from his repertoire for added drama and excitement.
Jerry Lee Lewis was one of the key figures in the early history of rock and roll music. His contribution brought it to a wider audience while revolutionizing popular culture – an effect which still resonates today and his legacy will endure for years to come.
Rock and roll music was an innovative form of expression during the 50s that was both energetic and rebellious, uniting people of various backgrounds through dance and listening practices, changing how people listened to music and danced, as well as providing them with an immediate sense of community connection.
Rock and roll music’s impact can be felt across many aspects of modern life, from our clothing choices to how we drive cars. Groovy dance songs from the 1950’s continue to play at clubs and at home today and inspire people to move their bodies. No matter your favorite genre of music is, chances are good there’s at least one dance song you can relate to; just remember to have fun dancing your heart out!
“It’s My Party” by The Drifters
The Drifters are one of the most iconic doo-wop groups in music history. Spanning over 60 years, their legacy spans across various line-up changes but their sound is instantly recognisable by fans across generations. Established by Clyde McPhatter as his backing band but eventually becoming its own hitmaking act.
By 1953 and 1955, they enjoyed major hits. But by 1958, McPhatter had left and their fortunes began to decline quickly. Although they continued releasing singles and drawing large audiences to live shows, their number one hit no longer materialised. Treadwell fired original members who had been with them since day one; instead he hired new group to become known as Crowns who assumed the Drifters name while looking for new vocalists as lead singers.
Johnny Moore had been part of a group called the Hornets which recorded some material but only gained local renown. Johnny auditioned for and impressed with his pleasing high tenor voice when auditioning for what would become known as The Drifters featuring Johnny Moore, continuing their recording and touring until 1965.
“Under the Boardwalk,” written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and performed by them was their final top ten hit; however, with white teenage dance market becoming dominant at that point Atlantic Records began shifting focus toward catering to that market; neither audience were ready for new Drifters without McPhatter, nor could Crowns/Drifters compete effectively enough in competition with them.
After its disbandment, some members continued performing under the name The Drifters for years to come. Two such groups–Bill Pinkney’s original Drifters and Dock Green’s group–were still performing up until 2009 and had both sold millions of albums!