0017 By the Light of the Silvery Moon - Les Paul & Mary Ford

15/05/1951

Originally written in 1909, "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" was given a fresh new sound by Paul and Ford. The result was a major chart hit that introduced a new generation to a classic song. This is a wonderful example of how innovative recording technology and timeless songwriting could come together to create something both nostalgic and thoroughly modern.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0018 Kisses Sweeter Than Wine - The Weavers

30/06/1951

Originally adapted from an old Irish folk melody, this song tells the story of a couple growing old together, celebrating the simple joys of love, marriage and family life. Its gentle melody and optimistic message struck a chord with audiences, helping to bring folk music into the popular mainstream. Although many artists later recorded it, including Jimmie Rodgers, The Weavers' warm harmonies and sincere performance is the song's defining interpretation.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0019 I’ve Got the World on a String - Erroll Garner

15/07/1951

Written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the 1932 revue Cotton Club Parade, "I've Got the World on a String" became a jazz favourite long before Garner recorded his sparkling instrumental version. Garner's joyful, swinging piano style transformed the song into a showcase for his remarkable technique, infectious rhythm and effortless improvisation. Garner brings irresistible optimism to this classic and he’s one of jazz's most beloved pianists.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0020 A Kiss to Build a Dream On - Louis Armstrong

15/07/1951

With his instantly recognisable gravelly voice and warm trumpet playing, Armstrong transformed the romantic ballad (originally written in 1935) into a timeless classic. The song's gentle optimism and dreamlike lyrics perfectly suited his relaxed, heartfelt style. It enjoyed a resurgence after featuring in the 1993 film Sleepless in Seattle, introducing Armstrong's unforgettable performance to a new generation of listeners.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0021 Avalon - Errol Garner

15/08/1951

Originally published in 1920, "Avalon" quickly became a favourite with jazz musicians thanks to its lively melody and infectious rhythm. Erroll Garner brought his own unmistakable style to the tune, filling it with sparkling improvisation, rhythmic drive and his trademark exuberance. Garner's effortless swing and inventive piano playing turned this Tin Pan Alley classic into a thrilling jazz performance.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0022 Moanin’ at Midnight - Howlin’ Wolf

15/08/1951

This was Howlin’ Wolf’s breakthrough recording and one of the most powerful early electric blues records. Produced by Sam Phillips, the song is driven by Wolf's thunderous voice, haunting harmonica and hypnotic rhythm, creating an atmosphere of raw intensity unlike anything heard at the time. Its primal sound had a profound influence on later blues and rock musicians, helping to shape the music of the 1960s and cementing Howlin' Wolf's reputation as one of the greatest blues performers of all time.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

Double Post

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0023 In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening - Bing Crosby

01/09/1951

Written by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics by Johnny Mercer for the film Here Comes the Groom, "In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Bing Crosby introduced it in the film with his trademark relaxed charm and easy-going style. Its cheerful melody and light-hearted lyrics made it an instant favourite, adding another classic to Crosby's remarkable catalogue of hits and reinforcing his status as one of the most popular entertainers of the mid twentieth century.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0024 Moanin’ for My Baby - Howlin’ Wolf

15/09/1951

Another early classic by Howlin' Wolf, showcasing the commanding voice and emotional intensity that made him one of the giants of electric blues. Backed by a simple but powerful rhythm, Wolf's gravelly vocals and expressive guitar capture the loneliness and longing at the heart of traditional blues. Recorded during the same fertile period as his breakthrough hits, the song helped establish his reputation and would go on to influence generations of blues and rock musicians on both sides of the Atlantic.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0025 Cry - Johnnie Ray

16/10/1951

"Cry" turned Johnnie Ray into an international sensation. Co-written by Churchill Kohlman, the song's heartfelt lyrics and Ray's intensely emotional performance were unlike anything audiences had heard before. His dramatic stage presence and tearful delivery earned him the nickname "The Prince of Wails" and paved the way for the more expressive style of pop singing that followed. Spending 11 weeks at No. 1 in the US, this track is one of the landmark recordings of the early 1950s and a true milestone in popular music.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0026 Taxi Blues - Little Richard

15/11/1951

Rooted firmly in rhythm and blues, this song showcases Little Richard’s powerful voice, energetic piano playing and unmistakable vocal style, even in his formative years. Although it was not a major commercial success, "Taxi Blues" offers a fascinating glimpse of the raw talent that would soon help revolutionise rock and roll and make Richard one of its founding pioneers.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0027 Red Sails in the Sunset - The Five Keys

15/11/1951

Originally written in 1935 by Hugh Williams and Jimmy Kennedy, "Red Sails in the Sunset" became a popular standard long before The Five Keys recorded their smooth rhythm and blues version in 1951. Their rich harmonies and understated style gave the romantic ballad a fresh appeal, helping bridge the gap between traditional pop and the emerging doo-wop sound. One of the finest vocal groups of the era, The Five Keys influenced countless harmony groups that followed, and this is a typically elegant interpretation of theirs.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0028 It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Perry Como

15/11/1951

Perry Como's warm, relaxed recording perfectly captured the excitement of the approaching Christmas season, with Meredith Wilson’s lyrics celebrating familiar sights from decorated shops to children's anticipation. Although many artists have since recorded the song, Como's version is the gold standard. Its gentle charm and timeless melody have made it an enduring Christmas classic, returning to playlists, airwaves and charts every December.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0029 Isle of Innisfree - Bing Crosby

19/12/1951

Written by Dick Farrelly for the film The Quiet Man, "Isle of Innisfree" became closely associated with Bing Crosby, whose warm, effortless vocals perfectly captured its nostalgic longing for home. Although Crosby never appeared in the film, his recording helped popularise the song around the world. It has a gentle melody and evocative lyrics celebrating the beauty and tranquillity of rural Ireland, inevitably become an enduring favourite, especially among Irish communities, one of Crosby's most cherished later recordings.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

How High The Moon I love as a Gloria Gaynor disco cover, that's soaring, Les & Mary's bubbles along nicely though and the other songs listed by them are songs I like too. Unforgettable is a classic, Kisses Sweeter Than Wine a good song and The Weavers were big. I dont know that Louis Armstrong track, but Louis in ballad motif I usually like. Perry Como's xmas perennial I still don't enjoy, I put it down to his 1973 como-yawnsome comeback, I just cant get past his voice. Red Sails In The Sunset is another good song, Cry was a showstopper, and Unchain My Heart, Ray Charles can do no wrong. Joe Cocker did a good effort, but Ray is the man.

0030 One Mint Julep - The Clovers

15/02/1952

This is a landmark rhythm and blues recording written by Rudy Toombs. It tells a humorous tale of romance gone wrong after one drink too many, delivered with the group's smooth harmonies and relaxed style. Its playful lyrics and infectious groove made it an R&B chart-topper, while its influence extended well beyond the genre. A lively instrumental version by Ray Charles became a hit a decade later, confirming the song's enduring appeal.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0031 Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Lloyd Price

15/03/1952

The debut single of Lloyd Price and one of the defining records of early rhythm and blues. Featuring a young Fats Domino on piano, the song combines infectious New Orleans rhythm with Price's spirited vocals to tell the story of a troubled romance. It became a huge R&B hit and is widely regarded as one of the records that helped pave the way for rock and roll. Its influence can be heard in later recordings by artists including Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0032 Somewhere Along the Way - Nat Kong Cole

17/03/1952

“Somewhere Along the Way" has become one of Nat King Cole's most memorable ballads. Written by Kurt Adams and Sammy Gallop, the song tells of a love that has quietly slipped away, with the singer wondering where things went wrong. Cole's rich, velvety voice and effortless phrasing bring warmth and dignity to its theme of lost romance. A major international hit, it remains one of his finest recordings, perfectly illustrating why he is regarded as one of the greatest interpreters of the American popular song.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0033 Half as Much - Hank Williams

28/03/1952

This song expresses the heartache of loving someone who doesn't return the same depth of feeling, a theme perfectly suited to Williams' honest, emotional singing style. Blending country music with broad pop appeal, it became one of his biggest crossover successes. Covered by many artists over the years, including Rosemary Clooney, the track is a classic example of Hank Williams' ability to make simple lyrics deeply moving.

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2

0034 Singin’ in the Rain - Gene Kelly

11/03/1952

Although written in 1929 by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, "Singin' in the Rain" became immortal through Gene Kelly's unforgettable performance in the film of the same name. Kelly's joyful dance through rain-soaked streets is one of cinema's most famous scenes, symbolising happiness in the face of adversity. He filmed the demanding sequence while suffering from a high fever. More than seventy years later, the song remains one of the most recognisable and uplifting classics in both film and popular music. Kelly’s vocals were used in Mint Royale’s 2000s Number 1 remix although he sadly was uncredited!

Edited July 11Jul 11 by chartjack2