classic songs galore in the latest batch! Secret Love is a classic by any era's standard and one of the greatest films of all-time in Calamity Jane. Doris was ground-breaking. Big Mama Thornton's Hound Dog is a jaw-dropping vocal, and Elvis looms large in a lot of these songs Crying In The Chappel, Rags To Riches, Such A Night. Answer Me, Barbara Dickson's version is the classic for me, but that's not to take away from the song original, and ditto Nat's Pretend is lovely, though I love Alvin Stardust's cover. Santa Baby is still playful and iconic, High Noon as dramatic as ever, a record of my youth, Frankie beloved of my parents.

Marilyn's Diamonds a direct influence on Material Girl, and famous, Your Cheatin' Heart a Ray Charles cover to boot, what's not to like. Jo Stafford's is fab, great song, what a classic. The Ugly Duckling a huge fave for this very little kid growing up, Dad liked singing along to Mario Lanza, David Whitfield, Roy Orbison note for note perfect, and any other tune he took a shine to. Sadly my singing voice is from mum's side of the family, life's great joke on me. I can manage Bob Dylan songs as sung by old Bob Dylan.

0071 I Get a Kick Out of You - Frank Sinatra

07/03/1954

Written by Cole Porter for the 1934 musical Anything Goes, "I Get a Kick out of You" became one Sinatra's finest recordings when he included it on his acclaimed album Songs for Young Lovers. Sinatra's relaxed confidence, impeccable phrasing and subtle swing brought fresh sophistication to Porter's witty lyrics about finding true excitement only in love. His interpretation helped redefine the Great American Songbook for new generations and is one of the definitive versions of this enduring standard.

Edited July 12Jul 12 by chartjack2

0072 Sh-Boom - The Chords

15/03/1954

“Sh-Boom" became one of the first great doo-wop hits and one of the earliest rock and roll classics. It has infectious harmonies, playful nonsense syllables and upbeat rhythm that capture the youthful spirit of the new musical era. Although a pop cover by The Crew-Cuts reached a wider mainstream audience, I prefer The Chords' original and I think it’s the more influential version, helping to bring rhythm and blues vocal groups into the spotlight and paving the way for the explosion of rock and roll that followed.

Edited July 12Jul 12 by chartjack2

0073 I Don’t Care If the Sun Don’t Shine - Elvis Presley

10/04/1954

The King has entered the building. This beautifully showcases the young Presley's energetic blend of country, blues and rockabilly. Written by Mack David, the song had previously been recorded by several country artists, but Presley's lively vocal and infectious rhythm gave it a fresh, youthful edge. Though overshadowed by his bigger hits, it captures the raw excitement of his early Sun sessions and hints at the revolutionary sound that would soon change popular music forever.

I don't think rock and roll made the UK chart until 1955. Not sure about when doo wop first made the UK chart though as it's more similar to traditional pop and more difficult to tell apart.

Edited July 12Jul 12 by TheSnake

0074 Little Things Mean a Lot - Kitty Kallen

12/04/1954

The biggest hit of Kallen's career and one of the defining love songs of the decade. This gentle but yearning song reminds us that true affection is shown through small, thoughtful gestures rather than grand displays. Kallen's warm, heartfelt voice struck a chord with audiences, sending the record to No. 1 on both sides of the Atlantic. Its sincerity and timeless message have ensured its place as a beloved classic of the period.

0075 Sway - Dean Martin

15/05/1954

Originally a Mexican instrumental titled ¿Quién Será?, composed by Pablo Beltrán Ruiz, “Sway” was given English lyrics by Norman Gimbel. Martin's smooth baritone and effortless charm, combined with the song's infectious Latin rhythm, turned it into an international favourite. Sampled by Shaft for a No 2 UK hit in 1999, the song is of one the definitive crossover hits of the Fifties and captures the era's growing fascination with Latin-inspired popular music.

0076 Rock Around the Clock

Bill Haley & His Comets

20/05/1954

The record that brought rock and roll into the mainstream. It became a worldwide sensation after featuring in the 1955 film Blackboard Jungle. The track has a driving beat, infectious energy and memorable guitar solo captured the spirit of a new generation, topping charts around the world. More than any other record, it announced the arrival of rock and roll as a global cultural force.

0077 Smile - Nat King Cole

25/06/1954

The instrumental for “Smile” was composed by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 film Modern Times, with lyrics added almost twenty years later by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons. Cole's warm, heartfelt recording inevitably transformed it into one of the most inspiring songs of all time. Its simple message of hope in the face of sadness, combined with Cole's rich, reassuring voice, made it an enduring classic.

0078 If I Can’t Have You - The Flamingos

15/07/1954

This was an early American hit for The Flamingos, one of the finest vocal harmony groups of the time. The song's tender lyrics of unrequited love are matched by the group's smooth, sophisticated harmonies and expressive lead vocal. It helped establish The Flamingos' reputation for elegance and vocal precision and shows their rich, emotional doo-wop style that flourished during rock and roll's formative years.

0079 That’s All Right - Elvis Presley

19/07/1954

Widely regarded as the record that launched Elvis Presley's career, this helped ignite the rock and roll revolution. Originally written and recorded by blues singer Arthur Crudup, Elvis transformed it with an energetic blend of blues, country and rockabilly during a spontaneous session at Sun Records with producers Sam Phillips immediately recognising its magic. The song's fresh, exciting sound announced the arrival of a new musical era and marked the true beginning of one of the most influential careers in music.

Edited July 12Jul 12 by chartjack2

'Rock Around The Clock' is good and we are now we're heading into the rock and roll era here! Pre-rock and roll early 50s was not as grim as it sounds, plenty of upbeat stuff still made the chart.

A lot of the ballad stuff would still sound quite early 50s crooner eg. Elvis' ballads.

0080 But Not for Me - Chet Baker

31/07/1954

Written by brothers George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin for the 1930 musical Girl Crazy, "But Not for Me" became a jazz standard through countless interpretations, but it’s Chet Baker's recording, from his acclaimed album Chet Baker Sings, that is the most celebrated and my personal favourite. His cool, intimate voice and lyrical trumpet style bring a quiet vulnerability to the song, transforming it into a deeply personal reflection on unrequited love. In my opinion, it’s one of the defining recordings of the West Coast jazz movement.

0081 This Ole House - Rosemary Clooney

15/08/1954

This track uses an old, empty house as a moving metaphor for the body at the end of life and the hope of a home beyond. Clooney's warm, lively performance brought a surprisingly uplifting feel to its spiritual message, helping it top the charts in both the United States and Britain. The song later enjoyed another major revival through Shakin' Stevens's 1981 version.

0082 Never Let Me Go - Johnny Ace

15/08/1954

One of Ace's most enduring performances, this heartfelt ballad showcases Ace's smooth, intimate vocal style as he pleads for lasting love and devotion. Its emotional sincerity and understated arrangement made it a favourite with rhythm and blues audiences. Tragically, Ace died soon after at the age of just 25, giving the song added poignancy. It’s a perfect example of the type of romantic R&B ballad that would help to shape the emerging soul sound.

0083 Three Coins in the Fountain - Frank Sinatra

15/08/1954

Released as part of the soundtrack of the film for the same name, winning the Best Song Oscar, and topping the UK Charts, this is one of Sinatra’s most elegant recordings. It celebrates hope, romance and the legend that tossing coins into Rome's Trevi Fountain will bring love and good fortune. Sinatra's warm, effortless delivery makes it a really memorable ballad.

0084 If I Give My Heart to You - Doris Day

01/09/1954

A gentle and sincere declaration of love, asking for trust and lasting commitment in return. Day's clear, warm voice and effortless sincerity made this tune an instant favourite, particularly in the US. I think it has a graceful melody and timeless sentiment and is a classic love song.

0085 Idle Gossip - Sarah Vaughan

15/09/1954

"Idle Gossip" showcases Sarah Vaughan at her most playful and sophisticated. The song pokes fun at rumours and hearsay, with Vaughan's effortless phrasing, rich tone and remarkable vocal control bringing wit as well as warmth to the performance. Vaughan had an unrivalled ability to combine technical brilliance with genuine emotional expression and this is a delightful reminder of her versatility and enduring artistry.

0086 The Man That Got Away - Judy Garland

29/09/1954

Written for the film A Star Is Born, this powerful torch song expresses the heartbreak of losing the love of a lifetime. Garland's emotionally charged delivery and extraordinary vocal range make the performance unforgettable. One of the finest songs ever written for a Hollywood musical, it’s a landmark in both film and pop music.

0087 Mambo Italiano - Rosemary Clooney

15/10/1954

Another UK No 1 for Clooney, this song playfully mixes English with humorous Italian phrases while celebrating the mambo dance craze that swept America in the Fifties. Clooney's lively, tongue-in-cheek performance and infectious rhythm made it an international success, showcasing her versatility beyond traditional ballads. Packed with charm, wit and irresistible energy, it’s one of the period’s most recognisable novelty songs and a perennial favourite.