0105 Ain’t That a Shame - Fats Domino

18/05/1955

This effortlessly blends New Orleans rhythm and blues with an irresistible melody, driven by Domino's warm vocals and distinctive piano style. A cover version by Pat Boone later became a huge hit, but obviously this original (co-composed with Dave Bartholomew) is the benchmark and a rock and roll classic.

Edited July 14Jul 14 by chartjack2

0106 Something’s Gotta Give - Sammy Davis Jr

30/06/1955

Of course, Davis was integral to the Rat Pack and here his effortless swing, impeccable timing and charismatic delivery brings the song to life, showcasing the versatility that made him one of the greatest all-round entertainers of all time. It’s an example of how sophisticated pop and jazz could comfortably meet in this period.

0107 Dreamboat - Alma Cogan

02/07/1955

Cogan was known as the “Girl with the Giggle in her Voice”, and this reached No 1 in the UK. It’s a light-hearted celebration of teenage romance. Cogan gives a bright, playful delivery of a song that’s cheerful, catchy and full of endless charm.

0108 Pretty Thing - Bo Diddley

15/07/1955

Typically influential, this combines raw guitar riffs, infectious rhythm and swaggering vocals that helped define the sound of early rock and roll. Its distinctive groove inspired countless musicians drawing on Diddley's pioneering style. The rhythmic blueprint for countless rock songs that followed was established here.

0109 Cry Me a River - Julie London

15/07/1955

London's effortless, intimate, smoky vocal, accompanied by a sparse jazz arrangement featuring guitarist Barney Kessel, creates an atmosphere of pure sophistication. The recording is simply an enduring classic and also helped to establish the cool jazz style of the Fifties more generally.

0110 Maybellene - Chuck Berry

21/07/1955

Berry's first hit and one of the records that defined the birth of rock and roll. Adapted from the country song Ida Red, Berry transformed it into a thrilling tale of a high-speed car chase, driven by his distinctive guitar riffs and energetic storytelling. The song became a major crossover success and introduced a fresh style that blended country, rhythm and blues and teenage excitement. Its influence on rock music is immeasurable, making it one of the most important recordings of all time.

Alma Cogan does have a giggle in her voice, as do a few recent singers in certain songs this decade like Mae Stephens and Anne Marie.

The one I know most from Alma Cogan is 'Tango with an Eskimo'.

Only You, mum and dad had The Platters Greatest Hits in the 70's so know their stuff, but it's Ringo's version I know best. Cry Me A River is a classic, first brought to my attention by Mari Wilson, Maybelline is jolly, and Sammy's Something's Gotta Give was an Easy Listening standard throughout his career as he popped up on The Dean Martin Show and other assorted variety shows.

0111 Memories Are Made of This - Dean Martin

01/08/1955

This timeless song the song celebrates life's milestones, from falling in love to raising a family, with warmth and gentle optimism. Martin's relaxed baritone and effortless charm made it an instant favourite, sending it to No. 1 in both the US and the UK. Its uplifting message and memorable melody have ensured its place as one of the most enduring tracks of the Fifties.

0112 Love and Marriage - Frank Sinatra

15/08/1955

Released for the television production Our Town, this has became one of Sinatra's best-known recordings. It’s a clever ditty that compares love and marriage to other pairs of things that simply belong together. The song won the Emmy Award for Best Musical Contribution and later found a whole new audience as the theme tune to the sitcom Married... with Children. Sinatra's playful delivery and impeccable timing makes it a really charming recording.

0113 Mystery Train - Elvis Presley

20/08/1955

Originally written and recorded by Junior Parker, Elvis transformed this blues number into a haunting rockabilly masterpiece, driven by Scotty Moore's wonderful echoing guitar and a relentless train-like rhythm. The song perfectly captures the excitement and mystery of America's railroads while showcasing the fresh sound that would very soon make Presley the biggest star in rock and roll.

0114 Love Is a Many Splendoured Thing - The Four Aces

15/09/1955

Another Oscar winner, this contains smooth harmonies and a polished vocal style that perfectly captures the sweeping romance of the lyrics. It’s a defining love song of the period and more generally an enduring favourite from the Golden Age of Hollywood.

0115 Rose Marie - Slim Whitman

15/09/1955

This song originated in the 1924 operetta Rose-Marie, with lyrics co-written Oscar Hammerstein. Whitman's distinctive high yodel and smooth tenor transformed it into a country-pop classic, sending it to No. 1 in the UK for a then record-breaking 11 consecutive weeks.

0116 Sixteen Tons - Tennessee Ernie Ford

17/09/1955

This classic tells of the harsh life of a coal miner trapped by debt, summed up in the unforgettable line, "I owe my soul to the company store." Ford's deep, resonant voice and sparse, finger-snapping arrangement gave the song enormous impact. It remains one of the most powerful and socially significant popular songs of the decade.

0117 Rock Island Line - Lonnie Donegan

01/10/1955

The “King of Skiffle" sparked a musical craze across Britain with this track, based on an old American folk song popularised by Lead Belly. Donegan’s energetic version featured acoustic guitar, washboard and tea-chest bass and became Britain's first international pop hit, inspiring thousands of young musicians to form skiffle groups. Among those influenced were future members of The Beatles, but we’re getting slightly ahead of ourselves here…

0118 Come Rain or Come Rain Shine - Billie Holiday

15/10/1955

One of the great American standards after originally being written for the1946 musical St. Louis Woman, Holiday's interpretation is typically moving. She has such fragile yet expressive voice that brings extraordinary depth to a song about unwavering love through good times and bad. Holiday's unique phrasing and emotional honesty transforms every lyric into lived experience, making this version a timeless example of her incomparable artistry.

0119 Tutti Frutti - Little Richard

01/11/1955

This announced the arrival of Little Richard as one of rock and roll's most electrifying pioneers. Co-written with Dorothy LaBostrie, the song's pounding piano, explosive vocals and unforgettable opening cry captured the excitement of a new musical era. Although some of the original lyrics were toned down before recording, none of the song's energy was lost. Its influence on future artists is immeasurable.

Can understand why older people hated rock and roll at the time, Little Richard is a bit shouty lol.

Catchy and fun song though.

0120 The Great Pretender - The Platters

03/11/1955

Later covered by Freddie Mercury, "The Great Pretender" became one of The Platters' biggest international succeses. Written by Buck Ram, it is about someone hiding heartbreak behind a smile, combining poignant lyrics with the group's rich harmonies and the typical soaring lead voice of Tony Williams. Elegant and emotional, it remains one of the definitive love songs of all time.

well all of those are good! I prefer Ray Charles Come Rain Or Come Shine, that's brilliant, Dean's was a fave when I was a kiddie in the 60's, and Married With Children's TV sitcom theme made Frank's oldie famous again. Elvis' Mystery Train is terrific.