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0070 Shake, Rattle & Roll - Big Joe Turner 17/02/1954 A landmark in the birth of rock and roll. Written by Jesse Stone (under the pseudonym Charles Calhoun), the song combines driving rhythm and blues with witty, often suggestive lyrics. Turner's booming voice and infectious energy made it an R&B classic, while a cleaned-up cover by Bill Haley introduced it to an even wider audience. Together, the two versions helped bring rhythm and blues into the rock and roll mainstream, but it’s the original that makes The Ultimate Jukebox.

0069 Secret Love - Doris Day 05/02/1954 Released for the musical western Calamity Jane, this became one of Doris Day's signature songs. It’s a heartfelt ballad that celebrates the joy of finally revealing a long-hidden love. It showcasing Day's pure, expressive voice at its finest and became a huge UK No 1. "Secret Love" is one of the most beloved love song of the 1950s for many and something of an LGBT anthem!

0068 Tempus Fugit - Miles Davis 19/01/1954 Originally composed by Bud Powell, "Tempus Fugit" is a demanding bebop classic that Miles Davis recorded during his remarkable run of mid-1950s sessions. Despite the tune's rapid pace and intricate harmonies, Davis brings his trademark cool, lyrical approach, favouring melodic invention over sheer virtuosity. His restrained style provides a striking contrast to the fiery bebop tradition, highlighting the musical direction that would soon make him one of jazz's greatest innovators. It’s a fascinating meeting of bebop brilliance and Miles Davis's unmistakable voice.

0067 Hoochie Coochie Man - Muddy Waters 15/11/1953 “Hoochie Coochie Man”’s powerful stop-time rhythm, boastful lyrics and electrifying guitar helped establish the classic Chicago blues sound. Waters' commanding vocal and swaggering performance makes it an instant blues standard, influencing generations of musicians from rock to heavy metal. It has been covered by endless artists and is one of the most important and enduring blues recordings ever made.

0066 Swedish Rhapsody - Mantovani 15/11/1953 Despite its title, the melody for “Swedish Rhapsody“ was composed by the Austrian musician Hugo Alfvén and adapted into a light orchestral favourite. Mantovani's famous "cascading strings" gave the piece its lush, romantic sound, helping it become a worldwide bestseller during the easy-listening boom of the time. Elegant, melodic and instantly recognisable, it’s one of the best examples of the richly orchestrated style that made Mantovani one of the world's best-selling recording artists of the period.

0065 Such a Night - Johnnie Ray 15/11/1953 This UK No 1 tells the story of an unforgettable romantic encounter, delivered with Ray's trademark emotional intensity and dramatic vocal style. His passionate performance helped make the record an international success and reinforced his reputation as one of the most expressive singers of the era. The song was later revived by Elvis Presley, but Ray's original is the classic rendition.

0064 Pretend - Nat King Cole 10/11/1953 This beautiful song tells of two lovers trying to recapture a romance by pretending nothing has changed. Cole's smooth, velvety voice and effortless phrasing give the bittersweet lyrics warmth and sincerity, making the heartbreak all the more affecting. Reaching No 2 in the UK, "Pretend" is one of the defining recordings of Cole's remarkable career.

0063 Stranger in Paradise - Tony Bennett 02/11/1953 Originally from the Broadway musical Kismet, Bennett appears again with a song that adapts a soaring melody by the Russian composer Alexander Borodin from his Polovtsian Dances. Bennett's rich, expressive voice perfectly captured the song's sense of wonder and romance, helping it become an international bestseller. Blending classical inspiration with popular music, it is a fine and enduring ballad.

0062 Answer Me - David Whitfield 22/10/1953 Adapted from the German song Mütterlein, with English lyrics by Carl Sigman, “Answer Me” is a heartfelt plea for reconciliation after a broken relationship. Whitfield's soaring operatic tenor brought drama and emotion to the recording, helping it top the UK charts and making him one of Britain's biggest singing stars of the mid 1950s. Although recorded by several artists (including Frankie Laine) Whitfield's powerful and deeply moving interpretation is my favourite version.

0061 Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt 05/10/1953 This song playfully presents a Christmas wish list filled with luxurious gifts, delivered with Kitt's unmistakable purring voice and mischievous charm. Its flirtatious humour was unusually daring for its time, helping it stand out from more traditional festive songs. Frequently covered by later artists, including Kylie Minogue, "Santa Baby" is one of the most popular and enduring Christmas recordings to this day.

0060 Rags to Riches - Tony Bennett 15/09/1953 “Rags to Riches" became one of Tony Bennett's first major hits , helping to establish him as one of America's leading vocalists. The song (written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross) compares the joy of finding true love to rising from poverty to wealth. Bennett's powerful, expressive voice and dramatic delivery turned it into an international success, becoming one of his signature recordings. Its popularity has endured through films, television and countless cover versions, remaining a classic of the golden age of popular song.

No I mean other hits attributed to the specific moniker “Various Artists”

Were “Various Artists” technically credited on any other track than “Perfect Day”?

0059 Enigma - Miles Davis 17/08/1953 An early bebop composition by Davis that showcases the cool, lyrical style he was developing before his classic quintet years. Rather than relying on dazzling speed, Davis builds his solo with space, subtle phrasing and a beautifully controlled tone, creating an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. Backed by an outstanding group of jazz musicians, "Enigma" hints at the musical direction that would eventually lead to landmark albums such as Kind of Blue. It’s a rewarding listen for anyone discovering the evolution of modern jazz.

0058 That’s Amore - Dean Martin 13/08/1953 Released for the comedy film The Caddy, "That's Amore" is considered by many to be Martin’s signature song. Its playful lyrics celebrate Italian culture with memorable references to pizza, moonlight and romance. Dean Martin's relaxed, effortless charm and warm baritone made the song an instant favourite, earning a deserved Oscar nomination. Today, it’s one of the most recognisable and beloved popular songs of the 1950s, forever associated with Martin's easy-going style.