This time mom and I listened to the45prof's 1957 Hits Archive. This is his description, "This is a playlist of commercial recordings and songs that proved
popular during the calendar year 1957 (some were recorded in 1956) via
sales, juke box play, and radio exposure.…plus some others that have
gained increased recognition or have been shown to have had an impact
during the decades that followed."
Billboard year-end top 50 singles of 1957
Billboard Number One Singles of 1957
Overall it was quite a pleasant playlist. It didn't have as many--not nearly as memorable--songs that have reached ultra-epic status among oldies. But it has quite a few artists that have. This playlist abounds in Elvis Presley, Pat Boone, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Fats Domino, and Nat King Cole. Elvis' Teddybear and All Shook Up are just two of the many, many, many Elvis songs that appear on the list.
I forgot to mention Buddy Holly and the Crickets. Also mom's favorite the Everly Brothers. Johnny Mathis. Marty Robbins. Little Richard. Chuck Berry.
Apparently in 1957 was all about "exotic" island chic! So many songs tried to go for that tropical flair. There were SIX Banana Boats to listen to! And that is just one example. There were many others. (Some I think more successful than others.) I'll link to the Belafonte one.
Plenty of songs from movies as well! In fact, the list opens with a song from the movie An Affair to Remember. Plenty of songs about school as well, my favorite probably being School Day by Chuck Berry. But by far the most popular subject is love and heartbreak. (Also enjoy Rock & Roll Music)
Highlights
Little Darlin' by The Diamonds. My absolute FAVORITE, FAVORITE, FAVORITE SONG EVER. Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration. My favorite DOOWOP song ever. There is another rendition of this one by The Gladiolas. I much prefer the Diamonds. But you can clearly hear the words in the second one--I was wrong to try to love TWO.
You Send Me. Sam Cooke. One of my FAVORITE, FAVORITE love songs ever. I adore Sam Cooke.
Tammy by Debbie Reynolds.
First Date, First Kiss, First Love. Sonny James. Young Love. Sonny James.
Love is Strange by Mickey and Sylvia. Anyone who's watched Dirty Dancing will recognize this one. I certainly did. This couple/group had THREE songs on the 1957 playlist. They're voices and musical style are very recognizable. Dearest. There Oughta Be a Law.
Come Go With Me by the Dell Vikings. A Thousand Miles Away by the Heartbeats. To the Aisle. Five Satins. My Special Angel. Bobby Helms. One in a Million by The Platters.
Chances Are by Johnny Mathis
Butterfly by Andy Williams. Honeycomb by Jimmie Rodgers.
Everyday by Buddy Holly. Oh Boy.
Fraulein by Bobby Helms. I expected to make fun of this one...and ended up really enjoying it.
Liechtensteiner Polka. "Liechtensteiner Polka (Kotscher-Lindt) by Will Glahe and His Orchestra and Chorus The German-born accordionist-bandleader spent five months on Billboard with this happy top-20 charting hit. Glahe’s also commonly-heard stereo version of this tune was a later re-recording."
Happy Happy Birthday by Tune Weavers
I'll Remember Today by Patti Page.
The Rejects
- Flying Saucer the 2nd a Buchanan and Goodman production
- Mama Look at Bubu. Harry Belafonte.
- Rang Tang Ding Dong (I am the Japanese Sandman) Cellos.
- Santa and the Satellite Buchanan and Goodman production
- Wringle Wrangle by Fess Parker
© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
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