Becky's Book Reviews: 1959 Hits Archive

Mom and I have just finished listening to the 1959 Hits Archive on the45prof YouTubechannel. He writes:

Arranged in song-title order, this is one of the45prof’s three* differently-structured playlists of 1959 popular music, as reflected in record sales, jukebox play & radio exposure, and assembled for this collection with the invaluable chart reference help of Joel Whitburn’s ‘Record Research’ publications. These are primarily the ‘hit version’ mono commercial recordings which achieved their greatest popularity during the calendar year 1959 (some of the titles began their national chart run prior to the end of 1958). Note that though the original 45rpm single record label scans are displayed for reference, the actual music you hear may originate from 45, LP, CD, or other digital sources. Most tracks in this playlist were freshly posted to YouTube by yours truly, with the exception of any which do not include “1959 HITS ARCHIVE” in the video’s name. Because my own attempted uploads of those particular titles are currently blocked from view in the U.S., or because I have received direct notice from specific label rights holders regarding potential copyright issues, I have substituted other existing YouTube posts which have been permitted to remain accessible.

1959 seemed to be a year of celebrating everything QUIRKY, ODD, PECULIAR, and NOVEL. In other words, 1959 is VERY taste-specific. Not that it's impossible--absolutely--to find songs worthy of listening to. Instead of LOVING or love, love, loving a dozen or so songs and finding new-to-me gems, I mainly just found a few solidly good songs that I've known for most of my life. (There are exceptions, of course).

Billboard Year-End Hot 100 Singles 1959

Billboard Hot 100 Number One Singles (23 from 1959)

Billboard Hot 100 Top-Ten Singles from 1959

Of the 330 songs, I'd say about 30 were truly outstanding and memorable--for the right reasons.

Highlights:

Alvin's Harmonica -- David Seville & The Chipmunks

As Time Goes By by Johnny Nash

The Battle of New Orleans by Johnny Horton (not to be confused with The Battle of Kookamonga by Homer and Jethro)

The Class by Chubby Checker imitating Fats Domino, The Coasters, Elvis Presley, and the Chipmunks

Come Softly to Me by Fleetwoods

Donna by Ritchie Valens

Don't You Know by Della Reese