The Most Popular Music Artists From the 1950s

The 1950s decade saw a boom after the Great Depression and World War 2. The economy was roaring, not to mention the “baby boom” after men returned from the war. During this time, the Civil Rights movement began as many people took a stand against inequality. In addition to all that was going on economically and socially, music played a pivotal role during this decade. This article will explore the most prominent music artists from the ’50s.

The music of the 1950s shaped the music of the ’60s. Additionally, rock ‘n’ roll began emerging in the ’50s, and several genres focused more on the youth. Furthermore, the musicians below played a crucial part in shaping music across many genres. (Click to read about the biggest pop hits of the ’60s.)

To compile a list of the top music artists from the 1950s, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous sources, including IMDb and biography.com. Here are the top music artists from the ’50s.

Elvis

Elvis Presley was a prominent musician through the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. His good looks, interesting dance moves, and unique sound instantly made him a hit. Even today, a fascination with Elvis Presley has never entirely gone away.

Elvis Presley has been dubbed The King of Rock and Roll. His interest in music began after he was gifted a guitar from his mom for his eleventh birthday. Presley’s first single was “That’s All Right” in 1954. Elvis was not only a great singer but also appeared on television shows, which only increased his fame. Several of Elvis’s hits include “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Hound Dog,” and “All Shook Up.”

Although Elvis saw immense success during his career, his life wasn’t without turbulence. He developed an addiction to prescription drugs and divorced from his wife in 1973. On August 16, 1977, Elvis was found dead. The cause was heart failure as a result of drug abuse. Although his life was cut short, Elvis’s legacy remains today.

Fats Domino

Fats Domino’s name was Antoine Dominique Domino Jr. He was born in 1928 and was an exceptional pianist and singer-songwriter. Furthermore, Domino is considered a rock ‘n’ roll pioneer and has hits like “Ain’t That a Shame.”

Fats Domino signed with Imperial Records in 1949 and stayed there until 1963. Domino’s very first release was entitled “The Fat Man.” More hits included “I’m Ready,” “Whole Lotta Loving,” and “I Want to Walk You Home.”

What’s more, Domino has songs in the Grammy Hall of Fame; these are:

• “Walking to New Orleans”
• “Blueberry Hill”
• “Ain’t It A Shame”
• “The Fat Man”

Domino passed away in 2017 at 89 years old.

Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry is known for his hits “Johnny B. Goode” and “Maybellene.” He is a rock ‘n’ roll legend. Chuck was born in 1926.

Berry’s music career began when he joined Tommy Stevens’ band. Not only was Chuck’s voice exceptional, but his on-stage presence was one to behold for his unique nature and upbeat persona. In 1955, Chuck met Muddy Waters, who encouraged going to Chess Records. He was signed with the label, and his rhythm and blues sound took flight from there.

Furthermore, Berry has received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In 2017, Chuck Berry passed away at the age of 90.

Little Richard

Little Richard was a central rock ‘n’ roll figure in the 1950s. Moreover, his style and sound were considered flashy and made him stand out. After being kicked out of his home at 13, Little Richard was taken in by a family who owned a club. It was at this club in Macon where Little Richard started performing.

The song that propelled his success was “Tutti Frutti,” and he continued producing top hits such as “Long Tall Sally,” “Send me Some Lovin,” and “Good Golly Miss Molly.”

Little Richard was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 1986. Although he had a long and successful career, the earlier decades defined Little Richard’s success. He passed away in 2020.

The Everly Brothers

The Everly Brothers group was comprised of Isaac Donald Everly and Phillip Everly. The genre in which they found success was country rock. The duo is known for successful hits such as “Bye Bye Love” and “Wake Up Little Susie.”

In 1957, the brothers signed with Cadence Records. They were an instant success; on June 1, 1957, they became the Grand Ole Opry members. In ’60, the duo moved to Warner Bros. Records, and with the signing came even more success. However, it was during the ’60s that their success started to weaken. Issac died in 2021, and Philip passed away in 2014.

Bill Haley & His Comets

Bill Haley was born in 1925 in Michigan. The genres in which he found success were pop, rock, and country. He first appeared on the rock ‘n’ roll scene earlier than many other greats, like Presley.

One of his biggest hits was “Rock Around the Clock,” which stayed on the charts for eight weeks. Bill Haley was born blind in one eye and was painfully shy as a boy. However, in 1946, Haley formed a new band named the Four Aces of Western Swing, and from there, they signed with Cowboy Records. The band consisted of Johnny Grande, Al Rex, Billy Williamson, and Bill Haley. Their name was also changed to Bill Haley and His Saddleman.

As the band grew older, they changed their name once again to Bill Haley and His Comets. The style also changed from country/cowboy to R&B. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Smokey Robinson.

Ray Charles

Ray Charles was a pioneer in many genres. These include gospel, pop, country, and soul. However, his most notable hits include “Hit the Road Jack,” “Georgia on My Mind,” and “Unchain My Heart.” Ray was born in 1930, and he lost his sight at the age of seven.

While he was growing up, he learned to play several instruments, including sax, clarinet, piano, trumpet, and organ. In the 1940s, Ray joined the McSon Trio. During this time, he had several hits. However, a song that sealed his unique sound was the number-one hit “I Got a Woman.”

Ray Charles had the unique ability to blend several different sounds, earning him the nickname “The Genius.” He continued to have a successful career until he died in 2003.

The Clovers

The Clovers formed in 1946; the members were Harold Lucas, Thomas Woods, and Billy Shelton. Later on, John Baily joined the group. Several hits include “Fool, Fool, Fool” and “Hey Miss Fannie.”

One of their more popular songs was “Love Potion No. 9.” In 1961, the original band, The Clovers, split up. A new group was formed, although many of the original members were replaced by others. The Clovers group has continued to make music well into the 21st century.

The Platters

 

The group recorded “Only You,” which was a success on the U.S. music charts. More successful hits also include “The Great Pretender,” “Twilight Time,” and Harbor Lights.” In addition, their music was featured on “Wanda Vision,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and more.

Buddy Holly & the Crickets

Buddy Holly was born in 1936 and learned to love music from a young age. He could also play the fiddle, piano, and guitar. Buddy started a band after high school, and after seeing Elvis perform, they changed their style. One of the group’s first hits was “That’ll Be the Day” in ’57.

However, in 1958, Buddy Holly and the Crickets split up. He pursued a solo career and started to tour in 1959 with The Winter Dance Party. Unfortunately, one night, Holly decided to board a private plane to Minnesota. It was on this flight that Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash. Buddy was only 22 years old. (Click to read about movie and TV stars who died too young.)