Timeline
Year | Month | Song Title | Artist | More |
---|---|---|---|---|
1957 ![]() |
September | Happy, Happy Birthday Baby | The Tune Weavers |
![]() Happy, Happy Birthday Baby CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:17 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
Think | The `5` Royales |
![]() Think CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:35 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
||
Wake Up Little Susie | The Everly Brothers | |||
Keep a` Knockin` | Little Richard |
![]() Keep a` Knockin` CD Source: Little Richard Rocks (1951-64+)Time: 2:17 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
||
October | Jailhouse Rock | Elvis Presley |
![]() Jailhouse Rock CD Source: Elv1s - 30 #1 Hits (1956-77+)Time: 2:26 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
|
You Send Me | Sam Cooke | |||
Silhouettes | The Rays |
![]() Silhouettes CD Source: Cameo Parkway Greatest Hits(1957-1966)Time: 2:43 Sequenced by: single Honored by: "Silhouettes" was a big national hit, peaking at #3 for two weeks and remaining in the top ten for over two months against really heavy competition. But in the New York City area it was a monster, the #1 song of the entire year 1957 according to my compilation of the weekly charts of WMGM, the dominant top 40 radio station at the time. During its run of seven weeks at #1 it fended off the challenges of both "You Send Me" and "Jailhouse Rock." ![]() ![]() ![]() |
||
Little Bitty Pretty One | Thurston Harris |
![]() Little Bitty Pretty One CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:22 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
Tonite, Tonite | The Mello-Kings |
![]() Tonite, Tonite CD Source: The Doo Wop Box (+1953-63+) (4)Time: 2:30 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
||
Reet Petite | Jackie Wilson |
![]() Reet Petite CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:43 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
||
My Special Angel | Bobby Helms | |||
November | Raunchy | Bill Justis | ||
Could This Be Magic | The Dubs |
![]() Could This Be Magic CD Source: The Doo Wop Box II (+1953-63) (4)Time: 2:15 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
Rock and Roll Music | Chuck Berry |
![]() Rock and Roll Music CD Source: Chuck Berry Rocks (1955-64)Time: 2:30 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS ![]() ![]() |
||
Peggy Sue | Buddy Holly | |||
Everyday | Buddy Holly | |||
December | Great Balls of Fire | Jerry Lee Lewis |
![]() Great Balls of Fire CD Source: Jerry Rocks (1956-77)Time: 1:51 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
|
At the Hop | Danny & The Juniors |
![]() At the Hop CD Source: The Golden Era of Rock `N` Roll 1954-1963 (3)Time: 2:30 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
Teardrops | Lee Andrews & The Hearts | |||
Buzz, Buzz, Buzz | The Hollywood Flames |
![]() Buzz, Buzz, Buzz CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:16 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
1958 | January | Oh Boy! | The Crickets | |
Not Fade Away | The Crickets |
![]() Not Fade Away CD Source: Greatest Hits (1957-58)Time: 2:22 Sequenced by: B-side of Oh Boy! Honored by: RS ![]() ![]() |
||
The Stroll | The Diamonds | |||
I`ll Come Running Back to You | Sam Cooke |
![]() I`ll Come Running Back to You CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:10 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
Get a Job | The Silhouettes |
![]() Get a Job CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:45 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
||
Don`t | Elvis Presley | |||
February | Don`t Let Go | Roy Hamilton |
![]() Don`t Let Go CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:30 Sequenced by: single Honored by: The earliest stereo version of a single originally released in mono that is included in the Timeline. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
Maybe | The Chantels |
![]() Maybe CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:48 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
||
Sweet Little Sixteen | Chuck Berry |
![]() Sweet Little Sixteen CD Source: Chuck Berry Rocks (1955-64)Time: 2:59 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG Chuck Berry`s original recording clocked in at 3:10. A couple of early CD reissues used this original *studio* master, which is how I first learned about it. It was speeded up about 6% for release, as had previously been done with a few Fats Domino releases. Five years after this release, Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys put new "surfer" lyrics to the melody and arrangement of "Sweet Little Sixteen." Chuck Berry was officially identified as the co-writer of "Surfin` USA" before long. Sample 2: Surfin` U.S.A. - The Beach Boys ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
||
Reelin` and Rockin` | Chuck Berry |
![]() Reelin` and Rockin` CD Source: Chuck Berry Rocks (1955-64)Time: 3:15 Sequenced by: B-side of Sweet Little Sixteen Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
We Belong Together | Robert & Johnny |
![]() We Belong Together CD Source: The Doo Wop Box II (+1953-63) (4)Time: 2:46 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
Tequila | The Champs | |||
March | Good Golly Miss Molly | Little Richard |
![]() Good Golly Miss Molly CD Source: Little Richard Rocks (1951-64+)Time: 2:08 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
|
Maybe Baby | The Crickets | |||
Breathless | Jerry Lee Lewis | |||
Don`t You Just Know It | Huey Smith & The Clowns |
![]() Don`t You Just Know It CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:30 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
Book of Love | The Monotones |
![]() Book of Love CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:19 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
||
Twilight Time | The Platters |
![]() Twilight Time CD Source: Enchanted - The Best of (1955-60 & 66-67)Time: 2:44 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
Believe What You Say | Ricky Nelson |
![]() Believe What You Say CD Source: Rockin` with Ricky (1957-62)Time: 2:02 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
April | Wear My Ring Around Your Neck | Elvis Presley |
![]() Wear My Ring Around Your Neck CD Source: 2nd To None (1954-77+)Time: 2:14 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
|
I Met Him on a Sunday | The Shirelles |
![]() I Met Him on a Sunday CD Source: 25 All-Time Greatest Hits (1958-64)Time: 2:14 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
Oh, Lonesome Me | Don Gibson |
![]() Oh, Lonesome Me CD Source: Country Edition of Golden Age of R&R series (1956-65)Time: 2:30 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
All I Have to Do is Dream | The Everly Brothers |
![]() All I Have to Do is Dream CD Source: Best (1957-60)Time: 2:19 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
||
Talk to Me, Talk to Me | Little Willie John |
![]() Talk to Me, Talk to Me CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:42 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
May | Rumble | Link Wray & His Ray Men | ||
Johnny B. Goode | Chuck Berry |
![]() Johnny B. Goode CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:38 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
||
Around and Around | Chuck Berry |
![]() Around and Around CD Source: Chuck Berry Rocks (1955-64)Time: 2:38 Sequenced by: B-side of Johnny B. Goode Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
For Your Love | Ed Townsend | |||
Do You Want to Dance | Bobby Freeman |
![]() Do You Want to Dance CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:32 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
Jennie Lee | Jan & Arnie | |||
Try The Impossible | Lee Andrews & The Hearts |
![]() Try The Impossible CD Source: Doo Wop Edition of Golden Age of R&R series (1953-63)Time: 3:05 Sequenced by: single Honored by: Just broke into the Top 40 nationally but was a Top 10 hit in New York City. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
||
June | Rave On | Buddy Holly | ||
Yakety Yak | The Coasters |
![]() Yakety Yak CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 1:50 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
||
Endless Sleep | Jody Reynolds |
![]() Endless Sleep CD Source: Golden Age of American R&R v3 (1955-63)Time: 2:23 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
||
I Wonder Why | Dion & The Belmonts |
![]() I Wonder Why CD Source: The Doo Wop Box (+1953-63+) (4)Time: 2:17 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG "I Wonder Why" broke the mold for white doo-wop groups with a distinctive, ballistic bass part that virtually steals the show from Dion`s lead vocal. But these samples show that the song itself bears a strong resemblance to a pretty obscure predecessor, which I discovered only recently. - - - Also worth mentioning: (1) The song broke in New York City nearly two months before I slotted it here, based on national charts. (2) The version on "Golden Age of American R&R vol. 9" is an interesting alternate take, not the original. A further heads up that two otherwise wonderful reissue sets omit the original mono version in favor of a stereo mix: "The Complete Dion & The Belmonts" from the Collectors` Choice label (1998) and the "King of the New York Streets" Dion box set from the Right Stuff label (2000). I have no problem with the stereo version as long as both are included. But the stereo version is no substitute for the real deal! Sample 2: I Wonder Why - Dion & The Belmonts ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
||
High School Confidential | Jerry Lee Lewis | |||
Splish Splash | Bobby Darin | |||
July | Rebel `Rouser | Duane Eddy |
![]() Rebel `Rouser CD Source: Instrumentals,Vol.1: The `50s (57-59)Time: 2:02 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
|
Poor Little Fool | Ricky Nelson | |||
For Your Precious Love | Jerry Butler & The Impressions |
![]() For Your Precious Love CD Source: Golden Age of American R&R v10 (1954-62)Time: 2:44 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG For all the times this song has been reissued on CD by companies with the highest reputations, I know of only two sources for the original mono single version, this one and the "Doo Wop Love Songs" box set on Shout! Factory 10664. All others use a later stereo version that adds overdubbed percussion and echo while to my ear diminishing the depth and rich timbre of Jerry Butler`s magnificent lead vocal. Sample 2: For Your Precious Love (stereo) ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
||
When | The Kalin Twins | |||
My True Love | Jack Scott |
![]() My True Love CD Source: Golden Age of American R&R v3 (1955-63)Time: 2:45 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
Willie and the Hand Jive | Johnny Otis |
![]() Willie and the Hand Jive CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:32 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
One Summer Night | The Danleers |
![]() One Summer Night CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:11 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
||
Little Star | The Elegants |
![]() Little Star CD Source: The Golden Era of Rock `N` Roll 1954-1963 (3)Time: 2:40 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
||
Just A Dream | Jimmy Clanton |
![]() Just A Dream CD Source: Golden Age of American R&R v7 (1954-63)Time: 2:29 Sequenced by: single Honored by: This is the only source I know for the original single master without added echo (the way I remember it sounding). ![]() ![]() ![]() |
||
August | Bird Dog | The Everly Brothers | ||
Trickle, Trickle | The Videos |
![]() Trickle, Trickle CD Source: The Doo Wop Box (+1953-63+) (4)Time: 2:00 Sequenced by: WMGM Top 40 survey, New York City Honored by: This song did not chart nationally but reached #14 in the New York City area. The Manhattan Transfer`s faithful version on their 1979 "Extensions" album reached a far wider audience. Still, the innocence, urgency, and street-corner vibe of the Video`s version make it one of the truly great upbeat doo-wop songs. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
||
Born Too Late | The Poni-Tails |
![]() Born Too Late CD Source: Glory Days of R&R: Teen Ballads(1958-64)(2)Time: 2:17 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
Western Movies | The Olympics |
![]() Western Movies CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:00 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
||
Rock-in` Robin | Bobby Day |
![]() Rock-in` Robin CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:33 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
||
Tears On My Pillow | Little Anthony & The Imperials |
![]() Tears On My Pillow CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:16 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
||
September | It`s All in the Game | Tommy Edwards |
![]() It`s All in the Game CD Source: Billboard Pop Memories - 1955-59Time: 2:35 Sequenced by: single Honored by: Most CD reissues of this song are in stereo. This is a good source for the mono version. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
Carol | Chuck Berry | |||
Susie Darlin` | Robin Luke |
![]() Susie Darlin` CD Source: Glory Days of R&R: Teen Ballads(1958-64)(2)Time: 2:30 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
Summertime Blues | Eddie Cochran |
![]() Summertime Blues CD Source: Somethin` Else (1956-60)Time: 1:58 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG There are two common versions of this song on CD reissues. Faithful to the original release is the version with a faded ending and lots of echo on the talking parts ("I`d like to help you son, but you`re too young to vote.") I prefer the other version, the original studio version, with a cold ending and before the echo was added, but with more bite and presence to the whole sound. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
||
![]() |
You Cheated | The Shields |
![]() You Cheated CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:20 Sequenced by: single Honored by: The R&B national hit version was a cover of the original recording by a white group, The Slades, which was the only version played in Oklahoma, where my wife grew up. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
October | Chantilly Lace | The Big Bopper |
![]() Chantilly Lace CD Source: Loud, Fast & Out of Control(+1954-60+)(4)Time: 2:20 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
|
The End | Earl Grant |
![]() The End CD Source: Golden Age of American Pop Music (1956-65)Time: 2:24 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
Topsy Part II | Cozy Cole |
![]() Topsy Part II CD Source: Instrumentals,Vol.1: The `50s (57-59)Time: 3:30 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
It`s Only Make Believe | Conway Twitty |
![]() It`s Only Make Believe CD Source: Ultimate Collection (1958-93)Time: 2:11 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
||
Ten Commandments of Love | Harvey & The Moonglows |
![]() Ten Commandments of Love CD Source: Golden Age of American R&R v6 (1955-62)Time: 3:40 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
Come On, Let`s Go | Ritchie Valens |
![]() Come On, Let`s Go CD Source: Loud, Fast & Out of Control(+1954-60+)(4)Time: 1:50 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
||
To Know Him Is To Love Him | The Teddy Bears |
![]() To Know Him Is To Love Him CD Source: Back to MONO (1958-69) (4)Time: 2:18 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
||
November | Queen of the Hop | Bobby Darin | ||
One Night | Elvis Presley |
![]() One Night CD Source: ELVIS 75 - Good Rockin` Tonight (1953-77) (4)Time: 2:32 Sequenced by: single Honored by: Elvis recorded both a pretty straight cover of Smiley Lewis`s original "One Night of Sin" and this ingenious adaptation in winter 1957. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
||
Problems | The Everly Brothers | |||
December | Smoke Gets in Your Eyes | The Platters |
![]() Smoke Gets in Your Eyes CD Source: Enchanted - The Best of (1955-60 & 66-67)Time: 2:39 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
|
A Lover`s Question | Clyde McPhatter |
![]() A Lover`s Question CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:36 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
||
C`Mon Everybody | Eddie Cochran | |||
Whole Lotta Loving | Fats Domino |
![]() Whole Lotta Loving CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:02 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
||
The Diary | Neil Sedaka | |||
Try Me | James Brown |
![]() Try Me CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:28 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
||
1959 | January | 16 Candles | The Crests |
![]() 16 Candles CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:49 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
Stagger Lee | Lloyd Price |
![]() Stagger Lee CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:20 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
||
Donna | Ritchie Valens |
![]() Donna CD Source: Glory Days of R&R: Teen Ballads(1958-64)(2)Time: 2:20 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
||
La Bamba | Ritchie Valens |
![]() La Bamba CD Source: Loud, Fast & Out of Control(+1954-60+)(4)Time: 2:05 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
||
Lonely Teardrops | Jackie Wilson |
![]() Lonely Teardrops CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:41 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
||
(Night Time Is) The Right Time | Ray Charles |
![]() (Night Time Is) The Right Time CD Source: Pure Genius-Complete Atlantic (52-59) (7) +DVDTime: 3:25 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
||
February | Charlie Brown | The Coasters |