This is the first in a new series I’m starting. It may be that this series will only reach 6 articles, but it may be that I find something else to put in it.
Why six articles? Because the inspiration for this series was creating a list of my favorite 3 musical performers/musicians/songwriters/bands of each of the last 6 decades. Naturally, they focus on rock and it’s related kinds.
So, without further ado: My favorite three rock stars of the 1950s.
There are really only three to consider: Elvis, Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly. The 1950s was the easiest decade from which to select favorite music acts.
Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry is one of the earliest rock stars I ever even knew about. He was one of the artists Dad listened to. And who doesn’t know “Johnny B. Goode?”
Especially if you’ve ever seen Back to the Future
But he had others that just rock out. “Maybelline,” for one.
“Sweet Little Sixteen,” for another.
And honestly, he brought us the timeless “My Dingaling”
(yeah… that one’s not 1950s, at least that recording… I stand by my decision, however)
and one of the Best Christmas Songs Ever
(look! Reindeers! — if Chuck says it that way, I can too. Sorry, couldn’t find a performance of it)
Elvis
And... he had great hair
It wasn’t till the USPS released a postage stamp with his face on it that I gave him a real chance, recognizing at last how many of his songs I did know and love already.I mean, I knew I loved them, I just didn’t acknowledged that I liked so much that Elvis recorded, collectively. It was upon the release of this stamp, and the purchase of a greatest hits CD that I was finally able to admit: I loved Elvis.
So what is so great about Elvis? Other than the fact that he swung his hips and wore a leather jacket and sneered?
and the fact that even in his old age he could kick a mummy’s butt
Well, “Hound Dog,”
“Jailhouse Rock,”
and “Blue Suede Shoes.”
Pretty much ’nuff said right there.
Granted, he did “Amazing Grace” in 1970,
From the title of the album, it’s clear that they didn’t invent innuendo by 1970…
which puts it in another Decade, but since what I love of his music is MOSTLY in the 50s, and since that’s the decade I believe most people associate him with, I’m putting him here.
Buddy Holly
Wait… wrong buddy Holly…
From an early age, I was familiar with his work. I thought it was alright. I don’t think I “got” it though. Even when I was in a fit of buying 50s music and I got his greatest hits I didn’t get it. I believe there are times when I thought he was over rated on the basis of his tragic death as told in epic song.
Wait… wrong epic…
But while his music is simple, and I tend to be snooty about a lot of the virtuoso music I listen to, there’s raw art underneath the wholesome nerd-rock image Buddy Holly gave us. This is stuff at the core of so much rock to follow for the next half century and beyond. This is stuff that is iconic and still influential.
“That’ll Be the Day” (that I’ll die, not the music),
Wait… wrong… oh yeah. This one is right.
“Peggy Sue,”
What if Elvis had worn Holly’s glasses…?
“Maybe Baby,”
Couldn’t find a decent performance for this one either. Enjoy the pre-hipster nerd chic look
and “Rave On!”
But not with glow sticks or roofies! Also, yes, it’s clear the performance and the sound are not really associated with each other. Deal.
I mean, come on. You know you like every one of those, even if you won’t admit it because you’re a hipster and think you’re above it. And it’s because Holly is/was iconic. Emblematic.