Paying Frommage to Rock and Roll’s Pioneers

50 years ago today — that’s right — 50 freakin’ years ago, these were among the tunes that sat atop the Cashbox Top 100.

The Platters – Smoke Gets In Your Eyes – The definitive rhythm and blues of 1959 pop, finally #1 on the chart after 3 straight weeks playing second fiddle to The Chipmunk Song.

Connie Francis – My Happiness – Predating her records with The Wrecking Crew, America’s sweetheart chips away at teen angst, 50’s style.

The Kingston Trio – Tom Dooley – The perfect mix of easily digestible white bucks pop and college folk circuit cool…but not nearly as tough as Greenback Dollar.

Elvis Presley – One Night - The anti-Kingston Trio. Actually one of his better, albeit lesser known, songs.

The Teddy Bears – To Know Him Is To Love Him – The song that set in motion the legend of Phil Spector, one of rock and roll’s most fascinating characters.

Billy Grammer – Gotta Travel On – The classic early rock and roll story, the oldest of thirteen strikes gold…and then, well, travels on. Not unlike Tom Dooley, in some ways.

The Crests – 16 Candles – The innocence of an “industry” that doesn’t know it yet is summed up here.