The 1950s was a decade of tremendous change and innovation in American popular music, and it gave birth to some of the most iconic and influential singers of all time. From rock and roll and rhythm and blues to pop and country, the music of the 1950s captured the energy and excitement of a generation that was breaking free from the constraints of the past and embracing a new era of creativity and possibility. In this article, we will take a look at the top 20 famous singers of the 1950s, exploring their contributions to the music of the era and their lasting impact on American popular culture. From Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry to Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole, these artists set the stage for the music of the decades to come and left an indelible mark on the history of American music. So sit back, relax, and join us as we take a journey through the sounds of the 1950s and celebrate the voices that made them unforgettable.
1. Dean Martin
Dean Martin was an American singer, actor, and comedian who rose to fame during the mid-20th century. He began his career as a nightclub singer and later joined the popular variety show “The Martin and Lewis Show” with Jerry Lewis. Martin went on to have a successful solo career as a singer, recording hits such as “That’s Amore” and “Everybody Loves Somebody”. His smooth baritone voice and relaxed, easygoing persona made him a beloved entertainer.
In addition to his music career, Martin also appeared in numerous films, including the popular “Ocean’s Eleven” series. He was known for his cool, suave style and often played the role of a charming ladies’ man. Martin’s legacy as an entertainer lives on, and his music continues to be enjoyed by generations of fans.
2. Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, also known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” was an American singer and actor who became a cultural icon in the 20th century. He began his career as a singer in the mid-1950s, recording hits such as “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog” that helped to popularize rock and roll music. Presley’s distinctive voice, combined with his charismatic stage presence and good looks, made him a sensation among teenagers and young adults.
Throughout his career, Presley also acted in several films, including the popular musical “Jailhouse Rock”. He continued to record music and tour throughout the 1960s and 1970s, performing hits such as “Suspicious Minds” and “Burning Love”. Presley’s influence on popular music and culture continues to be felt today, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential musicians of the 20th century.
3. Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee is an American singer who began her career in the 1950s and became known for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. She recorded her first hit song, “Jambalaya,” at the age of 13 and went on to record many more hits, including “I’m Sorry” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”. Lee’s music spanned several genres, including country, pop, and rock and roll, and her soulful performances earned her a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Despite her young age at the start of her career, Lee’s talent and professionalism made her a respected figure in the music industry. She continued to perform and record throughout the decades and remains a beloved icon of American music.
4. Perry Como
Perry Como was an American singer and television personality who rose to fame during the mid-20th century. Known for his smooth, mellow voice and relaxed stage presence, Como recorded many hit songs throughout his career, including “Magic Moments” and “Catch a Falling Star”. He also hosted several popular television shows, including “The Perry Como Show,” which became a staple of American television in the 1950s and 1960s.
Como’s gentle persona and timeless music made him a favorite among audiences of all ages. He continued to perform and record into the 1990s and remains a beloved figure in the history of American music and entertainment.
5. Ruth Brown
Ruth Brown, also known as the “Queen of R&B,” was an American singer who rose to fame during the 1950s. Her powerful voice and commanding stage presence made her a standout in the male-dominated music industry of the time. Brown recorded many hit songs, including “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean” and “Teardrops from My Eyes,” and her music influenced generations of R&B and soul singers.
In addition to her music career, Brown was a civil rights activist who fought for the rights of musicians and artists in the industry. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and continued to perform and record music until her death in 2006. Brown’s legacy as an influential singer and advocate for social justice continues to inspire musicians and activists today.
6. Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole was an American singer, pianist, and songwriter who became one of the most successful and influential musicians of the 20th century. His smooth, velvety voice and elegant piano playing made him a favorite among audiences worldwide. Cole recorded many hit songs, including “Unforgettable” and “Mona Lisa,” and was known for his charm and charisma both on and off stage.
In addition to his music career, Cole was a trailblazer for African American artists, breaking down racial barriers in the entertainment industry. He was the first African American to host his own television show, “The Nat King Cole Show,” in the 1950s. Cole’s music continues to be celebrated and admired today, and he remains an icon of American popular culture.
7. Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald, also known as the “First Lady of Song,” was an American jazz singer who rose to fame during the mid-20th century. Her powerful voice and impeccable phrasing made her one of the most respected and beloved singers of all time. Fitzgerald recorded many hit songs, including “Summertime” and “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” and collaborated with some of the greatest musicians of her time.
Fitzgerald’s music crossed genres and generations, and her influence on jazz and popular music continues to be felt today. She won numerous awards throughout her career, including 13 Grammy Awards, and was known for her warm and generous spirit. Fitzgerald remains an inspiration to musicians and fans around the world.
8. Bill Haley
Bill Haley was an American singer and songwriter who is considered one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. His band, Bill Haley & His Comets, recorded many hit songs, including “Rock Around the Clock” and “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” which helped to popularize the new sound of rock and roll in the 1950s. Haley’s energetic stage presence and catchy songs made him a favorite among teenagers and young adults.
Haley’s music paved the way for other rock and roll artists, and his legacy as a pioneer of the genre continues to be celebrated today. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and remains an important figure in the history of American popular music.
9. Patti Page
Patti Page was an American singer who became one of the best-selling female artists of the 1950s. Known for her sweet and soothing voice, Page recorded many hit songs, including “Tennessee Waltz” and “(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?”. She was also one of the first artists to incorporate overdubbing and other recording techniques into her music.
Page’s music spanned several genres, including pop, country, and jazz, and she continued to perform and record throughout her career. She won several awards for her music, including a Grammy Award for her performance of “Allegheny Moon” in 1956. Page’s contributions to American music continue to be celebrated today.
10. Bobby Darin
Bobby Darin was an American singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to fame during the 1950s and 1960s. His versatile voice and ability to perform a variety of musical styles made him one of the most popular and successful musicians of his time. Darin recorded many hit songs, including “Mack the Knife” and “Beyond the Sea,” and won several awards for his music, including two Grammy Awards.
In addition to his music career, Darin was also an accomplished actor, appearing in several films and television shows. He was known for his charm and charisma both on and off stage, and his legacy as a performer and entertainer continues to be celebrated today.
11. Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte is an American singer, actor, and social activist who rose to fame during the 1950s and 1960s. His smooth and soulful voice and his commitment to social justice made him an important figure in the civil rights movement. Belafonte recorded many hit songs, including “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jamaica Farewell,” and his music helped to introduce Caribbean rhythms and sounds to American audiences.
In addition to his music career, Belafonte was also an actor and producer, and he used his platform to speak out on issues of racial equality and social justice. He was a close friend and collaborator of Martin Luther King Jr., and he was involved in many important civil rights demonstrations and events. Belafonte’s music and activism continue to inspire and influence musicians and activists around the world.
12. Wanda Jackson
Wanda Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who is often referred to as the “Queen of Rockabilly”. She rose to fame in the 1950s with her unique blend of rock and roll, country, and gospel music. Jackson recorded many hit songs, including “Let’s Have a Party” and “Fujiyama Mama,” and she became known for her energetic performances and powerful vocals.
Jackson’s influence on music can still be felt today, and she has been recognized for her contributions to rock and roll with several awards and honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.
13. Julie London
Julie London was an American singer and actress who was known for her sultry, seductive voice. She recorded many popular songs, including “Cry Me a River” and “Fly Me to the Moon,” and her music helped to define the “cool jazz” genre of the 1950s and 1960s.
In addition to her music career, London also acted in several films and television shows, and her beauty and style made her a popular pin-up girl and sex symbol of the era. She remains a beloved and influential figure in the world of jazz and pop music.
14. Pat Boone
Pat Boone is an American singer, actor, and author who rose to fame in the 1950s with his smooth, easy-listening style. He recorded many popular songs, including “Love Letters in the Sand” and “Ain’t That a Shame,” and he became known for his wholesome image and good looks.
Boone’s music was popular with both young and old audiences, and he sold millions of records throughout his career. In addition to his music, he also appeared in several films and television shows, and he remains a beloved figure in American popular culture.
15. Chuck Willis
Chuck Willis was an American singer and songwriter who was known for his distinctive blend of blues, R&B, and gospel music. He recorded many popular songs, including “C.C. Rider” and “What Am I Living For,” and he became known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence.
Willis’s music had a significant influence on the development of rock and roll, and his songs have been covered by many popular artists. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by music fans and critics alike.
16. Eartha Kitt
Eartha Kitt was an American singer, actress, and activist who was known for her distinctive voice and captivating stage presence. She recorded many popular songs, including “Santa Baby” and “C’est Si Bon,” and she became known for her sensual, seductive style.
In addition to her music career, Kitt also appeared in many films and television shows, and she was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and women’s rights. Her legacy as a trailblazing artist and activist continues to be celebrated today, and her influence can be felt in many areas of popular culture.
17. Amos Milburn
Amos Milburn was an American blues and R&B pianist and singer who recorded many popular songs in the 1940s and 1950s. He became known for his infectious, upbeat style and his lively, often humorous lyrics.
Milburn’s music was popular with both black and white audiences, and he was one of the most successful R&B artists of his era. His influence on the development of rock and roll can still be heard today, and his music continues to be celebrated by fans of blues, R&B, and early rock and roll.
18. Johnny Burnette
Johnny Burnette was an American singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1950s with his unique blend of rock and roll, country, and pop music. He recorded many popular songs, including “Dreamin'” and “You’re Sixteen,” and he became known for his energetic performances and dynamic stage presence.
Burnette’s influence on the development of rock and roll can still be heard today, and his music continues to be celebrated by fans of early rock and roll and rockabilly.
19. Brook Benton
Brook Benton was an American singer and songwriter who was known for his smooth, soulful voice and his ability to blend different genres of music. He recorded many popular songs, including “Rainy Night in Georgia” and “It’s Just a Matter of Time,” and he became known for his heartfelt ballads and romantic lyrics.
Benton’s music had a significant impact on the development of soul and R&B music, and his songs have been covered by many popular artists. He remains a beloved and influential figure in American popular music.
20. Big Maybelle
Big Maybelle was an American singer and pianist who was known for her powerful, bluesy voice and her lively, energetic performances. She recorded many popular songs, including “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and “Candy,” and she became known for her ability to blend different styles of music, including blues, jazz, and R&B.
Big Maybelle’s music had a significant influence on the development of soul music, and her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence inspired many other artists. Her legacy as a trailblazing performer and influential musician continues to be celebrated today.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
