In the 1950s, American culture was blooming. The second world war had ended; families were together again, and young people could fall in love without fear of being whisked away by the draft. Pop culture reflected this lighthearted hope, especially in the love songs of the decade. Harmoniouscrooning, wholesome, romantic lyrics, and orchestral background tracks make the 1950s the decade of happy love songs. 50’s pop is great for summer evenings, afternoons at the beach, solo (or duet) ballroom dancing, and elegant tea parties. The first time I listened to 1950s music, I was lounging on the beach. It was wonderful! Anytime you need a cheerful soundtrack, turn on a 1950s pop playlist. Here are 75 songs to turn your smile up.
“Tennessee Waltz” by Patti Page
“My Way” by Frank Sinatra
“Anywhere I Wander” by Julius Larosa
“Mona Lisa” by Nat King Cole
“Wish You Were Here” by Eddie Fisher
“Here In My Heart” by Al Martino
“A Boy Without a Girl” by Frankie Avalon
listening to 1950s will make you want to write love letters
(or in my case, letters to my grandparents. #single)
“Chances Are” by Johnny Mathis
“In the Chapel in the Moonlight” by Kitty Kallen
“Lonely Street” by Andy Williams
“Three Coins in the Fountain” by The Four Aces
“April in Portugal” by Les Baxter
“Sincerely” by Harvey & the Moonglows
“Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra
“Misty” by Johnny Mathis
“Rags to Riches” by Tony Bennet
“Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin
“Cry” by Johnnie Ray
“Auf Wiederseh’n, Sweetheart” (artist unknown)
“Luck Be a Lady” by Frank Sinatra
“Love is a Many-Splendored Thing” by The Four Aces
“The Crystal Lake” by Elinor Remick Warren
“Fly Me to The Moon” by Frank Sinatra
“That’s Amore” by Dean Martin
“Sh Boom” by Crew Cuts
“I Can Dream, Can’t I?” by The Andrews Sisters
“Fascination” by Jane Morgan
“Be My Love” by Mario Lanza and Ray Sinatra
“Memories are Made of This” by Dean Martin
“Where is Your Heart” by Percy Faith
“Canadian Sunset” by Hugo Winterhalter and His Orchestra
“I Apologize” by Billy Eckstine
“Young At Heart” by Frank Sinatra
“The Poor People of Paris” by Les Baxter
“Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes” by Perry Como
“Too Young” by Nat King Cole
“Suddenly There’s a Valley” by Gogi Grant
“Secret Love” by Doris Day
“I’m Walking Behind You” by Eddie Fisher
“Teenage Prayer” by Gale Storm
“You Belong to Me” by Jo Stafford
“Hey There” by Rosemary Clooney
“Daddy’s Little Girl” by The Mills Brothers
“My Foolish Heart” by Billy Eckstine
“Return to Me by Dean Martin”
“Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole
“That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra
“The Day that the Rains Came Down” by Jane Morgan
“Kiss of Fire” by Georgia Gibbs
“It’s No Sin” by Eddy Howard & HIs Orchestra
“Old Cape Cod” by Patti Page
“Butterfly” by Andy Williams
“My Ideal” by Margaret Whiting & Billy Butterfield
“Little Things Mean a Lot” by Kitty Kallen
“Because of You” by Tony Bennett
“Just Walking in the Rain” by Johnnie Ray
“Autumn Leaves” by Roger Williams
“Harbor Lights” by Swing and Sway
“Lisbon Antigua” by Les Brown & His Band of Renown
“Blue Tango” by Leroy Anderson
“Delicado” by Percy Faith
“I Get Ideas” by Tony Martin
“Black Coffee” by Peggy Lee
“(Why Did I Tell You I was Going to) Shanghai” by Doris Day
“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
“April Love” by Pat Boone
“If” by Perry Como
“Cold, Cold Heart” by Tony Bennett
“My Heart Cries for You” by Guy Mitchell
“Till I Waltz Again With You” by Teresa Brewer
“Vaya Con Dios” by Les Paul & Mary Ford
“Almost in Your Arms” by Sophia Loren
“Are You Satisfied” by Rusty Draper
“Allegheny Moon” by Patti Page
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever listened to 1950s music? If so, what did you think?
- What’s your favorite song from this list and why?
- Which decade of music is your favorite?
