100 Timeless 50’s Songs That Still Rock Today

The 1950s was a transformative decade for music, birthing genres and artists that continue to resonate today. This era, often hailed as the dawn of rock and roll, gifted the world with an explosion of creativity, rhythm, and unforgettable melodies. From the jukebox joints to the airwaves, 50’s songs captured the spirit of a generation on the cusp of change. Dive into our curated list of 100 essential 50’s songs that showcase the decade’s vibrant musical landscape and solidified their place in music history.

This collection is more than just a list; it’s a journey back to a time when music was evolving rapidly, creating a soundtrack for youthful rebellion and romantic ballads alike. These 50’s songs are not just relics of the past; they are living, breathing pieces of music history that continue to inspire and entertain. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the sounds of the fifties, this list is your ultimate guide to the must-hear tracks from this golden age of music.

1. Johnny B. Goode – Chuck Berry
2. Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley
3. What’d I Say – Ray Charles
4. Rock Around The Clock – Bill Haley & His Comets
5. Tutti-Frutti – Little Richard
6. Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On – Jerry Lee Lewis
7. Summertime Blues – Eddie Cochran
8. Hound Dog – Elvis Presley
9. Long Tall Sally – Little Richard
10. That’ll Be The Day – Buddy Holly & the Crickets

The early to mid-50s witnessed the explosive arrival of rock and roll, spearheaded by pioneers who blended blues, country, and gospel into something entirely new. Chuck Berry’s iconic guitar riffs and storytelling in “Johnny B. Goode” defined rock and roll ambition, while Elvis Presley’s raw energy and charisma in “Jailhouse Rock” cemented his status as the King. Bill Haley’s “Rock Around the Clock” became an anthem for a new generation, and Little Richard’s flamboyant performances and hits like “Tutti-Frutti” injected unbridled energy into the scene. These 50’s songs were more than just music; they were cultural earthquakes.

11. Bye Bye Love – Everly Brothers
12. Great Balls Of Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis
13. Maybellene – Chuck Berry
14. Bo Diddley – Bo Diddley
15. Shake, Rattle And Roll – Joe Turner
16. Blue Suede Shoes – Carl Perkins
17. Don’t Be Cruel – Elvis Presley
18. Earth Angel – Penguins
19. Why Do Fools Fall In Love – Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers
20. Good Golly Miss Molly – Little Richard

As rock and roll gained momentum, so did the diversity within the genre. The Everly Brothers introduced smooth harmonies with “Bye Bye Love,” showcasing a softer side of rock. Jerry Lee Lewis continued his piano-pounding dominance with “Great Balls Of Fire,” while Bo Diddley brought his signature rhythm to the forefront. These 50’s songs demonstrated the expanding palette of rock and roll, incorporating elements of country, blues, and even pop sensibilities. Doo-wop also emerged as a significant force, with The Penguins’ “Earth Angel” and Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers’ “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” becoming timeless classics of the era.

21. Be-Bop-A-Lula – Gene Vincent & the Bluecaps
22. School Day – Chuck Berry
23. Rock And Roll Music – Chuck Berry
24. Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly
25. Lawdy Miss Clawdy – Lloyd Price
26. Lucille – Little Richard
27. Roll Over Beethoven – Chuck Berry
28. In The Still Of The Nite – Five Satins
29. I Only Have Eyes For You – Flamingos
30. For Your Precious Love – Jerry Butler & the Impressions

The latter half of the 50s saw further refinement and diversification of 50’s songs. Buddy Holly’s endearing charm and innovative songwriting in “Peggy Sue” left an indelible mark. Chuck Berry continued to chronicle teenage life with “School Day” and celebrate the genre itself with “Rock and Roll Music” and “Roll Over Beethoven.” Gene Vincent’s “Be-Bop-A-Lula” added a rockabilly edge to the mix. Simultaneously, the smooth harmonies of doo-wop continued to captivate audiences with tracks like The Five Satins’ “In The Still Of The Nite” and The Flamingos’ “I Only Have Eyes For You,” proving the staying power of vocal group harmony.

31. Blueberry Hill – Fats Domino
32. Please, Please, Please – James Brown & the Famous Flames
33. Sh-Boom – Chords
34. Money Honey – Drifters featuring Clyde McPhatter
35. I Walk The Line – Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two
36. Fever – Little Willie John
37. The Great Pretender – Platters
38. Ain’t It A Shame – Fats Domino
39. That’s All Right – Elvis Presley with Scotty and Bill
40. Your Cheating Heart – Hank Williams

Beyond rock and roll, other genres flourished and cross-pollinated, enriching the musical landscape of the 50s. Fats Domino’s relaxed New Orleans rhythm and blues sound in “Blueberry Hill” was immensely popular, and James Brown’s raw energy began to emerge with “Please, Please, Please.” Johnny Cash carved his niche in country music with the distinctive “I Walk The Line.” The Drifters, featuring Clyde McPhatter, delivered soulful hits like “Money Honey,” while The Platters showcased smooth vocal arrangements in “The Great Pretender.” These 50’s songs highlight the diverse tapestry of American music during this era.

41. Sweet Little Sixteen – Chuck Berry
42. The Train Kept-A-Rollin – Johnny Burnette Trio
43. Come Go With Me – Del-Vikings
44. Let The Good Times Roll – Shirley & Lee
45. Heartbreak Hotel – Elvis Presley
46. Rip It Up – Little Richard
47. Rocking Pneumonia & the Boogie Woogie Flu – Huey “Piano” Smith & the Clowns
48. Pledging My Love – Johnny Ace
49. Sixty Minute Man – Dominoes
50. Rocket 88 – Jackie Brenston

This period also saw the rise of novelty hits and regional sounds that captured the fun-loving spirit of the time. Huey “Piano” Smith & the Clowns’ “Rocking Pneumonia & the Boogie Woogie Flu” was a playful dance craze, while Shirley & Lee’s “Let The Good Times Roll” encouraged pure musical enjoyment. Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” showcased his versatility, venturing into bluesier territory. Jackie Brenston’s “Rocket 88,” often cited as a very early rock and roll record (though predating the main 50s boom, its influence was felt throughout), represents the raw energy that was brewing in the late 40s and early 50s and would explode into the 50’s songs scene.

51. Yakety Yak – Coasters
52. All Shook Up – Elvis Presley
53. Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two
54. Searchin’ – Coasters
55. You Send Me – Sam Cooke
56. Mack The Knife – Bobby Darin
57. Wake Up Little Susie – Everly Brothers
58. Susie Q – Dale Hawkins
59. La Bamba – Ritchie Valens
60. Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite – Spaniels

Comedy and storytelling found their way into 50’s songs with groups like The Coasters, whose “Yakety Yak” and “Searchin'” were humorous narratives set to infectious rhythms. Elvis continued his reign with “All Shook Up,” while Johnny Cash broadened his storytelling with “Folsom Prison Blues.” Sam Cooke’s smooth vocals in “You Send Me” marked the rise of soul music influences. Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba” brought a Latin flavor to rock and roll, and The Spaniels’ “Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite” provided a perfect doo-wop closer for dances and late-night radio.

61. I’ve Got A Woman – Ray Charles
62. I’m Walkin’ – Fats Domino
63. There Goes My Baby – Drifters
64. Shout – Isley Brothers
65. White Christmas – Drifters featuring Clyde McPhatter
66. Keep A ‘Knockin’ – Little Richard
67. Kansas City – Wilbert Harrison
68. Poison Ivy – Coasters
69. Since I Don’t Have You – Skyliners
70. Jambalaya (On The Bayou) – Hank Williams

As the decade progressed, 50’s songs continued to evolve, incorporating gospel, soul, and even more diverse instrumentation. Ray Charles’ “I’ve Got A Woman” blended gospel fervor with R&B, foreshadowing soul music. The Drifters continued their hit streak with the innovative “There Goes My Baby,” using strings in a pop context. Little Richard’s energetic “Keep A ‘Knockin'” kept the rock and roll flame burning bright. Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya (On The Bayou)” demonstrated the crossover appeal of country music.

71. Money – Barrett Strong
72. Speedoo – Cadillacs
73. Rumble – Link Wray
74. Lonely Teardrops – Jackie Wilson
75. Hang Up My Rock And Roll Shoes – Chuck Willis
76. Sea Cruise – Frankie Ford
77. Rave On – Buddy Holly
78. Work With Me Annie – Hank Ballard & the Midnighters
79. Shake, Rattle And Roll – Bill Haley & His Comets
80. Sincerely – Moonglows

Late 50’s songs also explored instrumental rock and grittier sounds. Link Wray’s “Rumble” with its distorted guitar, was groundbreaking and influential. Jackie Wilson’s powerful vocals shone in “Lonely Teardrops.” Buddy Holly’s “Rave On” displayed his signature hiccup vocal style. Frankie Ford’s “Sea Cruise” was a catchy, nautical-themed hit. These tracks showcase the expanding sonic landscape and continued innovation within 50’s music.

81. Crying In The Chapel – Sonny Til & the Orioles
82. Story Untold – Nutmegs
83. My Babe – Little Walter
84. At My Front Door – El Dorados
85. Gee – Crows
86. Matchbox – Carl Perkins
87. C.C. Rider – Chuck Willis
88. Only You – Platters
89. All I Have To Do Is Dream – Everly Brothers
90. Send Me Some Lovin’ – Little Richard

Ballads and smoother sounds remained popular throughout the decade. The Orioles’ “Crying In The Chapel” showcased gospel-infused harmonies. The Platters’ “Only You” and The Everly Brothers’ “All I Have To Do Is Dream” offered romantic escapes. Little Walter’s “My Babe” represented the blues influence that underpinned much of 50’s music. Carl Perkins’ “Matchbox” showed the enduring appeal of rockabilly.

91. At The Hop – Danny & the Juniors
92. Little Darlin’ – Diamonds
93. Rock-in Robin – Bobby Day
94. Honky Tonk – Bill Doggett
95. Blue Monday – Fats Domino
96. Jim Dandy – Lavern Baker
97. Reelin And Rocking – Chuck Berry
98. Rebel Rouser – Duane Eddy
99. Love Potion No. 9 – Clovers
100. Chantilly Lace – Big Bopper

Closing out the decade, 50’s songs like Danny & the Juniors’ “At The Hop” celebrated dance culture, while The Diamonds’ “Little Darlin'” exemplified the clean-cut teen idol sound. Duane Eddy’s instrumental “Rebel Rouser” highlighted the growing popularity of instrumental rock. The Big Bopper’s playful “Chantilly Lace” provided a lighthearted end to a decade filled with musical milestones.

The 50’s songs listed here are just a glimpse into the vast and influential music of the decade. They represent a time of incredible creativity and innovation, laying the foundation for much of the popular music we enjoy today. From rock and roll to doo-wop, R&B to country crossovers, the 1950s gifted us with a timeless musical legacy. These songs continue to be played, enjoyed, and rediscovered by new generations, proving their enduring power and importance in the history of music. Explore these 50’s songs and immerse yourself in the sounds of a truly remarkable era.