1955’s Top 100 Hot Pop Songs
1955’s Biggest Hits included many artists from both the Pop Standards Era and the Early Rock Era.
1. Rock Around The Clock – Bill Haley & His Comets
“We’re Gonna Rock Around the Clock Tonight!” was the original title. Although not the first Rock and Roll Hit, it was the first to earn mainstream success.
2. Love and Marriage – Frank Sinatra
This song was used as the theme song for the FOX sitcom Married… with Children.
3. Earth Angel – The Penguins
Released on Christmas Day 1954, it is recognized by many as the first song of the Rock Era.
4. Only You (and You Alone) – The Platters
The group’s manager, Buck Ram wrote this and several other hits for other artists.
5. Ain’t That A Shame – Fats Domino
Pat Boone’s version peaked at number 1, but Fats’ original version has stood the test of time in the following decades.
6. Maybellene – Chuck Berry
This was the first major ‘crossover’ hit on both the R&B and Pop Charts.
7. Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White – Perez Prado
This was the biggest selling and biggest radio hit of 1955. Although an instrumental, it was originally written with lyrics.
8. Same Old Saturday Night – Frank Sinatra
Written by Sammy Cahn and Frank Reardon, it was arranged, like many of Frank’s hits, by Nelson Riddle. Nelson also recorded the 1966 Batman TV theme.
9. Love Is A Many Splendored Thing – Four Aces
Band members included Al Alberts, Dave Mahoney, Lou Silvestri, and Rosario ‘Sod’ Vaccaro.
10. Yellow Rose Of Texas – Johnny Desmond (or Mitch Miller)
Originallly a ‘Minstrel’ song, it has been tweaked and re-written multiple times since 1853.
11. Sincerely – McGuire Sisters
Christine, Dorothy and Phyllis were born in Middletown, Ohio, and sang together since they were toddlers.
12. Learnin’ The Blues – Frank Sinatra
This was Frank’s first #1 song of the Rock era. His first #1 ever was ‘All or Nothing at All’ with Harry James in 1943.
13. Hearts Of Stone – Fontane Sisters
The Fontane Sisters were actually Bea, Geri and Marge Rosse, from New Milford, New Jersey. They took the Fontane name from a great-grandmother.
14. Autumn Leaves – Roger Williams
This song was written in 1945, and has been recorded by many artists over 70-odd years. This instrumental version was the biggest hit.
15. Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup – Nat King Cole
‘Darling, I love you a lot.’ was actually written in 1935. Nat King Cole’s version was the biggest hit.
16. That Old Black Magic – Sammy Davis Jr. – Caterina Valente
This was first recorded and released as a single by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra, in 1942.
17. Unchained Melody – Les Baxter (or Al Hibbler or Roy Hamilton)
The 1965 Righteous Brothers is the most well known version of the song today, thanks to 1990’s date movie, Ghost.
18. Ain’t That A Shame – Pat Boone
This was Pat Boone’s first number one hit. Over the years, the original writer/performer Fats Domino, gained his own popularity with this and other tunes.
19. Cry Me A River – Julie London
Probably the last great American ‘Torch Song’, it was also Julie’s biggest hit.
20. Sixteen Tons – Tennessee Ernie Ford
Although covered by many artists since 1946, Ford’s version of the song was one of a few hundred songs placed (so far) into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry.
21. Melody Of Love – Billy Vaughn (or the Four Aces)
The melody was written by Hans Engelmann in 1903. The lyrics came to us via Tom Glazer, in 1954.
22. Pledging My Love – Johnny Ace
Johnny died with accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. Last Words: “See? It’s not loaded!” It was.
23. Dance With Me Henry – Georgia Gibbs
The male counterpart in the song was sung by Thurl Ravenscroft, who is best known for singing ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.’
24. Tweedlee Dee – Georgia Gibbs (or LaVern Baker)
Frieda Lipschitz (August 17, 1919 – December 9, 2006) was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. Early in her career she changed her name to Fredda Gibson, and eventually Georgia Gibbs.
25. Let Me Go Lover – Joan Weber
This song was featured the TV show Studio One. on November 15, 1954. Careful preparation ahead of time made sure 100,000 copies were available for sale the week before the broadcast, showing how much a TV show could influence record sales.
26. Daddy-O – Fontane Sisters (or Bonnie Lou)
The song was written for the film of the same name, and Bonnie Lou was the original singer. Bonnie is considred by some to be the first female rocker.
27. The Shifting Whispering Sands – Rusty Draper (or Billy Vaughn)
The song and poem were written by Vivian Clark Gilbert and Mary Margaret Hadler. It is on many “Top 100 Western Songs of All Time” Lists.
28. Whatever Lola Wants – Dinah Shore (or Sarah Vaughan)
Written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, from the 1955 musical play Damn Yankees.
29. Suddenly There’s A Valley – Jo Stafford (Or Cogi Grant)
Early garage rockers The Kingsmen, of ‘Louie, Louie’ fame recorded the song as well, in 1964.
30. Tina Marie – Perry Como
It was written by Bob Merrill, who also wrote ‘Chica Boom’, ‘How Much is That Doggie in the Window’ and ‘Mambo Italiano.’
31. Moments To Remember – The Four Lads
Mega Pop Star Perry Como’s people said no when offered the song. The Four Lads (from Canada) went on to reached number 2 on Billboard magazine’s top 100 hit list, sold 4 million copies and it became the group’s first gold record.
32. Good and Lonesome – Kay Starr
Kay could do Pop and Country Muisc. She could also sing Jazz. Billie Holiday said that she’s “the only white woman who could sing the blues.”
33. Earth Angel – Crew-Cuts
Earth Angel is better known by The Penguins, but the Crew-Cuts had a pre-rock era # 1 hit with Sh-Boom, in 1954.
34. A Blossom Fell – Nat King Cole
This recording was also featured in Terrence Malick’s 1973 film Badlands.
35. Ballad of Davy Crockett – Fess Parker (or Bill Hayes)
From ‘Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier’ – a Disney film compiling three televised adventures. The film version of the song was performed by The Wellingtons, who went on to even greater fame with the Gilligan’s Island Theme.
36. Something’s Gotta Give – The McGuire Sisters (or Sammy Davis, Jr)
It was written by Johnny Mercer, and first performed by Fred Astaire in the 1955 musical film Daddy Long Legs.
37. Smokey Joe’s Cafe – The Robins
Written by legendary songwiters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
38. I Hear You Knocking – Gale Storm
Gale was born Josephine Owaissa Cottle (April 5, 1922 – June 27, 2009), in Bloomington in Victoria County, Texas.
39. Earth Angel – Crew-Cuts
Earth Angel is better known by The Penguins, but the Crew-Cuts had a pre-rock era # 1 hit with Sh-Boom, in 1954.
40. Let Me Go, Lover – Teresa Brewer
It is based on a 1953 called “Let Me Go, Devil,” about alcoholism.
41. The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane – Ames Brothers
Released in late 1954, a cute song about a naught young lady. Worth a listen!
42. Two Hearts – Pat Boone
This was Pat’s breakout hit. He had 6 number ones in his career, and was second only to Elvis when it came to hitmaker of the 1950s.
43. Sincerely – The Moonglows
Sincerely was written by Harvey Fuqua and DJ Alan Freed. Harvey was a producer/hit maker for decades, including Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing.
44. Ko Ko Mo (I Love You So) – Perry Como
Perry was the big “crossover” artist between the Big Band/Swing era and the Rock’n Roll Era.
45. The Crazy Otto Medley – Johnny Maddox
The ragtime piano medley ‘Crazy Otto’ was originally perfomed by Fritz Schulz-Reichel, who went by the name Crazy Otto.
46. Mr. Wonderful – Sarah Vaughan
Sarah Lois Vaughan (March 27, 1924 – April 3, 1990)had several nicknames: “Sassy”, “The Divine One” and “Sailor”
47. The Breeze and I – Caterina Valente
The original music (instrumental only) entitled Andalucía, was written by the Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona. Tommy Dorsey recorded it in 1940.
48. It’s a Sin To Tell a Lie – Somethin’ Smith and the Redheads
Somethin ‘Red’ Smith (banjo, vocals), Saul Striks (piano), Major Short (double bass) made up the trio.
49. (I’m Always Hearing) Wedding Bells – Eddie Fisher
Fisher left his first wife, actress Debbie Reynolds, to marry Reynolds’ best friend, actress Elizabeth Taylor, and later married actress Connie Francis.
50. Love Me Or Leave Me – Lena Horne
Lena Mary Calhoun Horne (June 30, 1917 – May 9, 2010) started her carrer at age 16, in Harlem’s Cotton Club.
51. How Important Can It Be? – Joni James
Joan Carmella Babbo was born on September 22, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. She retired from the music business in 1964.
52. Melody Of Love – Four Aces
Five different artists hit the top 40 with this song, including Billy Vaughn, David Caroll, Frank Sinatra with Ray Anthony and Leo Diamond.
53. Hummingbird – Les Paul and Mary Ford
Les was a master jazz, country and blues guitarist. As Antonio Stradivarius was to violins, Les Paul was to guitars.
54. Thats All I Want From You – Jaye P. Morgan
Jaye sang, acted on television and was a popular game show panelist.
55. Hard To Get – Gisele MacKenzie
Gisèle Marie Louise Marguerite LaFlèche (January 10, 1927 – September 5, 2003) was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
56. He – Al Hibbler
Albert George “Al” Hibbler (August 16, 1915 – April 24, 2001) was blind from birth, and was one of the earlier “crossover” artists between old style R&B and pop music.
57. Smiles – Crazy Otto
There was a mini-comeback of ragtime music in the mid-50s, as Jazz, Ragtime and R&B mixed with Pop Standards and Swing, creating the Pop/Rock Music Era.
58. Wake The Town and Tell The People – Les Baxter (or Mindy Carson)
Music by Jerry Livingston and lyrics by Sammy Gallop, published in 1955.
59. Honey-Babe – Art Mooney
Bandleader Art Mooney was prominently featured in the 1990 film The Adventures of Ford Fairlane.
60. Make Yourself Comfortable – Sarah Vaughan
A somewhat risque offer to a gentleman, from a proper lady, in 1955.
61. (My Baby Don’t Love Me) No More – DeJohn Sisters
Julie and Dux DeJohn (born DiGiovanni) were born in Chester, PA.
62. Play Me Hearts and Flowers (I Wanna Cry) – Johnny Desmond
Giovanni Alfredo De Simone (November 14, 1919 – September 6, 1985) was born in Detroit, Michigan.
63. At My Front Door (Crazy Little Mama) – Pat Boone
How big was Pat Boone in the 1950s? Elvis Presley opened for him in 1955.
64. Boom Boom Boomerang – The Decastro Sisters
The trio had a unique Latina Doo Wop Sound, and they appeared in the 1947 film, Copacabana.
65. The Man in the Raincoat – Marion Marlowe
Marion Townsend (March 7, 1929-March 24, 2012) was born in St. Louis, Missouri
66. Heart – Eddie Fisher
Eddie is the father of Carrie Fisher and Todd Fisher (with Debbie Reynolds), Joely Fisher and Tricia Leigh Fisher (with Connie Stevens).
67. Seventeen – the Fontane Sisters (or Boyd Bennett or Rusty Draper)
“Seventeen, hot rod queen- cutest girl you’ve ever seen” – one of the earliest pop rock era tunes about young women.
68. The Longest Walk/Swanee – Jaye P. Morgan
The Longest Walk was written by Eddle Pola and Fred Spielman. Swanee was written by George Gershwin and Irving Caesar. Both got equal air and jukebox play.
69. Only You (And You Alone) – The Hilltoppers
The trio named themselves after the Western Kentucky University mascot nickname.
70. Ko Ko Mo (I Love You So) – Perry Como
It was also a ’55 Hit for The Crew-Cuts, Hutton Sisters, Bill Darnel & Betty Clooney, Gene & Eunice and the Flamingos.
71. If I May – Nat King Cole and the Four Knights
The Knights original members were Gene Alford (lead tenor), Oscar Broadway (bass), Clarence Dixon (baritone), and John Wallace (tenor, guitar).
72. Domani (Tomorrow) – Julius LaRosa
Julius’ career started with Arthur Godfrey in 1951, and continued after he was disrespected (and fired) by Godfrey live, on air, in 1953.
73. The House Of Blue Lights – Chuck Miller
Written in 1946, the song was a hit for several people, including a cover by Asleep at the Wheel, that chated in 1987.
74. The Bible Tells Me So – Don Cornell
Based on Jesus Loves Me, a Christian hymn written by Anna Bartlett Warner and adapted by Dale Evans.
75. Sweet and Gentle – Alan Dale
Alan Dale (Aldo Sigismondi July 9, 1925 – April 20, 2002) was born in Brooklyn, NYC.
76. You Are My Love – Joni James
This song was written by Jimmie Nabbie, who was a member of The Four Tunes.
77. He – The McGuire Sisters
Christine McGuire (born July 30, 1926); Dorothy McGuire (February 13, 1928 – September 7, 2012); and Phyllis McGuire (born February 14, 1931) retired in 1968.
78. Black Denim Trousers – The Cheers
70s TV Gameshow host Bert Convy was a member of the is trio.
79. Dim, Dim The Lights (I Want Atmosphere) – Bill Haley & His Comets
Bill Haley had previously been a country music performer, and switched to rock and roll in the early 1950s.
80. Love Me Or Leave Me – Sammy Davis Junior
Sammy once described himself: “I’m a one-eyed Negro Jew.” He was also a talented singer, dancer actor and impressionist.
81. My Bonnie Lassie – The Ames Brothers
Joe (May 3, 1921 – December 22, 2007), Gene (February 13, 1923 – April 4, 1997), Vic (May 20, 1925 – January 23, 1978) and Ed (born July 9, 1927) were from Malden, Massachusetts.
82. How Important Can It Be? – Sarah Vaughan
Although never professionally trained, she often performed (underage) at nightclubs.
83. Song Of The Dreamer/Don’t Stay Away Too Long – Eddie Fisher
Edwin Jack “Eddie” Fisher (August 10, 1928 – September 22, 2010) was born in Philadelphia, PA.
84. Danger! Heartbreak Ahead/ Softly, Softly – Jaye P. Morgan
Jaye’s first hit was Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries, in 1950.
85. C’est La Vie – Sarah Vaughan
1947’s hit “Tenderly” was her ‘Signature Song” for most of her career, but in the 1970s, she made “Send in the clowns” very much her own.
86. Hearts Of Stone – The Charms
Recorded and released in 1954 as an R&B hit, Hearts of Stone crept up as a crossover hit as well in 1955.
87. It May Sound Silly/ Doesn’t Anybody Love Me? – The McGuire Sisters
The sisters danced together in very carefully synchronized fashion, and dressed identically as well.
88. Open Up Your Heart (And Let The Sun Shine In) – The Cowboy Church Sunday School
The song was featured in the 2004 John Waters film ‘A Dirty Shame.’
89. Plantation Boogie – Lenny Dee
This is actually one of the most influential songs of all time!
90. Hey, Mr. Banjo – The Sunnysiders
The Sunnysiders were one of the first ‘one hit wonders’ of the rock era.
91. It’s Almost Tomorrow – Snooky Lanson
Snooky was actually Roy Landman (March 27, 1914–July 2, 1990), and was best known for Starring in NBC’s Your Hit Parade.
92. Memories Of You – The Four Coins
Members Jimmy Gregorakis, George Mantalis, and brothers George and Jack Mahramas came from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
93. Rock-A-Beatin Boogie – Bill Haley and His Comets
Bill wrote the song, but it first recorded by The Esquire Boys in 1952
94. At My Front Door (Crazy Liottle Mama) – Pat Boone
Pat had 40 top 40 hits between 1955 and 1962.
95. My Boy, Flat-Top – Dorothy Collins
Born Marjorie Chandler (November 18, 1926 – July 21, 1994) in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
96. Goodbye To Rome (Arriverderci Roma) – Georgia Gibbs
Georgia Gibbs (August 17, 1919 – December 9, 2006) was born Frieda Lipschitz in Worcester, Massachusetts.
97. Alabama Jubilee – The Ferko String Band
The only Philadelphia Mummers tune to crack the top 100.
98. I Want You to Be My Baby – Lillian Briggs
Lillian Briggs (June 3, 1932 – April 11, 1998) has been described as the first female rocker.
99. If I May – Nat King Cole
Nat ‘King’ Cole’s string of Top 40 Hits (including Five #1s) lasted from 1943 through 1964.
100. A Woman In Love – Frankie Laine
From the film, Guys and Dolls. Frankie’s peak era was the late 1940s through early 1950s.
