1958’s Top 100 Hot Pop Songs
1958’s Top 100 Hot Pop Songs & Music Hits
1. Tequila – Champs
“Tequila!” was written by the band’s saxophone player Danny Flores, and was known as the “Godfather of Latino Rock.”
Reworked in 2013 by Vinnie Maniscalco as TaKillya.
2. Johnny B. Goode – Chuck Berry
Chuck’s ‘Signature Song’ – Fun Fact: Chuck Berry didn’t have a #1 Hit until 1972’s ‘My Dingaling.’
3. At The Hop – Danny & the Juniors
Original lead singer Danny Rapp was found dead in a hotel in Arizona on April 5, 1983, of an apparent suicide.
4. Get A Job – Silhouettes
Oldies cover band ‘Sha Na Na’ derived their name from this song’s lyrics.
5. Twilight Time – The Platters
Guided by 50s manager/songwriter Buck Ram, The Platters were one of the first great R&B/Pop crossover artists.
6. It’s All In The Game – Tommy Edwards
Tommy Edwards (February 17, 1922 – October 22, 1969) Charles Dawes wrote a melody called ‘Melody in A Major’ in 1991, and Carl Sigman added lyrics in 1951. Sigman went on to write the classic ‘Ebb Tide’ and Charles Dawes went on to be the Vice President for US President Calvin Coolidge.
7. Do You Want To Dance – Bobby Freeman
Peaked at # 5 in 1958, Bobby Hit # 5 again with 1964’s C’mon and Swim.
8. Sweet Little Sixteen – Chuck Berry
The Beach Boys’ 1963 song ‘Surfin’ U.S.A.’features lyrics by Brian Wilson set to the music of ‘1958’s Sweet Little Sixteen.’ Lawyers made sure the proper royalties went to Mr. Berry.
9. Rockin’ Robin – Bobby Day
Bobby’s biggest solo hit, although Micheal Jackson made this song that he wrote a hit for a new generation in 1972.
10. Tears On My Pillow – Little Anthony and the Imperials
While this was their biggest hit, they had a resurgence in the mid-1960s.
11. I Wonder Why – Dion and the Belmonts
The Belmonts were named from the fact that two of the four singers lived on, and the other two lived near Belmont Avenue in The Bronx..
12. Yakety Yak – The Coasters
The sax solo inspired the 1963 Boots Randolph song “Yakety Sax” – better known as “The Benny Hill Theme.”
13. Great Balls of Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis
It was featured in the 1957 movie Jamboree, and written by Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer. It is Jerry’s ‘Signature Song.’
14. The Stroll – The Diamonds
Written by Nancy Lee and Clyde Otis. Clive wrote hundreds of songs for the biggest artists of the 1950s, and produced many hits through the 1960s.
He was huge – like P.Diddy/Jay-Z/Pharrell huge.
15. Rock and Roll is Here To Stay – Danny & the Juniors
Another song in The Great American Pop/Rock Songbook. (which was never actually written)
16. Splish Splash – Bobby Darin
Bobby Darin was born Walden Robert Cassotto (May 14, 1936 – December 20, 1973) and he married actress Sandra Dee in 1960.
17. Fever – Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee was born Norma Deloris Egstrom (May 26, 1920 – January 21, 2002). She wrote, acted, produced and sang in a career that started in 1941.
18. Little Star – Elegants
The Elegants included: Vito Picone, Arthur Venosa, Frank Tardogno, Carmen Romano and James Mochella. Vito & Arthur wrote “Little Star.”
19. All I Have To Do Is Dream – Everly Brothers
Written by the husband and wife songwriting team Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, who wrote several Everly Brothers hits as well as Rocky Top, a state song of Tennessee (there are 10 of them).
20. Maybe Baby – Buddy Holly & the Crickets
It was written by Buddy Holly and Norman Petty. Petty was also the recording engineer for Buddy’s band, The Crickets.
RIP Buddy Holly February 3, 1959 – The Day The Music Died.
21. Chantilly Lace – Big Bopper
Big Bopper was born Jiles Perry “J. P.” Richardson, Jr. on October 24, 1930.
RIP Big Bopper February 3, 1959 – The Day The Music Died.
22. Witchcraft – Frank Sinatra
Elvis Presley sang this in the ‘The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis’ in 1960. Frank sang Elvis’s ‘Love Mr Tender.’
23. One Night – Elvis Presley
Originally titles ‘One Night of Sin’ it was written by Dave Bartholomew and Earl King. It was an R&B hit for Smiley Lewis in 1956.
“One night of sin is what I’m now paying for” was revised to “One night with you is what I’m now praying for.”
24. Who’s Sorry Now – Connie Francis
Connie, born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero on December 12, 1938, had a successful pop career into the mid-1960s.
25. Bird Dog – Everly Brothers
Peaked at #2 on the Pop Charts, and #1 on the Country Charts.
26. Breathless – Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry was married 7 times; his first marriage, to Dorothy Barton, lasted for 20 months, from February 1952 to October 1953.
27. It’s Only Make Believe – Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty was born Harold Lloyd Jenkins (September 1, 1933 – June 5, 1993)
28. Stood Up – Ricky Nelson
The “Flip-Side” (B-Side) of this 45 RPM single was also a hit, Waitin’ In School.
29. Summertime Blues – Eddie Cochran
Edward Raymond “Eddie” Cochran (October 3, 1938 – April 17, 1960). He died in a one-car accident in Chippenham, Wiltshire, England on the A4 highway.
30. Book of Love – The Monotones
The group began singing with the New Hope Baptist Choir, directed by Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston’s mother.
31. Lollipop – Chordettes
The girls are best known for their 1954 hit, Mr. Sandman.
32. Queen Of The Hop – Bobby Darin
Bobby was an actor, as well as a singer, just like James Darren. Bobby was married to Sandra Dee. James Darren was Gidget’s (played by Sandra Dee) love interest in the 60s Gidget movies.
33. You Are My Destiny – Paul Anka
Canadian Paul Anka wrong songs, sang and acted in both film and television. His most profitable venture may have been co-writing Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show Theme. Or maybe it was writing the lyrics for Sinatra (and Elvis’) ‘My Way.’
34. Rebel Rouser – Duane Eddy
Duane Eddy, born April 26, 1938, was one of the two best-known guitarists of the 1950s, the other being Les Paul.
35. Summertime Summertime – The Jamies
Tom Jameson was the sole writer/arranger of ‘Summertime, Summertime’ but the band’s manager, Sherman Feller, is also listed. Many managers did that to earn royalties.
36. Tea For Two (Cha Cha) – Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
This was one of the last hits from an established ‘Big Band.”
37. Come On, Let’s Go – Ritchie Valens
This was Ritchie’s first hit. His pop career lasted only a few months.
RIP Ritchie Valens February 3, 1959 – The Day The Music Died. Pilot Roger Peterson also died in the crash.
38. Mexican Hat Rock – Applejacks
The old name ‘Dave Appell Four’ was changed shortly before they reworked the timeless classic “Mexican Hat Dance’ (Jarabe Tapatío).
39. Witch Doctor – David Seville
David went on to create The Chipmunks with his speed recording techniques.
40. Short Shorts – Royal Teens
Robert John “Bob” Gaudio (born November 17, 1942) was 15 years old when he co-wrote and recorded this song with his group, The Royal Teens. He went on to perform, write and produce many artists through the 1960s, including The 4 Seasons.
41. Rave On – Buddy Holly
Written by Sonny West, Bill Tilghman and Norman Petty. Norman was Buddy’s sound engineer and manager.
42. Rumble – Link Wray
This guitar instrumental was recorded using distortion and feedback and was banned from many radio stations. The title came from slang for a street fight, and the distortion. Others didn’t like the ‘distortion’ sound, feeling it promoted non-conformity.
43. Born Too Late – The Poni-Tails
Toni Cistone, Karen Topinka and Patti McCabe also had a semi-hit song named ‘Seven Minutes in Heaven.’
44. Tom Dooley – The Kingston Trio
The original members included Dave Guard, Bob Shane, and Nick Reynolds. The Kingston Trio helped bring folk music into popular culture. They were also the first major “college circuit” band.
45. Where Your Ring Around My Neck – Elvis Presley
Like clockwork, previously recorded Elvis music was released while he was serving in the US military.
46. Don’t You Just Know It – Huey Smith and the Clowns
Huey “Piano” Smith was the driving force behind the New Orleans R&B sound, which was the driving force behind merging R&B woth country into pop music,
47. Betty Lou Got A New Pair Of Shoes – Bobby Freeman
Neil Young recorded this song for his 1983 album, Everybody’s Rockin’.
48. No One Knows – Dion and the Belmonts
The boys from The Bronx’s second release – an echo-filled ballad.
49. Ramrod – Duane Eddy
The song’s writer, Al Casey, played piano on this rock instrumental song.
50. He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands – Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia Jackson (October 26, 1911 – January 27, 1972) The “Queen of Gospel” sold a lot of 45s and albums, although she did not get much airplay. This was her biggest hit, and she sang it on Sesame Street in 1970.
51. Poor Boy – The Royaltones
Another Rock ‘N Roll instrumental hit. 1958 had a slot of them.
52. Willie and the Hand Jive – Johnny Otis Show
Johnny Otis was born Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes (December 28, 1921 – January 17, 2012) Johnny wrote and produced for many artists of the day, and ‘Hand Jive” was his biggest hit.
53. To Know Him, Is To Love Him – The Teddy Bears
The Teddy Bears were 19-year-old record producer Phil Spector’s first vocal group.
54. Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare) – Domenico Modugno
Written by Franco Migliacci and Domenico Modugno, it also became a pop hit with Dean Martin (1958) and Bobby Rydell (1960).
55. Sugartime – The McGuire Sisters
This was the last #1 Hit for the sisters, and there was an unsuccessful “Sugartime Twist” released in 1962.
56. I Got Stung – Elvis Presley
“Flip-Side” of his hit ‘One Night’ – both cracked the Top Ten.
57. Catch A Falling Star – Perry Como
Perry’s last #1 Hit, it also earned him a Grammy. The melody is based on part of Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture.
58. Oh Boy! – The Crickets
The band is usually referred to as ‘Buddy Holly and the Crickets.’ – Much like Paul McCartney & Wings or Wham! featuring George Micheal.
59. 26 Miles (Santa Catalina) – The Four Preps
You can hear more than a little bit of Monty Python’s ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ during the chorus.
60. March From The River Kwai and Colonel Bogey – Mitch Miller
The second most catchy ‘whistling song’ of the twentieth century. The ‘Andy Griffith Show” theme song is number one. Number three would be The Happy Whistler by Don Robertson.
61. Problems – The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers sang songs relatable to their audience – teenage boys and girls.
62. Near You – Roger Williams
Roger was later one of the first late-night ‘BUY THIS ALBUM’ nostalgia-based infomercials.
63. Secretly – Jimmy Rodgers
Jimmy performed the theme song for 1963 The Real McCoys TV show and hosted his own variety show on NBC (1969).
64. I Got A Feeling – Ricky Nelson
“Anyone who knocks rock ‘n’ roll either doesn’t understand it, or is prejudiced against it, or is just plain square.” – Ricky Nelson
65. Topsy II – Cozy Cole
‘Topsy’ was a 1938 release for bandleader Benny Goodman, written by Edgar Battle and Eddie Durham. Cozy recorded it as a two-part single. The “B-Side” was more popular than the “A-Side” – also instrumental – Topsy I.
66. What Am I Living For – Chuck Willis
Old School R&B mixed with some new rock/pop.
67. My True Love – Jack Scott
Jack Scott was born Giovanni Domenico Scafone, Jr. on January 24, 1936, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He moved to Detroit Michigan when he was ten.
68. Why Don’t They Understand? – George Hamilton IV
Release in late 1957, it was George’s last Top Ten Hit.
69. Return To Me – Dean Martin
Dean Paul Martin, born Dino Paul Crocetti (June 7, 1917 – December 25, 1995) was the last of the “Great American Songbook” crooners, in the style of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby.
70. Leroy – Jack Scott
Leroy was the “B-Side” of his first hit ‘My True Love’ – another example of how the two sides of a record could make a singer even more popular.
71. Just A Dream – Jimmy Clanton
Jimmy Clanton was born on September 2, 1938, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was one of the original “Teen Idols”.
72. Bimbombey – Jimmy Rodgers
Bimbombey (Bim- Bom – Bay) doesn’t really exist, but it is kind of catchy.
73. Magic Moments – Perry Como
The “Flip-Side” of his last Big Hit ‘Catch a Falling Star’ has been used in several films, soundtracks, and commercials. It may be Perry Como’s best-known song today.
74. You Cheated – The Shields
Originally recorded by The Slades, a white Doo-Wop group, The black group ‘The Shields’ made an even bigger hit with ‘You Cheated’.
75. Too Soon To Know – Pat Boone
Too Soon was the “B-Side” to his hit (which also reached #4) Wonderful Time Up There – a song about going to heaven.
76. For Your Love – Ed Townsend
Edward Benjamin ‘Ed’ Townsend (April 16, 1929 – August 13, 2003) wrote ‘For Your Love’ and a lot of other songs. He co-wrote Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.”
77. Sail Along Silvery Moon – Billy Vaughn
The “FLIP-SIDE” of this single was ‘Raunchy’. Billy mixed a country/R&B feel with a classic Big Band sound.
78. Don’t Let Go – Roy Hamilton
Roy Hamilton (April 16, 1929 – July 20, 1969) Roy brought a sound that started the bridge between classic R&B with Soul Music.
79. Oh Julie – The Crescendos
They were a ‘One Hit Wonder’ quintet from Nashville, Tennessee.
80. Ballad Of A Teenage Queen/Big River – Johnny Cash
Johnny flirted with both Rock and Country, and this is a perfect example of one of his (many) lessor-known, yet double-sided, hits.
81. Looking Back – Nat ‘King’ Cole
The late 1960s and early 1970s had Al Green, but from 1944 through 1964, it was Nat Cole who was the “Velvet Voiced Singer” heard constantly on the radio.
82. Maybe – The Chantels
The Chantels, along with the Bobettes, were among the first black crossover “Girl Groups.”
83. When – Kalin Twins
Hal and Herbie Kalin were born on February 16, 1934. ‘When’ was one of a handful of singles the duo had, including ‘Forget Me Not’ so, they weren’t really a “One Hit Wonder.”
84. The Story Of My Life – Marty Robbins
Marty was born Martin David Robinson (September 26, 1925 – December 8, 1982) Some people can’t tell the difference between “Country” and “Western” music. Marty was of the “Western” variety.
85. Endless Sleep – Jody Reynolds
Jody Reynolds was born Ralph Joseph Reynolds (December 3, 1932 – November 7, 2008). Endless Sleep was a precursor to the teenage “Death Songs” of the early 1960s.
SPOILER ALERT: He saved her in the end.
86. The Little Blue Man – Betty Johnson
In the 1950s, most people thought Martians were blue, not green. Songwriter Fred Ebb sang the Martian’s part in the song.
It may be the only Earthing/Martian love song.
87. Susie Darlin’ – Robin Luke
Although he recorded several other songs, this was his only hit. He wrote it for his little sister, Susie.
88. Baubles, Bangles And Beads – The Kirby Stone Four
The “The Go Sound” jazz/vocal and rhythm style that the band had was a decade ahead of it’s time.
In 1967, they teamed with The Tokens, forming “The United States Quartet’ for ‘Love is Groovy’ – It is not the best song ever recorded.
89. The Blob – The Five Blobs
The group also recorded ‘From the Top of Your Guggle (to the Bottom of Your Zooch).’
I’m not sure if it was a dirty song or not. The Blob was the main title from the horror film of the same name.
90. Patricia – Perez Prado
The second huge #1 Hit from the artist who gave us one of the biggest hits of all time ‘Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White’ in 1955.
91. Chanson D’Amour (Song of Love) – Art & Dotty Todd
Along with the success of 1953’s ‘Broken Wings,’ the husband and wife duo maintained a consistent nightclub career.
92. 7-11 – Gone All-Stars
A jazz/rock version of Perez Prado’s ‘Mambo #5’ – later made famous by Lou Bega in 1999.
93. Lonesome Town – Ricky Nelson
There are Rock Stars, like Elvis. There were Pop Stars like Pat Boone. Often shining even brighter were the Teen Idols. Ricky Nelson, backed by being a TV Star on ‘The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet’ was the brightest Teen Idol until The Beatles and the British Invasion.
94. Win Your Love For Me – Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke was second only to Nat ‘King’ Cole with the smooth ‘pre-Soul’ sound until his death on December 11, 1964.
95. The End – Earl Grant
Earl Grant (January 20, 1931 – June 10, 1970) Earl only had a handful of singles released but was consistently producing albums until his death in a car accident.
‘The End’ is an underappreciated classic love song. Nat ‘King’ Cole recorded it was well.
96. Down the Aisle of Love – The Quin-Tones
The Quin-Tones, from York, PA, were: Roberta Haymond, Carolyn “Sissie” Holmes, Jeannie Crist, Phyliss Carr and Kenny Sexton.
97. Billy – Kathy Linden
‘Billy’ was written in 1911 by Joe Goodwin and music by James Kendis and Herman Paley.
98. Love You Most Of All – Sam Cooke
Samuel Cook (January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964) had over three dozen hits in a career that only lasted seven years.
99. The Walk – Jimmy McCracklin
Jimmy’s only Top 40 Hit. He had over 30 albums and wrote, some say, over 1,000 songs. He pretty much invented West Coast Blues.
100. Just Married – Marty Robbins
Marty was primarily a Country/Western Music star, but had a string of pop hits through the early 1960s as well.
