In the 50s. In America, several musical directions were popular at once, including rock and roll, jazz, country and some others. Listeners were attracted by new rhythms, a unique aesthetics of sound.
Young people were especially keen on new performers; thousands of fans gathered concerts of stars.
In our article, you can find out who were the most famous American singers in the 50s.
10. Ben Webster
Outstanding Jazz Musician Ben webster Born in 1909, lived 64 years. He began to get involved in music when studying at school, it was there that he learned to play the violin and piano.
The boy was also lucky that his neighbor was Pete Johnson, he taught the future musician how to play jazz on the piano, as he himself was a master of ragtime and boogie-woogie.
Then Ben began to perform with one of the orchestras, touring America. In those years, he primarily played music on the piano, but soon got into the ensemble of William Young, where he learned to play the saxophone excellently. In the 30s. Webster became famous in wide circles as a jazzman.
A jazz musician performed with such famous personalities of that period as:
- Blanche Calloway;
- Andy Kirk;
- Benny Mouten;
- Fletcher Henderson;
- Duke Ellington
and many others.
The most famous saxophonist compositions are:
- Cottontale
- Conga Brava
- "All Too Soon";
- “Just A-Setting And A-Rocking”;
- “What I’m Here For”;
- Sepia Panorama
- "Blue Serge."
9. Little Richard
American singer and composer Little Richard stood at the origins of such a musical direction as rock and roll. He was born in a large family in the state of Georgia, from childhood he was familiar with sacred music.
In 1955, the musician signed a contract with the studio and recorded one of his most famous compositions, Tutti Frutti.
The audience liked the expressive manner of performing the singer, his aggressive rhythm and periodic exclamations. In those years, he began to call himself "the real king of rock and roll."
The following hits were popular:
- “Long Tall Sally”;
- “She’s Got It”;
- “The Girl Can’t Help It”
- "Jenny, Jenny."
Interesting fact: in 1957, at one of the performances, the musician noticed a flying comet and decided that this is a sign that tells him to leave creativity and turn to God. The singer did so, but in 1962 he returned to rock.
8. Sam Cook
Sam Cook stood at the origins of soul music (one of the genres of African American music that arose in the southern states of America in the 50s).
Cook was born into a Baptist priest's family and sang in a church choir. But the young artist dreamed of greater popularity, so he tried to record the single “Loveable”.
Leaving the church choir, he began to record new compositions, one of them - “You Send Me”, made him a popular singer.
Being already a famous performer, the artist began to record romantic ballads designed for such an audience as teenagers.
Interesting fact: The singer’s life was tragically cut short when he was only 33 years old. The official version of his death suggests that the murder was committed for the purpose of necessary defense, but the relatives and friends of the performer considered that he was killed for racist reasons.
7. Bobby Bland
Bobby "Blue" Bland performed music in the style of blues and soul.
Born Bobby bland in a small American town, but then moved from there to Memphis (one of the largest cities in the south of the USA). Here he began to perform with gospel performers (one of the genres of spiritual Christian music).
In the 50s. the artist began touring with more famous blues artists, but managed to record several of his compositions, for example, “Farther Up The Road”, “Little Boy Blue”, “Cry Cry Cry”, “Turn On Your Love Light”, which brought him fame and popularity.
In the 70s. the singer toured, performed music together with BB King (blues guitarist, “king of the blues”). Further, his musical career began to decline.
6. Tony Bennett
Tony bennett performed swing music as well as pop music with jazz elements. In the 50s. public interest in his music began to decline, as the leading positions in the top charts were taken by those who performed rock songs, but in the 80-90s. Tony Bennett became popular again, as people renewed their interest in the traditional manner of pop singing.
Interesting fact: in 2017, the music artist won the Gershwin Prize. Bennett is also a talented artist, some of his paintings are stored in a museum in Washington.
The musician had a thorny path to fame, he was born in a poor family, his father died early. His uncle had little relation to show business, and he was able to attach Tony there at the age of ten.
In 1946, the singer began to perform music for the general public, gradually gaining popularity. His successful compositions were: Because of You, Cold, Cold Heart, Blue Velvet, Stranger in Paradise.
5. Kenny Rogers
Singer and film actor Kenny rogers considered a performer of country and pop music. He performed with various groups that performed compositions in the styles of jazz, rock and rhythm and blues.
The band “The First Edition” turned out to be the most successful, it lasted for almost 10 years, and after its breakup Rogers began to perform solo.
The single “Lucille” brought him fame and success. Also popular were songs performed in conjunction with other singers, such as “We’ve Got Tonight” and “Islands in the Stream”.
4. Johnny Cash
American singer Johnny cache considered a key figure in country music. In addition to this musical genre, he also sang in others, for example, gospel, rock and rock, etc.
Interesting fact: he caused delight in the audience not only with his beautiful manner of performance, but also with the fact that since the 60s. went on stage mainly in black clothes.
In the 1950s the artist created his musical group “The Tennessee Three”, with which he began to tour and record singles.
The famous songs of the singer are:
- Folsom Prison Blues
- "I Walk The Line";
- “Casey Jones”;
- "Man in Black."
3. Lester Young
American tenor saxophonist Lester Young, the famous musician of the era in the swing style was born in a musical family, so from an early age mastered the basics of this art.
The performer performed for a long time in a family orchestra, but in 1927 he left it. In 1933, Young joined the County Basie Orchestra, then played with Andy Kirk. The artist began to record solo in the postwar years.
The following compositions became famous:
- “I Can’t Get Started”;
- "Lester Leaps In";
- "Mean to Me"
other.
2. Elvis Presley
Famous singer and actor Elvis Presley He was the most successful music performer in the 20th century, and due to his popularity, he earned the nickname “King of Rock and Roll”.
The artist received his fame due to the fact that he was able to mix several musical styles, get something new and unusual, he struck the public with this.
His hits became known not only in the USA, but throughout the world, the most popular can be called:
- "Heartbreak Hotel";
- “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”;
- Don’t Be Cruel;
- Suspicious Minds
- "Hound Dog."
Interesting fact: In addition to his musical talent, the artist was a wonderful film actor, his most famous paintings are “Long live Las Vegas!”, “Worker for hire”, etc.
The singer received worldwide recognition for his career, became the owner of numerous awards and awards, stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1. Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra - American vocalist, actor, showman and film director.
His career began in the 30s. last century, lasted 60 years, during which time he managed to record many musical compositions, to star in at least 50 films. For this he was awarded the Oscar, Golden Globe and Congressional Gold Medal.
The most famous songs of the artist are:
- "It Was a Very Good Year";
- "My Way";
- "Jingle Bells";
- "Fly Me to the Moon";
- "America the Beautiful."