The 50s were such an interesting decade for popular music. Throwing back to the week of September 19, 1956, we find Elvis Presley topping Billboard’s singles chart with ‘Don’t Be Cruel,’ and his ‘Hound Dog‘ at #3. In between is R&B vocal group The Platters with ‘My Prayer.’
Then at #4 we shift gears completely, with an instrumental version of the song ‘Canadian Sunset’ performed by Hugo Winterhalter & His Orchestra with Eddie Heywood on piano. And closing out the top five is Doris Day’s ‘Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera).’ It’s wild to imagine those two tracks battling two of Elvis’ biggest hits for airplay.
‘Canadian Sunset’ was composed by Heywood and this version peaked at #2 on the Billboard chart. A version of the song with vocals by Andy Williams was a hit at the same time, sitting lower in the top ten during the same span as this instrumental take.
Old songs. Great memories.
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It was definitely a better time for music to listen to No rap 😊
I’m curious as to when the transition to pop and rock was complete. My guess is it would not be until at least 1960.