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Elvis Presley's early records brought country, blues, gospel, R&B and pop into a new rock-and-roll setting during the 1950s. His singing and physical stage style helped carry that mixture to a large audience. His...

This folk song depicted the loneliness of being far from home.

The song romanticized the Texas city of Abilene.

This country song celebrated the state of Alabama.

Sam Cooke grew up in Chicago after his family moved from Mississippi, and his early singing developed in gospel groups, including the Soul Stirrers. You Send Me brought him major solo success in 1957, followed by a...

The song encouraged listeners to dance and exercise.

Phil Spector and Jeff Barry wrote this song as the ultimate expression of teenage love and desire.

Eydie Gorme developed a career in singing, television and live entertainment, becoming familiar to audiences through her work with Steve Allen. She frequently partnered with Steve Lawrence in recordings and...

This cover of Bob Dylan's protest song became an anthem for the civil rights movement.

The song used color imagery to describe feelings of sadness and loss.

This cover of Tony Bennett's 1951 song was inspired by Vinton's desire to revive older standards.

This song from the film "Fun in Acapulco" capitalized on the bossa nova craze.

Written by Harlan Howard, the song depicted the struggles of being broke and in debt.

The song was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman about the difficulty of moving on after a breakup.

The song compared a sweet girlfriend to various candies.

This Goffin-King composition was about feeling trapped in a relationship.

This song, different from the later folk version, celebrated the excitement of New Orleans.

The song portrayed a woman returning her ex-lover's gifts and memories.

This cover of Johnnie Ray's hit expressed deep emotional pain.

The song portrayed the emotional vulnerability of a man in love.

Phil Spector and Jeff Barry wrote this song with nonsense lyrics to capture the feeling of falling in love.

This German-English song expressed gratitude for a past love.

This instrumental version of the movie theme captured the bittersweet nature of the film.

This cover of a 1933 standard was inspired by the enduring nature of classic love songs.

The song was written about a girl the songwriter admired from afar.

The song depicted homesickness of a Southerner in Detroit.

The song promoted a dance craze called "The Bird."

The song was a defensive response to criticism of a romantic partner.

This cover of Bob Dylan's song captured the bittersweet nature of a relationship's end.

The song advised not to delay in pursuing love.

The song poked fun at a high-maintenance, attention-seeking woman.

This cover of a Drifters song used rain as a metaphor for tears.

The song was written about the difficulty of expressing one's feelings in a relationship.

The song celebrated the universal appeal of rock and roll dancing.

The hit comes from the live performance released on The 12 Year Old Genius. Its onstage energy, rather than a conventional studio ballad arrangement, was central to the young performer's breakthrough.

The first part of Wonder's live performance that showcased his harmonica skills.

Joe Harnell worked as a pianist, arranger and musical director across nightclubs, records and television. His work with singers included Peggy Lee and Robert Goulet, while Fly Me to the Moon brought his instrumental...

The song warned young girls about the perils of playing with boys' affections.

This cover of a 1940 standard expressed the recklessness of falling in love quickly.

The song advised a friend to move on from a past relationship.

Ned Miller grew up in Utah before moving to California, where he began recording for Fabor Robison in the 1950s. His music connected country singing with a smooth, melodic pop approach. From a Jack to a King gained...

One of the Beatles' early hits, inspired by a column title in New Musical Express.

This upbeat song expressed joy and excitement in a relationship.

This Goffin-King song was about resisting temptation to remain faithful.

The New Christy Minstrels developed in 1961 when Randy Sparks expanded his earlier trio into a larger folk ensemble. The group combined vocal harmonies and instrumental performers, establishing a repertoire that...

This folk song criticized the pursuit of money over love and freedom.

The song was written about an idealized perfect man and became a template for girl group harmonies.

Holland-Dozier-Holland wrote this song comparing the intensity of love to a heat wave.

Allan Sherman brought song parody from private performances and television-industry circles into a recording career at Warner Bros. George Burns helped introduce him to the label, and arranger Lou Busch supported the...

Lewis wrote this song about reuniting with an old flame.

This Goffin-King composition was a plea for a second chance in a relationship.

The song was written by Ray Hildebrand about his girlfriend, Jill Jackson, who became his singing partner.

The Dartells formed in Oxnard, California, with a lineup combining vocals, bass, guitar, drums, organ and two saxophones. Manager and producer Tom Ayers helped the group record for Arlen before Dot gave Hot Pastrami...

Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, the song expressed the inability to hold a grudge against a loved one.

This cover of a Leon Payne country song expressed unconditional love.

The song expressed a desire for revenge on a former lover.

This English version of a French song expressed unwavering devotion to a romantic partner.

This duet expressed a couple's willingness to work on their relationship.

This cover of the Pete Seeger protest song became a pop hit.

The song promised unwavering support to a loved one.

Based on a calypso song, it humorously advised men to marry unattractive women for a happy life.

Orbison wrote this song about finding solace in dreams after losing a loved one.

The Impressions joined gospel-influenced vocal harmony with Chicago soul and melodic pop. After early work with Jerry Butler, Curtis Mayfield, Fred Cash and Sam Gooden developed the group's enduring trio sound....

The song was based on a real party where the singer's boyfriend left with another girl.

This sequel to "It's My Party" depicted the narrator getting revenge on her rival.

Troy co-wrote this song about love at first sight.

This cover of a Willie Dixon blues song used barnyard imagery as sexual metaphors.

Del Shannon grew up in Michigan as Charles Westover, listening to country singers such as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell alongside the Ink Spots. He learned ukulele and guitar, then gained performing experience in...

The song depicted the loneliness of a surfer without a girlfriend.

The song expressed the pain and disbelief of a breakup.

This cover of Richard Berry's song became famous for its unintelligible lyrics.

The song expressed a desire to escape from worldly troubles.

The song confirmed a mother's warnings about the pain of first love.

Los Indios Tabajaras was the Brazilian guitar duo of brothers Antenor Moreyra Lima and Natalício Moreyra Lima. Their repertoire moved between popular melodies, folk material, original compositions and classical works...

This novelty song imagined aliens coming to Earth to dance.

This cover of an Elvis Presley song expressed frustration with a difficult romantic partner.

The song used religious imagery to describe intense romantic feelings.

This instrumental version of Chuck Berry's song showcased Mack's guitar skills.

The song pleaded for mercy in love, influencing later soul and rock artists.

The song expressed the deep sadness of lost love.

Based on the lullaby "Hush, Little Baby," this version added a rhythm and blues twist.

This instrumental version of the theme from the film "Mondo Cane" became a easy listening hit.

The song was written as a warning to a boy who had been spreading rumors about a girl.

The song depicted the devastation of a breakup.

The song depicted the struggles and dreams of making it in show business.

Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, the song expressed hope for a future with a crush.

The song expressed hope for a future together despite current obstacles.

Bill Pursell combined classical training with a career as a Nashville pianist, arranger and educator. He studied composition with Howard Hanson at Eastman, then moved to Nashville at Eddy Arnold's invitation. Our...

The song used the metaphor of a rose to describe a tarnished love.

Little Johnny Taylor brought a gospel background to blues and R&B, including an early period with the Mighty Clouds of Joy. After initial secular singles for Swingin', he recorded for Galaxy with producer Cliff...

This surf rock instrumental was named after a famous surfing spot in Hawaii.

Gaye wrote this song about his wife, Anna Gordy Gaye.

Based on a poem by Leonard Lipton about childhood innocence and growing up.

James sang about refusing to be taken advantage of in a relationship.

The song was about a wealthy boy in love with a poor girl.

The song was written by John Claude Gummoe during his time in the U.S. Navy, inspired by a rainy day.

Co-written by June Carter, the song described falling in love using fiery imagery.

This cover of a Drifters song was Dion's attempt to transition to a more soulful sound.

This enigmatic song has been interpreted in various ways, from a coded lesbian narrative to a cautionary tale about infidelity.

The song expressed determination to prove a doubting lover wrong.

This rerelease of their 1957 hit was about determinedly looking for love.

The song was about car racing, a popular theme in early Beach Boys songs.

This cover of a 1945 song expressed the transformative power of love.

This country song celebrated the life of long-haul truck drivers.

The song captured the blissful feeling of being deeply in love.

The song was inspired by the vibrant street life on South Street in Philadelphia.

The song described the lingering feelings for a former love.

The official Motown biography describes this early hit as autobiographical. It helped establish Gaye after his initial attempts at a more traditional vocal career.

The song was inspired by a small coffee house in Clovis, New Mexico, where the band often performed.

Co-written with Brian Wilson, this song idealized the California surf scene.

Brian Wilson wrote this ballad about his ideal girlfriend.

Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen" served as the melodic basis for this ode to surfing culture.

Ray Charles was a singer, pianist and bandleader whose recordings connected blues, gospel phrasing, jazz and popular song. His early Atlantic singles range from the piano-driven Mess Around to the vocal exchanges of...

The song pleaded for communication in a troubled relationship.

The song idealized the carefree life of teenagers.

The song encouraged a friend to confess her feelings to a boy.

Nat King Cole developed as a jazz pianist before becoming widely known as a singer. Raised in Chicago after his family's move from Alabama, he led musical groups and built a long recording association with Capitol....

The song was written about the pain of losing a loved one and the feeling that the world is ending.

This English version of a French song celebrated living life to its fullest.

The song warned against always thinking others have it better.

Written by Carole King, the song described an unforgettable love interest.

The song expressed a woman's deep love and devotion to her partner.

Written by Curtis Mayfield, the song referenced a popular dance of the time.

Written by Benjamin Weisman, Dorothy Wayne, and Marilyn Garrett, showcasing Vee's pop vocal style.

This folk song told the story of a stern but fair frontier preacher.

The song was named after and promoted a popular dance craze.

The song celebrated the carefree nature of summer days.

This novelty song was based on Australian slang and culture.

The song captured the excitement of meeting one's soulmate.

The song used candy metaphors to describe romantic attraction.

Chubby Checker, born Ernest Evans in South Carolina, developed as a Philadelphia street singer and an impersonator before becoming closely associated with dance records. The Class showcased his imitations of other...

Cover of a song originally recorded by The Top Notes in 1961, popularized by The Isley Brothers.

The song explored the dual nature of a person in love, torn between right and wrong.

Written by Goffin and King, the song depicted finding peace above the city's chaos.

The song was written as a coming-of-age anthem, encouraging young men to be strong and mature.

This cover of a 1929 song by Gus Cannon became a folk revival hit.

This dance song was inspired by a popular playground game.

The song described the disappointment of a relationship losing its spark.

The Village Stompers was a New York instrumental ensemble drawing on Dixieland jazz and the accessible arrangements of the early-1960s folk era. Its musicians first recorded as Frank Hubbell and the Hubcaps before...

This instrumental showcased Mack's influential guitar style.

The song pondered the reaction of a partner to infidelity.

This instrumental captured the energy and excitement of weekend parties.

The song was created as a last-minute B-side and became an iconic surf rock instrumental.

The song romanticized a summer romance.

The Tymes grew out of Philadelphia's vocal-group circuit as the Latineers, with Donald Banks, Albert Berry, Norman Burnett and George Hilliard among the founding singers. The group adopted its better-known name and...

This rerelease of their 1958 hit humorously depicted parent-teen conflicts.

The Dovells developed from the Brooktones, a vocal group formed by students at Philadelphia's Overbrook High School. Their early work included local performances and recordings before a Cameo-Parkway agreement and a...

Darin wrote this song as a declaration of love and gratitude to his partner.

Smokey Robinson wrote this song about a complicated, consuming love.

A follow-up to "Hey Paula," celebrating young love.