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Inspired by the joy of rock and roll music and dancing.

Inspired by the comic strip character Alley Oop, created by V.T. Hamlin in 1932.

Inspired by the folk music revival and the sound of the banjo.

Inspired by Domino's welcoming and hospitable nature.

An instrumental inspired by the beatnik culture of the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Written as the theme song for the film of the same name, inspired by the spirit of youth.

A novelty instrumental inspired by prehistoric themes and the popularity of dinosaurs.

The song was inspired by the idea of leaving the past behind and moving forward in life.

Don Everly wrote the song, reportedly inspired by a girl he dated in high school named Cathy.

Inspired by the joy and energy of rock and roll dance music.

Inspired by the pain and sorrow of heartbreak.

Inspired by the daydreams and fantasies of young love.

The song was inspired by the high-energy rock and roll of the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Based on the Italian song "O Sole Mio," Elvis's version was inspired by Tony Martin's 1949 rendition called "There's No Tomorrow."

The composition is credited to Lloyd Price and Harold Logan. Its repertoire history extends beyond Price: Billy Eckstine included it on the 1960 live album No Cover, No Minimum. That parallel recording provides...

Originally a French song "Je t'appartiens," the English version was inspired by the theme of eternal love.

The song was a humorous response to the many "death discs" popular at the time, inspired by a more optimistic outlook.

Inspired by the sorrows of young love and heartbreak.

The song was inspired by the feelings of loneliness and heartbreak common in country music.

The song was inspired by the magnitude of romantic feelings.

A cover of Jimmie Rodgers' 1930 song, inspired by the life of mule drivers in the early 20th century.

Orbison and co-writer Joe Melson were inspired by Orbison's own feelings of loneliness and heartbreak.

An instrumental inspired by the military wake-up call, given a rock and roll twist.

An instrumental inspired by the sound of a goose honk, given a rock and roll treatment.

Inspired by the experience of trying on clothes in a store, with a humorous twist.

Inspired by the pain of watching a once-strong relationship fall apart.

Written by Aaron Schroeder and J. Leslie McFarland, the song was inspired by Elvis's return to civilian life after his military service.

Inspired by the lively atmosphere of high school in the early 1960s.

The song was originally recorded by Hank Ballard in 1959 but gained popularity when Chubby Checker covered it. The inspiration came from the dance move of the same name.

The original version of the song, inspired by the dance move Ballard saw people doing.

Holly wrote the song as a wedding gift for his wife, Maria Elena, inspired by their relationship.

A cover of Domenico Modugno's 1958 hit, inspired by the feeling of flying through a blue sky.

The instrumental was originally written by jazz guitarist Johnny Smith and later covered by Chet Atkins, inspiring The Ventures' rock version.

Written by Bobby Charles, the song was inspired by Domino's connection to New Orleans.

Originally written in 1922, this version was inspired by the vibrant music scene of New Orleans.

The song was inspired by the fear of losing a loved one and the changes that occur in relationships.

Written by Phil Everly, the song was inspired by the search for true love.

The instrumental was inspired by tropical beach settings.

The song was inspired by the rebellious spirit of youth in the early 1960s.

A cover of the 1925 song, inspired by the timeless nature of declaring one's love.

Written by the Sherman Brothers, the song was inspired by teenage romance.

Jerry Livingston and Mack David wrote the ballad recorded by Ricky Nelson for Imperial. In 1960 it was paired with Right by My Side. The documented writing and release credits distinguish the composition from...

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...

A 1926 song about missing a former love

The popularity of babysitting among teenagers

A rock and roll version of Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee"

The excitement of youth and rock and roll

Orbison's personal experiences with heartbreak

Fantasizing about a love interest

A tragic story of a soldier's lost love

Theme song from the film of the same name

Bobby Rydell began performing as a child drummer in Philadelphia before becoming associated with the city's teen-pop singers. His recording repertoire included Wild One, Volare, Swingin' School and Wildwood Days,...

A cover of the 1954 hit by The Fontane Sisters

Meeting a new love interest

Enjoyment of life and love

Instrumental inspired by late-night revelry

Nature as a metaphor for love

Celebration of drum-based rock and roll

The continued popularity of the Twist dance

Attraction to a girlfriend's younger sister

Common complaints about mothers-in-law

A new dance craze

Late-night partying

Using rain as a metaphor for tears

The fear of losing a loved one

Gary U.S. Bonds established his career with records including New Orleans, Quarter to Three and School Is Out. Later collaborations with Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt and members of the E Street Band produced...

The popularity of cars with manual transmissions

An Italian song "Torna a Surriento"

A new dance craze

A new variation of the popular Twist dance

Troy Shondell was the recording name adopted by Indiana singer and multi-instrumentalist Gary Schelton, who had earlier released records as Gary Shelton. His career began with rockabilly and regional performances...

The lifestyle of a globetrotting lover

The different aspects of true love

A plea for a lover to return

Realizing the value of something after it's gone

An instrumental surf rock piece, named after Balboa Beach in California.

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...

Another dance-themed song capitalizing on Checker's twist success.

Written by Howard Greenfield and Carole King, blending the Everlys' style with the Brill Building sound.

Another dance-themed song capitalizing on Checker's popularity and the twist craze.

A follow-up to Bonds' hit "Quarter to Three," capitalizing on the twist craze.

Larry Finnegan was the recording name of New York singer Johnny Lawrence Finnegan. He wrote with his brother Vinnie and brought early demonstrations to Old Town Records, where Dear One became his best-known release....

Written by Cindy Walker, the song showcased Orbison's unique vocal style.

Chandler and his group The Dukays came up with the song while warming up their voices.

Written by Aaron Schroeder and Wally Gold, the song was one of Presley's last major hits before his career decline.

Channel co-wrote the song with Margaret Cobb, inspired by a phrase often used by a disk jockey.

Bobby Rydell began performing as a child drummer in Philadelphia before becoming associated with the city's teen-pop singers. His recording repertoire included Wild One, Volare, Swingin' School and Wildwood Days,...

Written by King and Gerry Goffin, it was King's debut as a performer.

Written by Nelson and Jerry Fuller, showcasing Nelson's maturing style.

A follow-up to "The Twist," written by Kal Mann and Dave Appell to capitalize on the ongoing dance craze.

One of the earliest Lennon-McCartney compositions, written when they were teenagers.

Written by Chuck Barris, the song was inspired by the famous New Jersey amusement park.

The song was inspired by the twist dance craze and the Peppermint Lounge in New York City.

A posthumous release of a song Holly recorded in 1955, written by Mickey Stevenson.

Written by Winfield Scott and Otis Blackwell for the film "Girls! Girls! Girls!"

Joey Dee and the Starliters developed from the band led by New Jersey singer and saxophonist Joey Dee. Their engagement at New York's Peppermint Lounge connected them closely with the early-1960s twist craze....

Maresca wrote the song himself, drawing on the energetic rock and roll style of the time.

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...

Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the song helped launch the surf music craze.

Written by Jack Lewis, the song reflected Nelson's experiences as a young star.

Written by Joe Meek, inspired by the Telstar communications satellite.

Written by Kal Mann and Dave Appell, inspired by the popular Latin dance.

Another twist-themed song, following the success of "Dear Lady Twist."

Written by Orbison and Joe Melson, drawing on Orbison's experiences working in the oil fields.

Written by Jerry Fuller, the song reflected the optimism of youth in the early 1960s.

A rock and roll cover of the 1946 song from Disney's "Song of the South."

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

The song idealized the carefree life of teenagers.

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.

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.

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

Title came from a Ringo Starr malapropism, written for the Beatles' first feature film.

Written by Ivory Joe Hunter, recorded by Presley in 1958 but unreleased until 1964.

Written by Dave Clark, inspired by the band's growing popularity.

Written by Dave Clark and Mike Smith, showcasing the band's signature stomping beat.

Cover of a 1961 song by Joe Jones, celebrating the California lifestyle.

Written by Paul McCartney while the Beatles were in Paris, reflecting on fame and money.

The Dave Clark Five developed through Britain's ballroom circuit before reaching international audiences during the 1960s British Invasion. Dave Clark's emphatic drums, Mike Smith's vocals and keyboards, and Denis...

Written by Jan Berry, Roger Christian, and Brian Wilson, inspired by a dangerous stretch of road in Los Angeles.

Cover of a song originally recorded by The Exciters in 1963.

The Dave Clark Five developed through Britain's ballroom circuit before reaching international audiences during the 1960s British Invasion. Dave Clark's emphatic drums, Mike Smith's vocals and keyboards, and Denis...

Written by John Lennon, partly inspired by "I'm Wishing" from Disney's Snow White.

Cover of a 1959 song by Don and Dewey, with added crowd noise for a live feel.

Written by Dave Clark and Mike Smith, continuing the band's string of hits.

Cover of a 1930 song by Joe Burke and Al Dubin, revived in a rock style.

Written by John Wilkin, celebrating the Pontiac GTO muscle car.

Written by Dave Clark and Mike Smith, aiming to create an upbeat, energetic sound.

Written by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, featuring distinctive drumming by Honey Lantree.

Written by Carol Connors and Marshall Leib, celebrating the Shelby Cobra sports car.

Built around a guitar riff by John Lennon, featuring early use of guitar feedback.

Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, reflecting the California car culture and teenage lifestyle.

Written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, inspired by McCartney's experiences at dance halls.

Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, inspired by their desire to write a song with mass appeal for the American market.

Roy Orbison grew up in Texas and began recording rock and roll for Sun before finding his most distinctive setting at Monument. His singing could move from a restrained, intimate delivery to an unusually expansive...

Written by Del Shannon, continuing his string of rock hits.

Title song from Presley's film of the same name, written by Fred Wise and Randy Starr.

Originally written by Wayne Cochran in 1961, based on a true story of a car accident.

The Hondells name was used for Los Angeles studio recordings overseen by producer Gary Usher, with changing session musicians rather than one fixed recording lineup. Little Honda brought the project to a broad...

Cover of a Willie Dixon blues song, showcasing the Stones' blues influences.

This is the Beatles' recording of the song associated with Little Richard, credited to Enotris Johnson, Robert Blackwell and Richard Penniman. Their version was recorded in March 1964 with George Martin producing and...

Cover of a 1955 song by Richard Berry, with famously indecipherable lyrics.

Cover of a 1959 Chuck Berry song, recorded live at the Whisky a Go Go.

Written by Don Covay and Ron Miller, influencing many later soul and rock artists.

The Kingsmen began in Portland, Oregon, with teenagers Lynn Easton and Jack Ely, later adding Mike Mitchell, Bob Nordby and Don Gallucci. Playing as a local dance-club house band helped develop their repertoire...

Written by Chuck Berry, combining themes of cars and romance, common in his work.

Co-written by Orbison and Bill Dees, inspired by Orbison's wife Claudette.

Instrumental inspired by the theme from "The Twilight Zone," written by Michael Z. Gordon.

Instrumental surf rock track, inspired by the growing popularity of the genre.

Influenced by Roy Orbison's writing style and Bing Crosby's "Please" (1932).

Based on a conversation between Paul McCartney and his father about the use of "yeah, yeah, yeah" in songs.

Rod Argent's first attempt at songwriting, about betrayal

Cover of a 1960 song by Ray Charles, showcasing the Zombies' R&B influences.

Combination of two songs by The Rivingtons: "Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow" and "The Bird's the Word."

Originally recorded by Elvis Presley in 1962, written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman.

Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney for the film "A Hard Day's Night."

Written by The Everly Brothers, evoking the excitement and romance of an amusement park.

Traditional folk song, arranged by The Animals with a rock interpretation.

Based on a popular Southern California joke about elderly women driving powerful cars.

Cover of a song originally recorded by Kai Winding and later by Irma Thomas.

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

Updated version of their 1960 hit, originally written by jazz guitarist Johnny Smith.

The Kinks formed in Muswell Hill, north London, around brothers Ray and Dave Davies. Their early R&B and rock-and-roll approach produced the forceful guitar sound of You Really Got Me. Ray's writing developed into...

Keith Richards came up with the famous guitar riff in his sleep, recording it on a tape recorder by his bed.

A follow-up to their hit "You Really Got Me."

Brian Wilson conceived the melody after taking LSD for the first time.

Theme song for the band's film of the same name.

Written by John Sebastian about the power of music.

Originally recorded by Nina Simone in 1964.

This Lennon-McCartney song, developed from McCartney's original idea, was recorded at EMI Studios in October 1964 with George Martin producing. It appeared on Beatles for Sale in December 1964; the US single followed...

Written by Graham Gouldman, who later formed 10cc.

Written by Clint Ballard Jr., about the ups and downs of romance.

A cover of Bessie Banks' R&B song.

Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

Written by Graham Gouldman, featuring Jeff Beck on guitar.

Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love about a rebound relationship.

John Lennon wrote the song as a cry for help during a difficult period in his life.

A cover of Chris Kenner's 1961 hit.

Written by the band members under pseudonyms.

Written by Larry Page and Colin Frechter.

A reworking of Bo Diddley's 1955 song.

Written by Clint Ballard Jr., who also wrote "Game of Love."

Written by Paul McCartney as a homage to Little Richard.

A cover of Bob Dylan's song, transformed into a folk-rock hit.

Written by the band's guitarist, Ron Elliott.

Written by guitarist Ron Elliott, influenced by the British Invasion sound.

A cover of Bob Dylan's folk song, transformed into jangle pop.

Written by Ray Davies, reflecting the band's early hard rock sound.

Influenced by Tex-Mex and British Invasion sounds.

Written by Rod Argent about resisting temptation.

A novelty song playing on the vegetable company's mascot.

Influenced by "This May Be the Last Time" by The Staple Singers.

Written by Don and Phil Everly about the cost of relationships.