Let It Rock II

Around the turn of the century, I went through an Elvis Presley phase (many consider Elvis to be the artist of the century) and at that time I was drawn less to Presley’s gritty, countrified ‘50s sound (as exciting as that can be) and more to the smoothness and bombast of his ‘60s and even ‘70s periods. Any number of influential ‘50s rock & roll artists (most if not all of them were from the South) could have claimed the title “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” but Presley grabbed it, owns it, and no one can ever take it away from him. Here are some of my favorite songs by ‘50s rock & roll artists, including the King. Enjoy!

Elvis Presley

01. Elvis Presley – “Long Legged Girl (With the Short Dress On)” (1967)

02. The Crickets – “It’s So Easy” (1958)

03. Elvis Presley – “Do the Clam” (1965)

04. Ben E. King and the Drifters – “This Magic Moment” (1960)

05. Chuck Berry – “Roll Over Beethoven” (1956)

06. The Drifters – “Let the Music Play” (1964)

07. Roy Orbison – “You Got It” (1989)

08. The Everly Brothers – “When Will I Be Loved” (1960)

09. The Drifters – “Under the Boardwalk” (1964)

10. Elvis Presley – “Good Rockin’ Tonight” (1959)

11. Carl Perkins – “Blue Suede Shoes” (1956)

12. Chuck Berry – “Sweet Little Sixteen” (1958)

13. Elvis Presley – “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (1961)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

 

Recommended Links:

Elvis Presley – “Always on My Mind” 

What HBO's Vinyl Got Wrong About Elvis