In the 1950s, youth culture began in the US. Teenagers listened to a new type of music, Rock 'n' Roll. It were the fifties which brought us the many legends we still remember. Elvis Presley, Bill Haley & The Comets, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, etc.

Rock 'n' Roll has many roots; Blues and Gospel, Folk- and Countrymusic from the south of the USA, Caribbean music, and Jazz from New Orleans. Every star in the fifties had his own style and roots, but they had something in common. The music was different than earlier pop songs and was meant for teenagers.

In 1954 Rock 'n' Roll went from being almost underground to a leading style and movement. The Chords released the original version of "Sh-boom" in March. A cover version by The Crew Cuts made it to number one in America. In October LaVern Baker recorded her first hit "Tweedle Dee" for Atlantic Records.

Other important songs of 1954 are:

Mr. Sandman - Chordettes

Three Coins In The Fountain - Four Aces

That's All Right - Elvis Presley

Work With Me Annie - Hank Ballard & the Midnighters

Shake Rattle And Roll - Joe Turner

Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight - Spaniels

I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man - Muddy Waters

The Things That I Used To Do - Guitar Slim

Hearts Of Stone - Jewels

In December 1955 Carl Perkins recorded Blue Suede Shoes. This smash 1956 hit virtually defined and established rockabilly music in the Rock and Roll cannon and launched Sun Records into national prominence. Carl Perkins is regarded by many as one of the founding fathers of rock-and-roll. Although he placed only one record in the pop top forty "Blue Suede Shoes," it became a legendary one in the annals of rock-and-roll and propelled Perkins, one of the original rockabilly singers, into his legendary status.