Category Archives: 1950s

Elvis Presley performs on ‘The Milton Berle Show’ 60 years ago this hour (Apr 3 1956)

1950s, Elvis Presley, Popular Music 1950s, Television 1950s


Video: '''The Milton Berle Show'' - 3 April 1956'

(Tuesday, April 3, 1956, 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST) — Elvis Presley made the first of two appearances on the comedy-variety show The Milton Berle Show, broadcast live from the deck of the USS Hancock on NBC while docked at the Naval Air Base in San Diego, California, performing 13-second “Shake Rattle & Roll,” “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” He earned $5,000. Continue reading Elvis Presley performs on ‘The Milton Berle Show’ 60 years ago this hour (Apr 3 1956) →

Soap operas ‘As the World Turns’ and ‘The Edge of Night’ premiere 60 years ago this afternoon (Apr 2 1956)

1950s, Television 1950s


Video: 'Vintage Soap Opera Classic: As the World Turns ( April 10, 1957)'

(Monday, April 2, 1956, 1:30 p.m./4:30 p.m. EST) — The television soap operas As the World Turns and The Edge of Night premiered this afternoon on CBS. Continue reading Soap operas ‘As the World Turns’ and ‘The Edge of Night’ premiere 60 years ago this afternoon (Apr 2 1956) →

Carl Perkins severely injured in car crash 60 years ago this morning (Mar 22 1956)

1950s, Popular Music 1950s


Video: 'Carl Perkins, Matchbox (1950s)'

(Thursday, March 22, 1956, shortly before sunrise EST) — Musician Carl Perkins, 23, was severely injured this morning when the car he was riding in crashed on Route 13 between Dover and Woodside, Delaware. Continue reading Carl Perkins severely injured in car crash 60 years ago this morning (Mar 22 1956) →

‘Marty’ wins Best Motion Picture at 28th Academy Awards 60 years ago this hour (Mar 21 1956)

1950s, Movies 1950s, Television 1950s


Video: '1956 Oscars' (20 videos)

(Wednesday, March 21, 1956, 7:30-9:00 p.m. PST) — Marty, a romantic drama film about a lonely butcher who finds love despite the opposition of his friends and family, won four Oscars tonight at the 28th Academy Awards, including Best Motion Picture, Delbert Mann for Best Director and Ernest Borgnine for Best Actor. Continue reading ‘Marty’ wins Best Motion Picture at 28th Academy Awards 60 years ago this hour (Mar 21 1956) →

‘Producers’ Showcase’ and ‘The Phil Silvers Show’ big winners at Emmy Awards 60 years ago this hour (Mar 17 1956)

1950s, Television 1950s


Video: 'I'm Flying (Peter Pan - 1956 Broadcast)'

(Saturday, March 17, 1956, 6:00-7:30 p.m. PST) — Mary Martin of Peter Pan and Lloyd Nolan, the neurotic captain of The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, walked off with 8th Primetime Emmy Awards tonight as the best actress and actor on television in 1955. Continue reading ‘Producers’ Showcase’ and ‘The Phil Silvers Show’ big winners at Emmy Awards 60 years ago this hour (Mar 17 1956) →

Carl Perkins becomes first country artist to enter R&B chart 60 years ago today (Mar 10 1956)

1950s, Popular Music 1950s


Video: '1956 HITS ARCHIVE: Blue Suede Shoes - Carl Perkins'

(Saturday, March 10, 1956) — Carl Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes” showed up on all three of today’s Billboard best selling retail charts — pop, country and western and rhythm and blues — marking the first time a country and western artist ever scored in all three categories.

Eisenhower says he will seek a second term, confident of health 60 years ago this hour (Feb 29 1956)

1950s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Eisenhower Decision to Seek Second Term'

(Wednesday, February 29, 1956) — Speaking slowly and in a slightly hoarse voice, President Dwight D. Eisenhower explained tonight why he had agreed this morning to seek a second term in a television report to the nation.

The 65-year-old president frankly told his party tonight, however, that because of his heart attack last Sept. 24, he must restrict his activities in the conduct of his office and in the presidential campaign.