Category Archives: 1950s

Carl Perkins becomes first country artist to enter R&B chart 70 years ago today (Mar 10 1956)


Video: 'Carl Perkins - "Blue Suede Shoes (Remastered 2022)" (Official Music Video)'

(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.

U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower says he will seek re-election despite stroke 70 years ago (Feb 29 1956)


Video: 'Dwight D Eisenhower's Decision to Seek a Second Term oval office address (February 29, 1956) [CBS]'

(Leap day, Wednesday, February 29, 1956, 10:00 p.m. EST) — 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. Continue reading U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower says he will seek re-election despite stroke 70 years ago (Feb 29 1956)

‘Lisbon Antigua’ by Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago today (Feb 25 1956)

(Saturday, February 25, 1956) — “Lisbon Antigua” by Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for four consecutive weeks (Feb. 25, Mar. 3/10/17, 1956). Continue reading ‘Lisbon Antigua’ by Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago today (Feb 25 1956)

Soviet leader Khrushchev lashes out at Stalin in ‘Secret Speech’ 70 years ago this hour (Feb 25 1956)


Video: 'Khrushchev Secret Speech'

(Saturday, February 25, 1956, shortly after midnight; during the Cold War) — In a sensational “Secret Speech” to the 20th Congress of the Communist Party, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev denounced Joseph Stalin today as a brutal despot, painting a graphic picture of a regime of “suspicion, fear, and terror” built up under the former dictator, who died three years ago.

‘The Great Pretender’ by The Platters peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago today (Feb 18 1956)

(Saturday, February 18, 1956) — “The Great Pretender” by The Platters peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Top 100 chart for two consecutive weeks (Feb. 18/25, 1956). Continue reading ‘The Great Pretender’ by The Platters peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago today (Feb 18 1956)

‘Rock and Roll Waltz’ by Kay Starr peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago today (Feb 18 1956)

(Saturday, February 18, 1956) — “Rock and Roll Waltz” by Kay Starr with Hugo Winterhalter’s orchestra and chorus peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Rock and Roll Waltz’ by Kay Starr peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago today (Feb 18 1956)

‘See You Later, Alligator’ by Bill Haley & His Comets peaks at #6 in USA 70 years ago today (Feb 11 1956)

(Saturday, February 11, 1956) — “See You Later, Alligator” by Bill Haley & His Comets peaked at #6 on today’s Billboard pop chart for four weeks. Continue reading ‘See You Later, Alligator’ by Bill Haley & His Comets peaks at #6 in USA 70 years ago today (Feb 11 1956)

‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ released in U.S. theaters 70 years ago today (Feb 5 1956)


Video: 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' trailer

(Wednesday, February 5, 1956)Invasion of the Body Snatchers, a science fiction film about soulless pods that take over the inhabitants of a small California town, was released in the U.S. today. Continue reading ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ released in U.S. theaters 70 years ago today (Feb 5 1956)

‘Tutti Frutti’ by Little Richard peaks at #17 in USA 70 years ago today (Feb 4 1956)

(Saturday, February 4, 1956) — “Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard peaked at #17 on today’s Billboard pop chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Tutti Frutti’ by Little Richard peaks at #17 in USA 70 years ago today (Feb 4 1956)