Category Archives: Popular Music 1950s

‘I Went to Your Wedding’ by Patti Page peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 18 1952)

(Saturday, October 18, 1952) — “I Went to Your Wedding” by Patti Page (with Orchestra conducted by Jack Rael) was the #1 song on today’s “Billboard” Best Sellers in Stores chart for the first of five weeks (Oct. 18/25, Nov. 1/8/15, 1952). Continue reading ‘I Went to Your Wedding’ by Patti Page peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 18 1952)

‘You Belong to Me’ by Jo Stafford peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Sep 13 1952)

(Saturday, September 13, 1952) — “You Belong to Me” by Jo Stafford with Paul Weston and His Orchestra peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for the first of five consecutive weeks (Sept. 13/20/27, Oct. 4/11, 1952). Continue reading ‘You Belong to Me’ by Jo Stafford peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Sep 13 1952)

‘Auf Wiederseh’n Sweetheart’ by Vera Lynn peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jul 12 1952)

(Saturday, July 12, 1952) — “Auf Wiederseh’n Sweetheart” by Vera Lynn peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for the first of nine consecutive weeks (July 12/19/26, Aug. 2/9/16/23/30, Sept. 6, 1952). Continue reading ‘Auf Wiederseh’n Sweetheart’ by Vera Lynn peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jul 12 1952)

‘Blue Tango’ by Leroy Anderson peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (May 17 1952)

(Saturday, May 17, 1952) — “Blue Tango” by Leroy Anderson (and his “Pops” Concert Orchestra) peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for the first of five consecutive weeks (May 17/24/31, June 7/14, 1952). Continue reading ‘Blue Tango’ by Leroy Anderson peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (May 17 1952)

‘Singin’ in the Rain’ premieres in New York City 70 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Mar 27 1952)


Video: 'Singin' in the Rain' trailer

(Thursday, March 27, 1952, 10:35 a.m. EST) — A silent-screen swashbuckler finds love while trying to adjust to the coming of sound in Singin’ in the Rain, an American musical romantic comedy that premiered this morning at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Continue reading ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ premieres in New York City 70 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Mar 27 1952)

Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed organizes first rock ‘n’ roll concert 70 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Mar 21 1952)


Video: 'Alan Freed apologized for The Moondog Coronation Ball riot 65 years ago.'

(Friday, March 21, 1952, 10:00 p.m. EST)Alan Freed, a disc jockey who popularized the term “Rock and Roll” at WJW-Radio in Cleveland, Ohio, organized what is generally accepted as the first major rock and roll concert — the Moondog Coronation Balltonight at the Cleveland Arena. Continue reading Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed organizes first rock ‘n’ roll concert 70 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Mar 21 1952)

‘Wheel of Fortune’ by Kay Starr peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Mar 15 1952)

(Saturday, March 15, 1952) — “Wheel of Fortune” by Kay Starr was the #1 song on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for the first of nine consecutive weeks (Mar. 15/22/29, Apr. 5/12/19/26, May 3/10 1952). Continue reading ‘Wheel of Fortune’ by Kay Starr peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Mar 15 1952)

‘Cry’ by Johnnie Ray and The Four Lads peaks at #1 in USA 60 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 29 1951)

(Saturday, December 29, 1951) — “Cry” by Johnnie Ray and The Four Lads (recorded Oct. 16, 1951 in New York City) peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for the first of 11 consecutive weeks (Dec. 29, 1951, Jan. 5/12/19/26, Feb. 2/9/16/23, March 1/8, 1952). Continue reading ‘Cry’ by Johnnie Ray and The Four Lads peaks at #1 in USA 60 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 29 1951)