The 1950's -- a decade largely known for social conservatism and conformity -- actually gave birth to some of the most influential musicians and genres in popular music. Perhaps most notable in '50s music is the creation of rock 'n' roll, which was embraced by teenagers looking for their own identity in America's post-war society. Spearheaded by disc jockey and promoter Alan Freed, the term "rock 'n' roll" was first used in 1951 and entered the mainstream when Bill Haley & His Comets reached the Billboard music charts with 'Crazy Man, Crazy.' From then on, everything from the invention of the Fender Stratocaster to Elvis Presley's captivating dance moves would go on to define the exciting new genre which helped shape the face of modern pop music.

The music world was changing in other aspects as well. Jazz innovators like Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck explored softer tambres and paved the way for "cool" jazz. In the classical music world, composers like John Cage experimented with the avant-garde and challenged listeners to rethink the very concept of music itself. Musical theatre productions like 'My Fair Lady' and the works of Rogers and Hammerstein gave us some of the world's most beloved soundtracks. For many, the '50s music decade came to a symbolic end in 1959 when musical icons Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P "the Big Bopper" Richardson were killed in a plane crash, a tragedy infamously known as "the day the music died."

Popular Styles in '50s Music

Country
Rockabilly
Bebop
"Cool" Jazz
Vocal Jazz
Blues
Rhythm and Blues
Gospel
Pop

Top Albums in '50s Music

Dinah Washington, 'Dinah Jams' (1954)
Frank Sinatra, 'In the Wee Small Hours' (1955)
'Oklahoma! Motion Picture Soundtrack' (1955)
Harry Belafonte, 'Calypso' (1956)
Elvis Presley, 'Elvis Presley' (1956)
Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, 'Ella & Louis' (1956)
Elvis Presley, 'Elvis' Christmas Album' (1957)
'My Fair Lady (Original Broadway Cast)' (1957)
Billie Holiday, 'Lady in Satin' (1958)
Miles Davis, 'Kind of Blue' (1959)

Top Artists in '50s Music

Elvis Presley
Billie Holiday
Hank Williams
Nat "King" Cole
Bill Haley & His Comets
Fats Domino
Bo Diddley
Chuck Berry
Little Richard
Jerry Lee Lewis

Online Radio Stations for '50s Music

'50s Oldies Radio