Every Wednesday we go WAY back in time for a double dose of iconic pop or rock and roll songs from the 1950s PLUS another medley of Doo-Wop classics.
Today’s 1950s medley is definitely on the rock and roll side and the Doo-Wop tunes tend to be more of the “slow dancing with your sweetheart” tempo.
Rock Factoid: If the melody of the Doo-Wop song by The Olympics from 1959 sounds familiar, it was blatantly copied by The Kingsmen in 1964 when they recorded Jolly Green Giant.
Kingsmen lead singer Lynn Easton was originally listed as the sole writer of Jolly Green Giant but Don Harris and Dewey Terry, the writers of The Olympics song, successfully sued and were subsequently added as co-writers of The Kingsmen hit.
Your Memories … That’s What We’re All About
Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right
1950s Rock Medley
Ray Charles – Connie Francis
Bill Haley with His Comets – Smiley Lewis – Fats Domino
Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right
Doo-Wop Memories
The Excellents – The Olympics – The Rays
Jerry Butler & The Impressions – The Ocapellos
Good Morning, Ray. Starting off with Ray Charles, what a great idea. His piano playing and soulful voice sets just the right tone. You can hear how Little Stevie Wonder was influenced. Connie Frances, personally I like her brighter songs like this one. Her “ heartbroken “ songs are too much for me. Speaking of “bright” that’s all Bill Haley ever did. Of course being a local guy around here he could do no wrong. Smiley Lewis, I am sure I confused him with Fats Domino. They sound so similar. (now all I can think about is blueberries!)
Coney Island Baby, summer romance at its best. They got it right. The Olympics great, descriptive lyrics made me think of Jim Croce with his tall, urban tales of street characters. Jerry Butler was a true great. His smooth style and great delivery are always moving. The was truly “The Ice Man”! Fitting that you close with the Ocapellos, the perfect last song at the record hop. Good job, Ray. Great music to start the day. You always deliver the goods. Rock On, Ray.
Good morning, Don.
I thought Ray would be a solid way of beginning the trip back to the 50s. Connie’s “heartbreak” songs were a bit over the top so I decided to go “peppy” with her. I think a lot of people confused Smiley Lewis with Fats. Their sound was almost identical.
Jerry Butler was iconic with one of the greatest voices I have ever heard. I tried to mix it up today, playing the rock side of the 50s against the “ballad” Doo-Wop songs. I’m so glad you enjoyed both medleys and I hope Pat Conant notices her “cherry coke” on the table. 🙂
ROCK ON BRO!
The cherry coke was the first thing I noticed in the picture!! Next was the reservations-looks like a record hop is about to happen.
🙂 🙂 🙂
Love the double-stack on Wednesdays at the Diner! I appreciate the reservation! I also noticed the cherry coke! 🙂 You are a thoughtful guy and all of your loyal listeners appreciate all you do for us! Have a great day and enjoy the warmer temps! 🙂 XOXOXOXO 🙂
Thanks, Wendyl 🙂
There is no way I could have left you off the reservation list! You’re a regular patron!
Have a great day!
❤️XOXOXOXO❤️
What a great set up to get over the hump this hump day … LOL and yes I am on my 3rd round listening to these fab songs 🙂
Take care, stay warm and rock on my friend!
Thanks, Penny ❤️
I can always count on you!
Be Safe and ROCK ON! 🙂
Another great set of medleys, Ray. Don’t knock the Rock sure brought back memories of a double feature movie(Don’t Knock the Rock & Rumble on the Dock)!! Connie Francis was sure a female rock & roll icon(I liked her slow stuff, too(“Together”, especially). Jerry Butler was certainly a fantastic voice. By the way, you and Don get up way too early in the morning!!
Thanks, Pat 🙂
I promise I will fit Connie’s song into the 50s medley next Wednesday, even though she recorded it in 1961. Hey, I’m the boss, and I can do what I want. 🙂
As for waking up too early, I generally call it a night around 10PM and I get up every day around 2:30AM. That’s the time I used to get up when I was on the radio and my internal clock still wakes me up at that time!
I’m glad the medleys (and the cherry coke) pleased you. 🙂