15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (2023)

The 1950s were a decade of many firsts; Seat belts were introduced in 1952,disneylandOpened in 1955 andNASAwas founded in 1959. In the music business, the 1950s are considered the birth of rock 'n' roll with hits like "rock all the time" by Bill Haley and the comets that rule the airwaves. Rock 'n' roll à parte,country and folk musicwere also popular during this period, and love songs recorded by singing groups were climbing the music charts in the 1950s. Hits like the Penguins' "Earth Angel," the Five Satins' "In the Still of the Night," and The Great Suitor ofDishes, were released in the 1950s.

01

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'Bye Bye Love': Die Everly Brothers

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (1)

A song popularized bythe everly brothers, "dear goodbyeit was written by the songwriting couple Boudleaux and Felice Bryant. The song was released in 1957 and became a huge hit. A version of "Bye Bye Love" was also recorded byRay Charles.

letter (fragment)

dear goodbye
goodbye happiness
Hi loneliness.
I think I am going to cry

02

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"Crying": Johnnie Ray

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (2)

"Cry" was written by Churchill Kohlman and recorded by Johnnie Ray & The Four Lads in 1951. Other artists who have recorded this song include Lynn Anderson, Ray Charles, and Crystal Gayle.

letter (fragment)

Remember that sunlight can be found
behind a cloudy sky,
So let your hair down and go ahead and cry

03

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'Angel of the Earth': Die Pinguine

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (3)

If you're a fan of Back to the Future, you might remember "earth angelfrom a central part of the film, the high school dance scene. This love song is credited to Curtis Williams, Jesse Belvin, and Gaynel Hodge; The Penguins recorded it in 1954 for the Dootone label.

letter (fragment)

Erdengel, Erdengel
you will be mine
My dear
i love you all the time
i'm just an idiot
A fool in love with you

04

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"Lonely Tears": Jackie Wilson

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (4)

"Lonely Tears" was written byMotownFounders Berry Gordy, Gwen Gordy and Tyran Carlo.jackie wilsonrecorded, and the Braunschweig label released it in 1958. It peaked in 1959 at #7billboardIndividual graphics.

letter (fragment)

My heart is crying, crying
lonely tears
My pillows never dry
lonely tears

05

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'In the dead of night': the five satins

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (5)

Also known as "In the Still of the Nite", this song was written byfive satinsFred Parris and was released by the group in 1956 on the Standord label. Paul Anka recorded a version of this song in 1969.

letter (fragment)

In the still of the night
I held you
i held you tight
because I love
I love you so much
promise i'll never do that
let you go
In the still of the night

06

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"Mona Lisa": Nat "Rey" Cole

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (6)

The classic Mona Lisa, which references the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, was written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston.Rey Nat ColeThe studio recording of the song is featured in the film "Captain Carey, U.S.A." since 1950 before.

letter (fragment)

Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa, the men called you
You're like the lady with the mystical smile
Is it just because you're alone that they blame you?
Because of that Mona Lisa weirdness in her smile?

07

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'The great pretender': The dishes

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (7)

A song by record producer, composer and arranger Samuel "Buck" Ram, "The Great Pretender" was released in 1955 and became one of The Platters' biggest hits. They were one of the biggest groups of the decade.

letter (fragment)

Oh yeah I'm the big hypocrite
pretending i'm fine
my need is like this
I pretend too much
I'm alone but no one can tell

08

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"Too Young": Nat "King" Cole

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (8)

Published in 1951,Rey Nat Colehe recorded "Too Young" and it became a huge hit. The lyrics were written by Sylvia Dee and the music was composed by Sidney Lippman. Cole was one of the most important male soloists of the decade.

letter (fragment)

They are trying to tell us that we are too young.
Too young to really be in love
They say they love a word
A word we only hear
But I can't begin to know the meaning of

09

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"Your Deceitful Heart" – Hank Williams

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (9)

This song "After the Separation" was written by a singer-songwriterhank williamsMister. in 1952. William's recording of this song was released in 1953 after his death. "Your Cheatin' Heart" has also been covered by other artists, including his son Hank Williams' Jr.,Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles y Patsy Cline.

letter (fragment)

your deceitful heart
it will make you cry
you will cry and cry
and try to sleep
but the dream does not come
All night
Your deceitful heart will tell you

10

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"Why Fools Fall in Love": Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (10)

"Why Fools Fall in Love" was released in 1956 on the Gee label and is credited to Frankie Lymon and Morris Levy. It became a number 6 hit in 1956 for the then 13-year-old boy.Frankie Lymon and the teens.

letter (fragment)

Why do fools fall in love?
Why do the birds sing so happily?
And lovers wait for the dawn
because they fall in love

11

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"Cold, Cold Heart" – Hank Williams

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (11)

hank williamsCold Cold Heart was first released in 1951 and has since been recorded by artists ranging from Dinah Washington to Norah Jones. Legal action followed the song in the mid-1950s because the tune appeared to have been copied from Texas Tyler's 1945 recording of "You'll Still Be In My Heart".

letter (fragment)

I tried so hard, my love, to show you that you are my dream
But you're afraid that everything I do is just an evil plan
A memory from your lonely past keeps us so far apart
Why can't I free your doubting mind and melt your cold, cold heart?

12

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"Since I Haven't Got You": The Skyliners

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (12)

The unforgettable ballad "Since I don't have you" was made famous by the singing groupO Skyliner1958 and 1959, when it reached number 12 on the charts. This song was written by the group's lead singer James Beaumont and Joseph Rock. It also charted for Guns 'n' Roses in 1994, though not as well.

letter (fragment)

I have no plans and plans
And I have no hopes or dreams.
I don't have anything
because I do not have you

13

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"This is love": Dean Martin

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (13)

"That's Amore" was written by Harry Warren and recorded by the singer/actorDean Martinin 1953. "That's Amore" became one of Martin's trademarks. He pokes fun at Italian clichés and has appeared in numerous films, from Rear Window to Moonstruck.

letter (fragment)

When the moon hits your eye
Like a big pizza pie
this is cupid
When the world seems to shine
How did you drink a lot of wine?
this is cupid

14

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"You belong to me": Jo Stafford

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (14)

One of the hallmarks of a well-written song is the number of takes, and "You Belong To Me" certainly packs a punch. This song is credited to Chilton Price, Redd Stewart and Pee Wee King. It was originally recorded by Sue Thompson, but the most popular version is byStafford, released in 1952. Other artists who have covered this song include Paul Anka, Patsy Cline, Connie Francis, Anne Murray, and Patti Page.

letter (fragment)

See the pyramids on the Nile
Watch the sunrise on a tropical island
But always remember my dear
You belong to Me

15

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"You Look So Good" – The Falcons

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s (15)

"You're So Fine" was recorded by the vocal groupthe Hawksand released on the Flick label in 1959. This song became a hit, peaking at number 17.billboardfrom the pop singles chart and featuring vocalist Joe Stubbs.

letter (fragment)

you're so good, you're so good
you are mine, you are mine
I'm walking and I'm talking about you

FAQs

15 enduring love songs from the 1950s? ›

'Unchained Melody' by the Righteous Brothers

The world seems to agree: The Righteous Brothers' version of the song remains the most popular and well-loved out of hundreds of recordings from around the globe.

What is the most played love song of all time? ›

'Unchained Melody' by the Righteous Brothers

The world seems to agree: The Righteous Brothers' version of the song remains the most popular and well-loved out of hundreds of recordings from around the globe.

What was the most played song in the 50s? ›

Billboard's Top 100 Songs of The Fifties.
11.Elvis Presley Don't Be Cruel / Hound Dog (1956) [Single]
22.Bill Haley and His Comets (We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock / Thirteen Women (1954) [Single]
33.Roger Williams Autumn Leaves / Take Care (1955) [Single]
104 more rows

What is one of the greatest love songs? ›

"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston is our pick for top love song of all time.

Which five love songs were written in the 1990s? ›

  • Robbie Williams - 'She's the One' ...
  • Simply Red - 'Stars' ...
  • Elton John - 'Something About the Way You Look Tonight' ...
  • Sixpence None the Richer - 'Kiss Me' ...
  • Celine Dion - 'Because You Loved Me' ...
  • Wet Wet Wet - 'Love is All Around' ...
  • Sinead O'Connor - 'Nothing Compares 2 U' ...
  • Extreme - 'More than Words'
Feb 3, 2022

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