American Hit Radio – The Best of June 1958

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I know it’s been said that things were much simpler 50 years ago, and that may have been true in many other ways, but I don’t think it applied to popular music. Today’s pop music is much simpler than this stuff. In fact, contemporary pop is banal in comparison. No offense intended to Lil Wayne, Rihanna or Jordin Sparks, but their stuff just doesn’t have the depth and universal appeal that keeps this old stuff alive. 50 years from now, do you think we’ll be listening to any of the above? I’d say not. On the other hand, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Johnny Cash and Buddy Holly will, ummm, “Not Fade Away.”

            Here’s my proof;

1)    Rave On – Buddy Holly

2)    Ooh! My Soul – Little Richard

3)    I Guess Things Happen That Way – Johnny Cash

4)    For Your Precious Love – Jerry Butler

5)    Willy and the Hand Jive – The Johnny Otis Show

6)    Yallety Yak – The Coasters

7)    Purple People Eater – Sheb Wooley

8)    Endless Sleep – Jody Reynolds

9)    Zorro – The Chordettes

10)  Torrero – Renato Carosone

11) Return to Me - Dean Martin

12)  Johnny B. Goode – Chuck Berry

13)  All I Have to Do Is Dream – The Everly Brothers