Music has always been more than just a backdrop to people’s lives – it’s a reflection of the times and an expression of every emotion. While today’s charts are dominated by modern hits, classic music is also uniquely captivating. Early jazz stirs the soul. 50s rock’n’roll is fun and energetic. Blues are a sign of the times. Older songs tell stories of the past that still echo in the present. A look into past music gives a glimpse into the world that once was.
Paul Anka
Paul Anka is a singer, songwriter, actor, and producer who was born on July 30, 1941. He was born in Ottawa, Canada and became a teen sensation during the 1950s and 1960s. He continued releasing music over the decades and still does today, including his rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine”. Some of his most iconic songs include “Puppy Love,” “Diana,” “(All Of A Sudden) My Heart Sings” and, of course, “Put Your Head on My Shoulder.”
The Drifters
The Drifters are a soul vocal pop group that originally was formed by manager George Treadwell and lead singer Clyde McPhatter, but are now led by Ray Lewis. They were signed to Atlantic records and were initially named The Five Crowns. Four of their greatest hits are “This Magic Moment,” “Under the Boardwalk,” “Stand By Me” and “There Goes My Baby.”
Los Lobos
Los Lobos is a Mexican American rock band formed in 1960. They are from East Los Angeles, California, and are one of the most influential Mexican American bands of the era. They draw inspiration from genres like Argentinian rock and cumbia. Their top songs are “We Belong Together,” “Donna” and “La Bamba.”
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was an American singer and actor who was known as the “King of Rock and Roll”. Born January 8, 1935, Elvis became an icon in 1956, after the release of his debut album and his appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show”. Some of his most beloved songs are “Jailhouse Rock,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Hound Dog” and “Burning Love.”
Dean Martin
Dean Martin was an American singer, actor, and comedian. He was known as the “King of Cool,” and rose to fame in 1946 when he formed a comedic duo with Jerry Lewis. He was an idol who had an interesting path to stardom including time as an amateur boxer, illegal poker dealer, and nightclub singer. His famous hits include “That’s Amore,” “Everybody Loves Somebody,” “Gentle on My Mind” and “On an Evening in Roma.”
Lesley Gore
Lesley Gore was an American singer, songwriter, and actress born on May 2, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York. She was known for her progressive ideas like female independence which were expressed in some of her songs. She was also a gay rights activist and an openly lesbian singer. Some of her most well known songs are “Sunshine,” “Lollipops and Rainbows,” “It’s My Party” and “You Don’t Own Me.”
Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra, an American singer and actor, was nicknamed “Ol’ Blue Eyes” and became famous in the 1940s and 1950s. He was born on December 12, 1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was one of the world’s best-selling musicians and sold around 150 million records worldwide. His top hits are “Fly Me to the Moon,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “You Make Me Feel So Young” and “Somethin’ Stupid.”
Kitty Kallen
Kitty Kallen was an American singer born May 25, 1921 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was most well known for singing jazz songs during the Swing and post-World War II pop eras. Her career lasted from the 1930s through the 1960s. Her most adored songs are “Little Things Mean a Lot” and “It’s Been a Long, Long Time.”
Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole was an American singer, composer, pianist, and actor born on March 17, 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama. His career as a jazz vocalist spanned over three decades, starting in the 1930s. He originally formed a group called the King Cole Trio, which was top-selling and the only black act for Capital Records. Some of his most notable songs are “L-O-V-E,” “Unforgettable” and “The Christmas Song.”
