{"id":172459,"date":"2024-06-21T15:23:40","date_gmt":"2024-06-21T15:23:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/culture.org\/?p=172459"},"modified":"2024-06-21T15:26:23","modified_gmt":"2024-06-21T15:26:23","slug":"1950s-albums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/culture.org\/art-and-culture\/music\/1950s-albums\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Most Influential and Best-Rated 1950s Music Albums: A Decade of Musical Innovation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The 1950s were a key time for music, with big changes happening. This decade saw the move from big band and swing to the rise of <a href=\"https:\/\/culture.org\/art-and-culture\/music\/dolly-parton-unveils-star-packed-rockstar-album-a-fusion-of-classic-covers-and-originals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rock and roll<\/a>, new styles of jazz, and amazing singers.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the highest-rated albums from this influential era, showing the rich and varied music scene that still continues to influence artists to this day.<\/p>\n           <!--  <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n                jQuery(document).ready(function() {\r\n                    jQuery(\".key-accordion-item .key-menu\").on(\"click\", function() {\r\n                        if (jQuery(this).parent().hasClass(\"active\")) {\r\n                            jQuery(this).next().slideUp();\r\n                            jQuery(this).parent().removeClass(\"active\");\r\n                        } else {\r\n                            jQuery(\".key-content\").slideUp();\r\n                            jQuery(\".key-accordion-item\").removeClass(\"active\");\r\n                            jQuery(this).parent().addClass(\"active\");\r\n                            jQuery(this).next().slideDown();\r\n                        }\r\n                    });\r\n                })\r\n            <\/script> -->\r\n\r\n\r\n            <!-- start html -->\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"news-key-takeaway-wapper\">\r\n                                <span style=\"background-color:#4db2ee;\">Key Takeaways<\/span>\r\n                <ul class=\"news-key-nbox\" style=\"border-color:#4db2ee;background-color:rgba(77, 178, 238, 0.1);\">\r\n                                                        <li>The 1950s introduced new jazz styles with albums like \"Kind of Blue\" by Miles Davis and \"Time Out\" by The Dave Brubeck Quartet.<\/li>\r\n                                                                    <li>This decade saw the rise of rock and roll, led by artists like Elvis Presley and Little Richard.<\/li>\r\n                                                                    <li>Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald left a lasting legacy with their timeless vocal performances.<\/li>\r\n                                                <\/ul>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            \n<h2>10 Best Albums from the 1950s<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Kind of Blue \u2013 Miles Davis (1959)<\/h3>\n<p><i>Kind of Blue<\/i> is widely regarded as <b>one of the greatest jazz albums of all time<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>Released in 1959, this masterpiece features legendary musicians such as John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and Cannonball Adderley.<\/p>\n<p>The album is known for its innovative approach to modal jazz, which emphasizes scales rather than chord progressions.<\/p>\n<p>Tracks like <b>&#8220;So What&#8221; <\/b>and <b>&#8220;Freddie Freeloader&#8221;<\/b> showcase Davis\u2019s genius in creating music that is both complex and accessible.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Mingus Ah Um \u2013 Charles Mingus (1959)<\/h3>\n<p>Charles Mingus&#8217;s <i>Mingus Ah Um<\/i> is a brilliant example of his eclectic and powerful approach to jazz composition.<\/p>\n<p>This 1959 album includes classics like <b>&#8220;Goodbye Pork Pie Hat&#8221; <\/b>and <b>&#8220;Better Git It in Your Soul.&#8221;<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Mingus combines elements of gospel, blues, and classical music, creating a <b>dynamic and emotionally charged sound<\/b> that has influenced countless musicians.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Time Out \u2013 The Dave Brubeck Quartet (1959)<\/h3>\n<p><i>Time Out<\/i> by The Dave Brubeck Quartet is <b>famous for its innovative use of unusual time signatures<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>Released in 1959, the album features the iconic track &#8220;Take Five,&#8221; composed by saxophonist Paul Desmond.<\/p>\n<p>The album\u2019s exploration of different rhythms and a blend of cool jazz and West Coast jazz elements make it a standout in jazz history.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Blue Train \u2013 John Coltrane (1957)<\/h3>\n<p>John Coltrane&#8217;s <i>Blue Train<\/i> is <b>a cornerstone of hard bop jazz<\/b>. Released in 1957, the album features a stellar lineup, including Lee Morgan, Curtis Fuller, and Kenny Drew.<\/p>\n<p>The title track, <b>&#8220;Blue Train,&#8221;<\/b> is a jazz standard, showcasing Coltrane&#8217;s powerful tenor saxophone and his ability to blend complex harmonies with soulful melodies.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Elvis Presley \u2013 Elvis Presley (1956)<\/h3>\n<p>Elvis Presley\u2019s self-titled debut album, released in 1956, is a <b>landmark in rock and roll history<\/b>. It includes hits like &#8220;<b>Blue Suede Shoes<\/b>&#8221; and &#8220;<b>Tutti Frutti<\/b>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The album captures Elvis&#8217;s raw energy and charisma, setting the stage for his future as the King of Rock and Roll.<\/p>\n<p>His blend of rock, blues, and country music created a new sound that captivated audiences worldwide.<\/p>\n<h3>6. In the Wee Small Hours \u2013 Frank Sinatra (1955)<\/h3>\n<p>Frank Sinatra\u2019s <i>In the Wee Small Hours<\/i> is often hailed as <b>one of the first concept albums<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>Released in 1955, it features a collection of melancholic songs that explore themes of loneliness and heartache.<\/p>\n<p>Tracks like &#8220;<b>Mood Indigo<\/b>&#8221; and the title song &#8220;<b>In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning<\/b>&#8221; showcase Sinatra\u2019s impeccable vocal delivery and emotional depth.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Here\u2019s Little Richard \u2013 Little Richard (1957)<\/h3>\n<p><i>Here\u2019s Little Richard<\/i> is the debut album by <b>one of rock and roll\u2019s pioneers<\/b>, Little Richard.<\/p>\n<p>Released in 1957, the album includes energetic tracks like &#8220;<b>Long Tall Sally<\/b>&#8221; and &#8220;<b>Tutti Frutti<\/b>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Little Richard\u2019s flamboyant style, powerful voice, and infectious energy helped shape the sound of rock and roll and influenced generations of musicians.<\/p>\n<h3>8. The Shape of Jazz to Come \u2013 Ornette Coleman (1959)<\/h3>\n<p>Ornette Coleman&#8217;s <i>The Shape of Jazz to Come<\/i> is a <b>groundbreaking album that challenged jazz conventions<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>Released in 1959, it features compositions that abandon traditional chord changes in favor of freer, more spontaneous improvisation.<\/p>\n<p>Tracks like &#8220;<b>Lonely Woman<\/b>&#8221; and &#8220;<b>Congeniality<\/b>&#8221; highlight Coleman&#8217;s innovative approach and significant impact on the avant-garde jazz movement.<\/p>\n<h3>9. Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers \u2013 Art Blakey &amp; The Jazz Messengers (1958)<\/h3>\n<p>This self-titled album by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, released in 1958, is a <b>quintessential hard bop record<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>The album features iconic musicians like Lee Morgan, Benny Golson, and Bobby Timmons and includes timeless tracks such as &#8220;<b>Moanin<\/b>\u2019&#8221; and &#8220;<b>Blues March<\/b>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Blakey\u2019s powerful drumming and the group\u2019s cohesive sound made this album a cornerstone of modern jazz.<\/p>\n<h3>10. Ella and Louis \u2013 Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong (1956)<\/h3>\n<p><i>Ella and Louis<\/i> is a charming collaboration between two jazz legends, <b>Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>Released in 1956, the album features delightful duets and solo performances on standards like &#8220;<b>Cheek to Cheek<\/b>&#8221; and &#8220;<b>They Can\u2019t Take That Away from Me<\/b>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The chemistry between Fitzgerald\u2019s smooth vocals and Armstrong\u2019s gravelly voice and trumpet perfectly creates a timeless listening experience.<\/p>\n<h2>The Music Scene in the 1950s<\/h2>\n<h3>Jazz Changes<\/h3>\n<p>The 1950s were great for jazz, with artists exploring new styles. Albums like <b><i>Kind of Blue<\/i><\/b><b> and <\/b><b><i>Time Out <\/i><\/b><b>brought fresh ideas to jazz music.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Hard bop, mixing blues and gospel with jazz, became popular with albums like <i>Blue Train<\/i>.<\/p>\n<h3>Start of Rock and Roll<\/h3>\n<p>Rock and roll started in the 1950s. <b>Elvis Presley\u2019s first album mixed rhythm and blues with country music<\/b>, attracting many fans.<\/p>\n<p>Little Richard\u2019s energetic style in <i>Here\u2019s Little Richard<\/i> also influenced many future rock stars.<\/p>\n<h3>Famous Singers<\/h3>\n<p>The 1950s were also known for <b>great vocalists like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>Sinatra\u2019s <i>In the Wee Small Hours<\/i> and the album <i>Ella and Louis<\/i> with Louis Armstrong are still revered today for their emotional and musical quality.<\/p>\n<h2>Explore the Best of 1950s Music!<\/h2>\n<p>The 1950s were a time of significant changes and creativity in music. Embark on a journey through time and enjoy the new jazz sounds from Miles Davis and Charles Mingus and the start of rock and roll with Elvis Presley and Little Richard.<\/p>\n<p>Famous singers like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald also made a significant impact during this period.<\/p>\n<p>Listen to the classic albums from these singers to hear the music that shaped the era and still inspires musicians and fans today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":10026,"featured_media":172468,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[398],"tags":[3860],"class_list":["post-172459","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music","tag-best-albums-in-history"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/172459"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10026"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=172459"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/172459\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/172468"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=172459"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=172459"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=172459"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}