16 Best Songs of 1951: A Jukebox Journey Back in Time

Step back in time with us to a year that shaped the musical landscape forever: 1951. This wasn't just another year; it was a pivotal moment where musical styles began to blend and evolve, setting the stage for the rock and roll revolution that would soon explode onto the scene. So, buckle up your saddle shoes and get ready to delve into the sounds that defined a generation! This list of the best songs of 1951 is your ultimate guide to experiencing the vibrant musical tapestry of this fascinating year. Whether you're a seasoned music aficionado or simply curious about the sounds of the past, this journey through the best of 1951's hits will offer a nostalgic trip or a fascinating discovery, revealing the timeless melodies and influential artists that cemented their place in music history. Prepare to rediscover forgotten gems and revisit beloved classics; this is your gateway to understanding the roots of modern music.

16 Best Songs of 1951: A Jukebox Journey Back in Time
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. A Kiss To Build A Dream On Louis Armstrong Satchmo Serenades 7M+
2. Unforgettable Nat King Cole Unforgettable 6M+
3. Too Young Nat King Cole 6M+
4. Dust My Broom Elmore James 3M+
5. How High the Moon Les Paul
Mary Ford
2M+
6. Come On-a My House Rosemary Clooney 2M+
7. Cold, Cold Heart Tony Bennett 2M+

1. A Kiss To Build A Dream On (Satchmo Serenades - 2025)

Vocal Performance: Louis Armstrong's velvety vocals deliver a performance of effortless charm, perfectly capturing the song's romantic yearning.

Orchestral Arrangement: The lush orchestration creates a dreamy soundscape that enhances the song's nostalgic atmosphere, making it a timeless classic of the era.

Enduring Appeal: "A Kiss To Build A Dream On" remains remarkably fresh and relatable, showcasing Armstrong's enduring talent and the song's universal themes of love and longing.

A Kiss To Build A Dream On - Louis Armstrong

2. Unforgettable (Nat King Cole)

Timeless Melody: "Unforgettable" boasts a hauntingly beautiful melody that remains instantly recognizable and deeply affecting even decades later, solidifying its place in musical history.

Nat King Cole's Vocals: Cole's smooth, warm baritone is the perfect vehicle for the song's emotional depth, delivering a performance of unparalleled intimacy and expressiveness that truly captures the yearning of the lyrics.

Enduring Impact: Released in 1951, the song transcended its era, becoming a standard performed and revered by countless artists, a testament to its enduring power and universal appeal.

Unforgettable - Nat King Cole

3. Too Young

Timeless Melody: "Too Young" features a simple yet unforgettable melody that perfectly captures the youthful exuberance of its era, making it instantly recognizable even today.

Nat King Cole's Vocals: Cole's smooth, warm baritone voice is the perfect vehicle for the song's romantic lyrics, conveying a sense of both innocence and longing that resonated deeply with 1951 audiences.

Enduring Appeal: The song's enduring popularity speaks to its universal theme of young love and its timeless musicality, solidifying its place as a classic of the era.

Too Young - Nat King Cole

4. Dust My Broom - 2025

Title: Dust My Broom

Artist: Elmore James

Genre-Defining Blues: A cornerstone of the electric blues sound, "Dust My Broom" showcases James' innovative slide guitar work, establishing a template for countless blues musicians to follow in 1951.

Raw Energy and Feel: Its driving rhythm and raw, emotionally charged vocals capture the spirit of the post-war era, resonating with listeners then and now.

Enduring Influence: The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its place as a key moment in the evolution of blues music.

Dust My Broom - Elmore James

5. How High the Moon (Les Paul ft Mary Ford)

Sound: Les Paul and Mary Ford's "How High the Moon" showcases innovative multi-tracking techniques, creating a rich, full sound that was groundbreaking for 1951.

Vocals: Mary Ford's smooth, enchanting vocals are perfectly complemented by Les Paul's masterful guitar work, resulting in a captivating vocal harmony.

Cultural Impact: Its sophisticated arrangement and memorable melody cemented "How High the Moon" as a defining track of the early 1950s, influencing generations of musicians.

How High the Moon - Les Paul, Mary Ford

6. Come On-a My House (Rosemary Clooney - 2025)

Catchy Melody: "Come On-a My House" boasts an instantly memorable melody that perfectly captures the playful spirit of the early 1950s.

Rosemary Clooney's Vocals: Clooney's warm and inviting vocals bring a delightful charm to the song, making it a truly enjoyable listen.

Enduring Appeal: Its simple yet effective structure and irresistible rhythm ensured its lasting popularity, solidifying its place among the best songs of 1951.

Come On-a My House - Rosemary Clooney

7. Cold, Cold Heart

Vocal Performance: Tony Bennett's smooth baritone perfectly captures the heartbreak and longing in the lyrics, making "Cold, Cold Heart" a truly memorable performance from 1951.

Melodic Hook: The song features a captivating melody that is both instantly recognizable and emotionally resonant, solidifying its place in the musical landscape of the year.

Timeless Quality: Despite its age, "Cold, Cold Heart" retains a timeless appeal, showcasing the enduring power of classic songwriting and Bennett's exceptional vocal talent.

Cold, Cold Heart - Tony Bennett

8. Because of You (Tony Bennett)

Vocal Performance: Tony Bennett's smooth baritone voice is perfectly suited to the melancholic melody of "Because of You" conveying both vulnerability and resilience.

Lyrical Content: The song's poignant lyrics about heartbreak and longing resonate deeply, making it a timeless classic that continues to touch listeners.

Timeless Appeal: Released in 1951, "Because of You" showcases a sophisticated arrangement and emotional depth that transcends its era, securing its place among the best songs of the year.

Because of You - Tony Bennett

9. Be My Love (Mario Lanza - 2025)

Vocal Performance: Mario Lanza's soaring tenor voice delivers a passionate and emotive rendition of "Be My Love" showcasing the power and beauty of his vocal abilities, perfectly capturing the romantic yearning of the lyrics.

Romantic Ballad: Released in 1951, the song's timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners even today, solidifying its place as a classic romantic ballad of the era.

Orchestral Arrangement: The lush orchestral arrangement complements Lanza's vocals, creating a rich and immersive listening experience that encapsulates the romantic atmosphere of the piece.

Be My Love - Mario Lanza

10. Jezebel (1951)

Vocal Performance: Frankie Laine's powerful baritone voice delivers a captivating performance, perfectly embodying the song's dramatic intensity and making it a standout track from 1951.

Musical Arrangement: The orchestration is rich and evocative, complementing Laine's vocals and creating a memorable soundscape characteristic of the era's popular music.

Enduring Appeal: "Jezebel" remains a compelling listen due to its timeless melody and Laine's emotive delivery, solidifying its place as a classic of 1951.

Jezebel - Frankie Laine
  • Cry
    11

    Cry

    Johnnie Ray

    1951

  • The Loveliest Night of the Year
    12

    The Loveliest Night of the Year

    Mario Lanza

    1951

  • Sweet Violets
    13

    Sweet Violets

    Dinah Shore

    1951

  • My Heart Cries for You
    14

    My Heart Cries for You

    Guy Mitchell

    1951

  • Mockin' Bird Hill
    15

    Mockin' Bird Hill

    Les Paul, Mary Ford

    1951

  • If
    16

    If

    Perry Como

    1951