28 Best Songs of the 50s: Your Ultimate YouTube Playlist

Step back in time and rediscover the golden age of music! If you're searching for the ultimate soundtrack to a classic night, or simply want to delve into the rich musical tapestry of a bygone era, you've come to the right place. This list explores the best songs of the 50s youtube has to offer, carefully curated to capture the essence of a decade that shaped modern music. From the soulful crooning of iconic singers to the upbeat rhythms that launched rock and roll, the 1950s boasted an incredible range of musical styles. Whether you're a seasoned music aficionado or a curious newcomer, this collection promises a nostalgic journey filled with unforgettable melodies and timeless classics. Prepare to be transported back to sock hops, drive-in theaters, and the birth of a musical revolution – all conveniently accessible through the magic of YouTube. Get ready to groove!

28 Best Songs of the 50s: Your Ultimate YouTube Playlist
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Jailhouse Rock Elvis Presley Platinum - A Life In Music 262M+
2. Put Your Head On My Shoulder Paul Anka Everybody Loves Somebody 257M+
3. Johnny B. Goode Chuck Berry Berry Is On Top 101M+
4. Que Sera, Sera Doris Day 51M+
5. All I Have to Do Is Dream The Everly Brothers 46M+
6. Rock Around the Clock Bill Haley
His Comets
37M+
7. Sleep Walk Santo
Johnny
30M+

1. Jailhouse Rock (Platinum - A Life In Music)

Title: Jailhouse Rock

Artist: Elvis Presley

Iconic Rhythm and Sound: The driving beat and revolutionary sound of "Jailhouse Rock" perfectly encapsulates the energy of 50s rock and roll, making it instantly recognizable even today. Its infectious rhythm propelled it to legendary status on YouTube and beyond.

Elvis's Vocal Performance: Elvis's charismatic vocals deliver a performance that's both playful and powerful, showcasing his unparalleled vocal talent and stage presence, a key factor in its enduring popularity on 50s music playlists.

Enduring Pop Culture Impact: The iconic dance moves and memorable choreography solidified "Jailhouse Rock's" place in pop culture history, resulting in countless covers, parodies, and references—a testament to its impact on YouTube and beyond.

Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley

2. Put Your Head On My Shoulder (Everybody Loves Somebody)

Classic Crooning: Paul Anka's smooth baritone vocals are the heart of "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" a hallmark of 50s romantic ballads, perfectly showcasing the era's vocal stylings.

Enduring Melody: The instantly recognizable melody is simple yet unforgettable, ensuring its place in the pantheon of classic love songs and making it a perfect addition to any 50s music playlist on YouTube.

Timeless Appeal: Its romantic theme transcends generations, proving its enduring charm and continuing to resonate with listeners decades after its release – a testament to its quality and appeal for those seeking the best of 50s music.

Put Your Head On My Shoulder - Paul Anka

3. Johnny B. Goode (Chuck Berry - 2025)

Artist: Chuck Berry's electrifying guitar work and dynamic vocals are quintessential to the sound of the 1950s.

Sound: The song's driving rhythm and infectious melody make it incredibly catchy and perfect for a 50s playlist on YouTube.

Cultural Impact: "Johnny B. Goode" remains an iconic piece of American rock and roll history, representing a pivotal moment in musical evolution readily accessible to modern audiences via YouTube.

Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry

4. Que Sera, Sera (Doris Day - 2025)

Sound: Doris Day's instantly recognizable, warm vocals are perfectly complemented by the upbeat tempo and simple yet effective instrumentation, creating a classic 50s sound easily enjoyed on YouTube.

Lyrics & Theme: The reassuring and optimistic lyrics, focusing on the acceptance of fate ("Que Sera, Sera"), resonate with a timeless quality, making it a perfect addition to any 50s playlist.

YouTube Appeal: Its cheerful melody and widely known status ensure high viewership and engagement, guaranteed to be a hit for those searching for classic 50s hits on YouTube.

Que Sera, Sera - Doris Day

5. All I Have to Do Is Dream (1958)

Title: All I Have to Do Is Dream

Artist: The Everly Brothers

Sound: The close harmonies and bright instrumentation create a classic 50s sound perfect for YouTube playlists showcasing the era's best.

Vocals: The Everly Brothers' distinctive vocal blend is instantly recognizable and highly influential on subsequent artists. Their youthful energy shines through.

Emotional Impact: This sweet, upbeat song evokes a feeling of innocent romance and youthful optimism, making it a timeless addition to any 50s music collection on YouTube.

All I Have to Do Is Dream - The Everly Brothers

6. Rock Around the Clock (1954)

Catchy Beat: Rock Around the Clock's relentless, driving beat is infectious and perfectly encapsulates the youthful energy of the 1950s, making it ideal for any 50s music YouTube playlist.

Pioneering Sound: This track helped define rock and roll's sound, blending elements of jump blues and country into a revolutionary, upbeat style that still resonates today.

Cultural Impact: Its use in the iconic film "Blackboard Jungle" cemented its status as a cultural touchstone, further solidifying its place in 50s music history and YouTube searches.

Rock Around the Clock - Bill Haley , His Comets

7. Sleep Walk - 2025

Sound: Santo & Johnny's "Sleep Walk" features a distinctive, dreamy soundscape built on a hypnotic steel guitar melody, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of 1950s instrumental music.

Rhythm: The song's slow tempo and repetitive rhythm create a hypnotic effect, making it ideal for background listening and contributing to its lasting appeal among YouTube listeners.

Emotional Impact: Its melancholic yet peaceful mood evokes a sense of nostalgia and tranquility, fitting the relaxed atmosphere often associated with classic 50s playlists on YouTube.

Sleep Walk - Santo , Johnny

8. Heartbreak Hotel (Elvis - 2025)

Heartbreak Hotel - Elvis Presley

Iconic Sound: The instantly recognizable opening guitar riff and driving rhythm section perfectly capture the raw emotion of the lyrics, making it a quintessential example of 50s rock and roll.

Vocal Performance: Elvis's passionate vocals, filled with both vulnerability and swagger, deliver a performance that is both heartbreaking and captivating, showcasing his unique vocal style that defined an era.

YouTube Appeal: Its enduring popularity ensures that it remains a frequently searched and viewed song on YouTube, making it a perfect choice for any 50s music playlist.

Heartbreak Hotel - Elvis Presley

9. Only You

Smooth Vocals: The Platters' signature harmonies are perfectly showcased in "Only You" creating a rich and unforgettable soundscape that epitomizes 50s vocal group excellence.

Romantic Lyricism: The lyrics express a deeply felt devotion, making it a timeless classic for romantic playlists and YouTube searches for 50s love songs.

Enduring Appeal: Its simple yet powerful melody ensures "Only You" remains instantly recognizable and emotionally resonant, a testament to its enduring place in music history and a perfect addition to any 50s music compilation on YouTube.

Only You - The Platters

10. Volare

Sound: "Nel blu dipinto di blu," or "Volare" features Modugno's instantly recognizable baritone voice soaring over a memorable melody, perfectly capturing the optimistic yet melancholic mood of the era.

Rhythm: The song's distinctive rhythm, blending traditional Italian influences with a touch of modern swing, makes it incredibly danceable and unforgettable, a key element of its YouTube appeal.

Cultural Impact: Its iconic status in 1950s popular culture ensured its enduring popularity, with many covers and uses in film solidifying its place in history, easily searchable and enjoyable on YouTube.

Volare - Domenico Modugno
  • Sh-Boom
    11

    Sh-Boom

    The Chords

    2024

  • Tequila
    12

    Tequila

    The Champs

    1958

    Tequila

  • Wake Up Little Susie
    13

    Wake Up Little Susie

    The Everly Brothers

    1957

  • You Belong To Me
    14

    You Belong To Me

    Jo Stafford

    1952

    The Ultimate

  • Stagger Lee
    15

    Stagger Lee

    Lloyd Price

    1959

  • At the Hop
    16

    At the Hop

    Danny , the Juniors

    1957

  • Tennessee Waltz
    17

    Tennessee Waltz

    Patti Page

    1950

  • Rags to Riches
    18

    Rags to Riches

    Tony Bennett

    1953

    Sings The Great Italian Hits

  • Sixteen Tons
    19

    Sixteen Tons

    Tennessee Ernie Ford

    1955

  • Mona Lisa
    20

    Mona Lisa

    Nat King Cole

    1950

  • Vaya Con Dios
    21

    Vaya Con Dios

    Les Paul, Mary Ford

    1953

  • Mack the Knife
    22

    Mack the Knife

    Bobby Darin

    1959

    That's All

  • What'd I Say
    23

    What'd I Say

    Ray Charles

    1959

  • Wheel of Fortune
    24

    Wheel of Fortune

    Kay Starr

    1952

  • How Much Is That Doggie in the Window
    25

    How Much Is That Doggie in the Window

    Patti Page

    1953

  • Cry
    26

    Cry

    Johnnie Ray

    1951

  • Blue Tango
    27

    Blue Tango

    Leroy Anderson

    1952

  • Oh! My Pa-Pa
    28

    Oh! My Pa-Pa

    Eddie Fisher

    1954