1950s

On this 1950's page, you will see the things you are used to...finding out about what was going on in the world as music is developing, and what influence those events might have had on music and entertainment. One change, though. I have moved the music examples to another page. After you read through these history excerpts, I will give you the link to the music clips I want you to listen to this week.

Amazing they had the same problems we have now...TV vs. homework. I also highlighted Milton Berle and Ed Sullivan because you will be watching some film clips from their shows in just a little bit. As you will see, the Variety Show became THE THING in the 1950's. They were usually shown in Prime Time. Entertainment of all kinds...singing, dancing, comedy skits...was packed into an hour of TV fit for the whole family to view. If you were an up-and-coming star like Elvis, Buddy Holly or the Platters, you got to make the circuit and be on all these shows.

We just got out of WWII. We didn't even have time to celebrate before the threat of another war was upon the world. My dad actually was in the military during this time. I'll slide in a pic of him just below.

Color TV was developed, but it wasn't until the early 1960's (I'm thinking about a particular Bob Hope comedy movie from 1963 in particular) that Hollywood started using color film for all it's movies.

You probably know who Dick Clark is and you may not remember why. Up until his death just a few short years ago, he still hosted "New Year's Rockin' Eve," one of those shows that count down to midnight on New Year's Eve, all the while showing live entertainment from the latest music stars, not unlike what he was doing back in 1952 on American Bandstand.

You'll get to see / hear a clip from this song in just a bit as I guide you to another page.