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1001 Songs Challenge #52: Crying in the Chapel (1953)
The Orioles were popular in the 40s and early 50s and this number, a cover version of Crying in the Chapel is regarded as one of their best.
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1001 Songs Challenge #51: Please Love Me (1953)
B.B. King rose from humble origins to the present day where he is considered one of the most influential blues musicians.
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1001 Songs Challenge #50: Just Walkin’ in the Rain (1953)
Just Walkin’ in the Rain is a song of regret with the narrator being the one alone and walking in the rain.
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1001 Songs Challenge #49: Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Many film lovers will be familiar with the sight of Gene Kelly dancing in the streets, umbrella in hand, and singing his heart out.
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1001 Songs Challenge #48: Le Gorille (1952)
Le Gorille comes from Georges Brassens and is, to put it mildly, a rather unusual song and in its day a rather controversial one as well.
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1001 Songs Challenge #47: Foi Deus (1952)
Amália Rodrigues certainly had an impressive voice. She was considered key in helping revitalise fado and take it to a worldwide audience.
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1001 Songs Challenge #46: Dust My Broom (1952)
Dust My Broom has been interpreted by some analysts as a euphemism, something of a sexual nature, but this remains open to debate.
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1001 Songs Challenge #45: They Can’t Take That Away From Me (1952)
The song is one of heartbreak with Fred Astaire singing of someone special that has been taken away from him.
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1001 Songs Challenge #44: London Is the Place for Me (1951)
Listening to Lord Kitchener sing of the warm welcome he has had in London and the open arms of the British brought a smile to my face.
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1001 Songs Challenge #43: How High the Moon (1951)
Mary Ford’s vocals convey the sadness implicit in the lyrics but the highlight is without question the phenomenal guitar playing of Les Paul.
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1001 Songs Challenge #42: Cry (1951)
In Cry, Johnnie Ray sings of a lost sweetheart and insists that crying is not only okay but that it might even help.
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1001 Songs Challenge #41: Rocket 88 (1951)
The origins of Rocket 88 and the dispute over writing credits somewhat overshadow what has been an influential song in Rock and Roll.
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1001 Songs Challenge #40: Mambo No. 5 (1950)
Perez Prado was born in Cuba but ended up moving to Mexico to form a band where he later became known as the King of Mambo.
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1001 Songs Challenge #39: Goodnight, Irene (1950)
In Goodnight, Irene, the narrator has been married to a woman called Irene but it sounds like the marriage has come to an end.
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1001 Songs Challenge #38: Summertime (1950)
Considered one of the best versions of Summertime is this cover by jazz singer, Sarah Vaughan, who brought a new dimension to the song.
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1001 Songs Challenge #37: Autumn Leaves (1950)
First up for our new decade is Jo Stafford, known as GI Jo for she was adored by soldiers during the Second World War.
