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Jan '55
Mar '55
Aug '55
Chuck Berry records his first single "Maybelline" on Chess Records. The song tops the R&B charts for 11 weeks.(more) (video)
After several regional hit singles fail to score nationally, Sam Phillips of Sun Records sells Elvis Presley's recording contract to RCA for $35,000 (more)
Dec '55
Little Richard records "Tutti Frutti" at J&M Studios in New Orleans, Louisiana. Going to #2 on the R&B charts, by January it crosses to the Pop Charts, reaching #17. (more) (video)
Sep '55
Nov '55
Carl Perkin's "Blue Suede Shoes" is recorded at Sun Studios in Memphis and charts on the Country, R&B and Pop Charts. The single sells more than a million copies by April and is one of the first Rockabilly hits.
Dec '55
May '55
- R o c k M u s i c T i m e l i n e -
1955
1955
- R o c k M u s i c T i m e l i n e -
1955
1955
Aug '55
US Juke Box operators say R&B selections are up 60% over 1954.
Sep '55
"Rock and roll is a river of music that has absorbed many streams: rhythm and blues, jazz, rag time, cowboy songs, country songs, folk songs. All have contributed to the big beat." - Alan Freed
On This Page In
Rock and Roll History
1955:
Movie: Blackboard Jungle
Bill Haley & The Comets - Rock Around The Clock
The Penguins
The Crew Cuts
Bo Diddley
Marlon Brando
Chuck Berry
Fats Domino
Pat Boone
James Dean -
Rebel Without A Cause
Little Richard
The Platters
The Cheers
Elvis Presley
Carl Perkins
Johnny Cash
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Mar '55
The movie "On The Waterfront" starring Marlon Brando wins the Oscar for Best Picture. (more)
Sep '55
James Dean is killed in a car accident a month berfore the release of Rebel Without A Cause, the hugely influential teen movie. (more)
The Platters single "Only You" is #1 on the Rhythm & Blues Charts and crosses over to #5 on the pop charts. (more)
Oct '55
Jan '55
Los Angeles Doo-Wop group The Penguins are #1 on the R&B charts with "Earth Angel". The song would also hit #8 on the pop charts when covered by the Crew Cuts. (more)
The Cheers score a top ten pop hit with the teen tragedy song "Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots". (more)
Oct '55
