4 Classic Rock One-Hit Wonders From the 1950s That Have Become Cultural Standards

Even though the 1950s are far back in our collective cultural rear-view mirror, some things from the era have subsisted. If you scroll through your cable channels, you might see a few television show episodes from the period. Your father or grandfather may remember a moment or two from a football game. But more than anything, it’s the music that’s lasted.

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Let’s explore four such examples! These songs are a quartet of tracks that have not only lasted in the zeitgeist but have planted their proverbial flag to be major parts of our modern way of life. Indeed, these are four one-hit wonders from the 1950s that have become cultural standards.

“Blue Suede Shoes” by Carl Perkins (Single, 1956)

While most people know Elvis Presley’s version of this song, The King is actually doing a great impression of Carl Perkins when he performs it. In January of 1956, Perkins dropped his recording of the song, which he also wrote. And it was just a few months later when Elvis released his in August. But no matter who sings the tune, it’s an early rock song that got the kids out of their seats and dancing. It’s largely because of Elvis that the track remains part of culture today, but it would never have happened without Perkins.

“Tequila” by The Champs (Single, 1958)

“Tequila” is a song that will last forever. It’s so simple and so synonymous with partying, from the growling saxophone that seems divinely constructed to the deep voice singing of The Champs lead vocalist Chuck Rio provided between the blowing horn. If this song comes on in any bar, it will immediately get people dancing and shouting the word “Tequila!” Even though the song is nearly 70 years old, it feels like it could have been written yesterday.

“Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley (Single 1958)

Fans of the new superhero animated series X-Men ’97 will recall hearing this song in one of the crucial moments from the season. The series’ big boss bad guy, who is the color purple, puts on the radio with his mutant power, and this track comes on. Originally written as a novelty song, this Sheb Wooley creation serves as a gut-wrenching bit of juxtaposition during the X-Men show as the bad guy snuffs out another person in his way. That scene aside, the Wooley tune will be around forever, both for how catchy it is and how singular it is.

“Rockin’ Robin” by Bobby Day (Single 1958)

When you’re a kid growing up and just learning about music, somehow this entry on our list of one-hit wonders is always one you hear first. It’s just one of those songs that’s in the ether. “Rockin’ Robin” is like the Platonic Ideal of 1950s early rock songs. Whether it’s the mock bird singing, the catchy chorus, the pleasantly rough production, or just Bobby Day’s perfect voice, it’s a song that will never fly away. Thank goodness!

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