Top Ten Dance Songs of the '50s

The youth of the 1950s, spared the hardships of World War II, sought excitement. Many found this is in the newly emerging, feel-good music known as rock 'n' roll. Others preferred the smooth and mellow sounds of the blues and ballads of the time.

The music of the 1950s was a hodgepodge of ballads, R&B, blues and rock 'n' roll. Through the coexistence of these styles of music, many great dance songs were introduced.

Now it's time to throw on your poodle skirts and letter sweaters, grab your partner, and get ready to shake with these top 10 dance songs of the '50s.

"Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and His Comets

We're gonna rock around the clock tonight,
We're gonna rock, rock, rock, 'til broad daylight.
We're gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock tonight.

Filled with dance-inducing lyrics like these, "Rock Around the Clock" is credited by many to be the song that made rock and roll popular in America. It was the first rock and roll hit to rise to the top of the American recording charts and it remained there for eight weeks.

In the 1970's "Rock Around the Clock" was re-recorded by Bill Haley to be used as the original theme song of the hit television show, Happy Days.

"The Stroll" by The Diamonds

Come, let's stroll
Stroll across the floor
Come, let's stroll
Stroll across the floor
Now turn around, baby
Let's stroll once more

This bluesy and seductive-sounding song, a cover version of Chuck Willis' R&B version, inspired a dance craze in the 1950's. "The Stroll" was a 1950's version of a line dance and became a core dance on the teen dance show, "American Bandstand."

"Yakety Yak" by The Coasters

Just finish cleanin' up your room
Let's see that dust fly with that broom
Get all that garbage out of sight
Or you don't go out Friday night
Yakety yak (don't talk back)

The humorous lyrics of this song offer a glimpse into the life of a teenager and the struggle between pleasing parents and having a social life. "Yakety Yak" topped the charts of both the Hot 100 Number One Pop List and the List of Number One Rhythm and Blues Hits.

"Chantilly Lace" by The Big Bopper