Many strict rock ’n’ roll fans think that the Top Forty period from 1959 through 1963 was weak and shallow. Most of the original rockers who molded the ’50s were gone: Elvis had joined the Army, Little Richard joined the church, Chuck Berry went to jail, Jerry Lee Lewis was ostracized, Fats was fading, Bill Haley was retiring, and Buddy Holly died in a plane crash. Who filled the void?
The period from 1958 through 1963, a vacuum between the demise of celebrated rock and rollers and the rise of the Beatles, produced teen idols—often called Bobbies, and for good reason . . .
I grew up in a home filled with all kinds of popular music. My family favored Broadway show tunes, swing bands, opera, and anything written by Cole Porter or sung by Ray Noble. This musical arena would have to suffice until 1953 . . .
I’m going to be on the heralded Dave Congalton radio show this Friday, May 24th, at 4 pm. What’s in it for you?