15 Best Songs From 1949

Step back in time with us as we explore the captivating melodies and unforgettable lyrics of 1949, a year that brought joy to many through its exceptional music. In this blog post, we'll dive into the best songs from 1949.

“Riders In The Sky” By Vaughn Monroe

“Riders in the Sky,” a captivating cowboy-themed country western song, was released as a single by Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra in April 1949. This was on the RCA Victor label. Written by Stan Jones, an American songwriter, film, and television actor, this western-style ballad quickly became a favorite among fans of both Western music and top-chart hits.

Vaughn Monroe's rendition of “Riders in the Sky” topped the charts in May 1949, making it one of his most successful songs ever. Its unique blend of country charm and haunting melodies solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with within the music industry.

“Some Enchanted Evening” By Perry Como

In 1949, Perry Como graced the music industry with his captivating rendition of “Some Enchanted Evening,” a show tune from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific.

This enchanting ballad captivated audiences as its soothing melody perfectly complemented Como's smooth vocal prowess, quickly becoming one of his best-known songs from that year.

The song's popularity skyrocketed with numerous artists covering it over the years – most notably Jay & The Americans in 1965, whose version further cemented this classic tune into the annals of pop music history.

“Slippin' Around” By Jimmy Wakely And Margaret Whiting

As one of the best songs from 1949, “Slippin' Around” by Jimmy Wakely and Margaret Whiting captivated audiences with its catchy melody and provocative lyrics. The song's theme of infidelity resonated with listeners, as it portrayed a love affair between two people who are cheating on their partners.

Originally recorded by Tillman himself in 1949, “Slippin' Around” quickly rose to prominence when popular singers of the era, Jimmy Wakely and Margaret Whiting lent their voices to the track.

Their rendition became a number one hit thanks to their harmonious blend and passionate performance.

Interestingly enough, Floyd Tillman accompanied this famous duet about infidelity with another song titled “I'll Never Slip Around Again,” adding depth to his exploration of love affairs gone wrong.

“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer?” By Gene Autry

“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is a Christmas song that tells the story of a misfit reindeer who saves the day with his shiny nose. Gene Autry sings this cheerful tune with a warm and friendly voice, inviting listeners to join him in celebrating Rudolph’s heroism and uniqueness.

The song is full of catchy rhymes and fun phrases that make it easy to sing along and remember. Whether you are young or old, you will enjoy this timeless song that spreads joy and hope during the holiday season.

“Mule Train” By Frankie Laine

One of the top songs of 1949 was “Mule Train” by Frankie Laine, a powerful and emotional song with a country flavor that was well-suited for Laine's dramatic voice. Written by Johnny Lange, Hy Heath, Doc Tommy Scott, and Fred Glickman, “Mule Train” is a Wild West-themed tune filled with vivid lyrics about riding through the mountains on a mule train.

The song became an instant hit and helped establish Laine as one of the most popular singers of his time.

“That Lucky Old Sun” By Frankie Laine

Another song that dominated the charts and playlists in 1949 was “That Lucky Old Sun” by Frankie Laine. The song, with its soulful melody and poignant lyrics, captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide.

Written by Beasley Smith and Haven Gillespie, “That Lucky Old Sun” perfectly encapsulates the hardships of everyday life while striving for a better tomorrow.

“You're Breaking My Heart” By Vic Damone

Another fantastic song from 1949 is “You're Breaking My Heart,” performed by the legendary crooner Vic Damone. This classic ballad was based on the Italian opera Aria Mattinata, composed by Ruggero Leoncavallo.

The song gained immense popularity in 1949, reaching number one on the charts and solidifying Damone as a top artist of the time. His incredible talent earned him a total of 36 chart-topping hits between 1947 and 1954 alone, making him an essential figure in music history.

“A Little Bird Told Me” By Evelyn Knight And The Stardusters

“A Little Bird Told Me” is a swing music classic that was released in 1948 by Evelyn Knight and The Stardusters. This song quickly became popular, making it to the top songs of 1949.

Written by Harvey O. Brooks, “A Little Bird Told Me” was also recorded and released in the same year by Paula Watson. However, it was Knight's version that gained more traction thanks to her playful performance and infectious energy.

In addition to being featured on compilation albums like “Your Hit Parade: 1949” and “America's Greatest Hits 1949,” “A Little Bird Told Me” has also been referenced in popular culture over the years.

“‘A' You're Adorable (The Alphabet Song)” By Perry Como And The Fontane Sisters

“‘A' You're Adorable (The Alphabet Song)” is a classic nursery rhyme and children's song that was released in 1949 by Perry Como and The Fontane Sisters.

The catchy tune quickly climbed to the top spot on the US Billboard chart in April of that year, making it a popular hit among music lovers.

Several famous singers such as Frank Sinatra and Rosemary Clooney have recorded their own versions of ‘A’ You’re Adorable over time, making it a beloved classic song for many generations.

‘A' You're Adorable remains an iconic melody for both children and adults alike since it features both singing along lyrics ideal for learning your ABCs while also having a nostalgic touch due to its vintage quality – even touching future generations who may never have heard it before!

“Forever And Ever” By Perry Como

“Forever and Ever” by Perry Como is among the popular love ballads from 1949. The song was released as a single, reaching number two on the charts that year.

What makes “Forever and Ever” stand out is its soothing sound, which is perfectly executed by Perry Como's smooth vocals backed by The Fontane Sisters' harmonic backing vocals.

Its timeless lyrics about everlasting love have made it an essential part of pop culture even today.

“I've Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts” By Freddy Martin

 “I’ve Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts” is a novelty song that depicts a street vendor who sells coconuts at a fair. Freddy Martin sings this humorous tune with a cheerful and lively voice, inviting listeners to join him in his coconut business.

The song is full of witty rhymes and catchy phrases that make it easy to remember and repeat. Whether you are looking for a laugh or a snack, you will enjoy this fun song that celebrates the simple joys of life.

“La Vie En Rose” By Edith Piaf

“La Vie En Rose” is a romantic song that expresses the blissful feeling of being in love. Edith Piaf sings this beautiful melody with a passionate and soulful voice, conveying the depth of her emotions and the power of her dreams.

The song is full of poetic imagery and metaphors that describe how love transforms everything into a rosy hue. Whether you are in love or longing for it, you will be moved by this timeless song that celebrates the magic and wonder of love.

“Room Full Of Roses” By Sammy Kaye

“Room Full of Roses” by Sammy Kaye was undoubtedly one of the best songs from 1949. The catchy tune and bouncy melody made it an instant hit, topping the Billboard charts for almost four weeks.

Sammy Kaye was a popular bandleader, singer, and songwriter who had been entertaining audiences since the 1930s. He performed “Room Full of Roses” with Don Cornell as his lead vocalist, bringing a fresh sound to pop music in the post-war era.

“Far Away Places” By Bing Crosby And Ken Darby Choir

“Far Away Places” by Bing Crosby and the Ken Darby Choir is one of the top songs of 1949, and it's no surprise why: with its beautiful melody and poignant lyrics, this song has stood the test of time.

Written by Joan Whitney and Alex Kramer and published in 1948, “Far Away Places” captures a sense of wanderlust that was prevalent during that time period.

Bing Crosby recorded a rendition of “Far Away Places” with The Ken Darby Choir for his album “Bing Sings 96 Of His Greatest Hits,” which was released through DECCA records in 1949.

“Far Away Places” is an enduring classic that continues to captivate listeners more than seven decades after its release.

“Lovesick Blues” By Hank Williams

 “Lovesick Blues” is a country song that tells the story of a man who is heartbroken and lonely after losing his lover. Hank Williams sings this catchy tune with a twangy and expressive voice, conveying the humor and sadness of his situation.

The song is full of lively yodels and guitar riffs that make it fun and upbeat despite the gloomy theme. Whether you are feeling blue or happy, you will enjoy this classic song that showcases Hank Williams’ talent and charisma.

Top Songs From 1949, Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the music scene in 1949 was a mix of traditional pop, country, and blues music. The year saw several top song lists with their own rankings and criteria. From Vaughn Monroe's “Riders in the Sky” to Perry Como's “Some Enchanted Evening,” 1949 produced some memorable tunes that still resonate today.