29 Best Songs From 1959
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“What’d I Say” by Ray Charles
Song year: 1959
Avid R&B fans can find plenty of good music from 1959 if they’re looking for something catchy and nostalgic. “What’d I Say” is one of Ray Charles’ most iconic singles that placed him in the mainstream spotlight. The song’s vocals have a bit of gospel-inspired inflection.
Although some radio stations refused to play the song because they deemed it too sexually charged, it topped Billboard’s R&B Singles Chart and ranked sixth on the Hot 100 Chart.
“A Big Hunk O’ Love” by Elvis Presley
Song year: 1959
Regarding 1959 music, you can’t go wrong with Elvis Presley’s rock and roll classics. “A Big Hunk O’ Love” has an upbeat tempo, emphasized by its guitar, drum, and piano accompaniment. Despite its short length, the song doesn’t overstay its welcome. This song ranked first on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart for two weeks, near the end of June.
“Sea of Love” by Phil Phillips
Song year: 1959
Another of the best songs from 1959 for the romantic types is Phil Phillips’s “Sea of Love.” He initially wrote this R&B song about a girl he loved. The lyrics are simple yet effective, beckoning the girl to come to the narrator’s side.
This song was Phillips’ one-hit wonder, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and ranking second on the R&B Chart. Over the years, several artists recorded covers of this song, including Del Shannon, Marty Wilde, and The Honeydrippers.
“Don’t You Know?” by Della Reese
Song year: 1959
Regarded as one of Della Reese’s most significant hits, “Don’t You Know?” is an R&B song with a slow tempo and lovely string accompaniment, giving it an extra sentimental vibe. Its melody originates from “Musetta’s Waltz,” an aria from La Bohème.
The lyrics take the perspective of a narrator expressing her feelings towards someone she loves, even if he doesn’t know. Besides ranking second on the Hot 100 Chart and topping the R&B charts, it got nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Female Vocalist.”
“Tallahassee Lassie” by Freddy Cannon
Song year: 1959
Featured on the album The Explosive Freddy Cannon, “Tallahassee Lassie” is another 1959 hit worth listening to at any party. This rock and roll song describes a beautiful woman who loves to dance.
This song ranked on several weekly music charts, including Billboard’s Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. It sold over a million copies, making it one of Freddy Cannon’s greatest hits. Notable covers of this song include Flamin’ Groovies’ rendition in 1972 and Hep Stars’ cover in 1965.
“A Teenager in Love” by Dion and the Belmonts
Song year: 1959
Dion and the Belmonts’ “A Teenage in Love” is a laid-back yet catchy doo-wop song with a mellow guitar backing track. Many of the song’s lyrics reflect the feelings a teenager experiences while growing up, from the ups and downs of a relationship to daily mood shifts, enhancing its relatability to teens back in the day and now.
It ranked in the Top Five of Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and 28th on the UK Singles Chart. Many artists recorded covers of this song, including The Fleetwoods in 1961.
“Venus” by Frankie Avalon
Song year: 1959
Frankie Avalon’s “Venus” was one of his first major hits on the music scene. This mellow pop song tells the story of a man asking the titular goddess of love to send him a girl who loves him unconditionally. Anybody who’s craved love might relate to this song. Following its release, it topped Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart for five weeks.
“He’ll Have to Go” by Jim Reeves
Song year: 1959
Jim Reeves’ “He’ll Have to Go” is a slow yet beautiful country and pop song ideal for listening to on a warm, lonely night. The lyrics tell the tale of a man talking to his wife on the phone, asking her if she genuinely loves him since he suspects she’s with another man.
It ranked second on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and topped the international singles charts in Australia, Norway, and Canada.
“What Am I Living For” by Ernest Tubb
Song year: 1959
Ernest Tubb’s country rendition of “What Am I Living For,” originally recorded by Chuck Willis, is a simple love song about a man declaring his love for a girl and eagerly awaiting her arrival, stating he only has eyes for her. It’s the perfect song to dedicate to any special person in your life. It peaked in the 19th position on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart.
“Poor Jenny” by The Everly Brothers
Song year: 1959
If you’re looking for an upbeat rockabilly with a twist, consider listening to The Everly Brothers’ “Poor Jenny.” The lyrics take the perspective of a young man whose girlfriend gets into a fight at a party and winds up in jail. You can’t help but hum along to its catchy guitar accompaniment. This song ranked 22nd on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart for 12 weeks.
