Do you know what it feels like to be in love? Well, if you’re a fan of 50s music, this post is definitely for you!
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for some of the greatest love songs from the 1950s.
I’ve rounded up an impressive list of classics sure to make you swoon and tap your toes.
Get ready to feel all the warm fuzzies for these timeless classics!
1. A Kiss To Build A Dream On – Louis Armstrong
“A Kiss To Build A Dream On” by Louis Armstrong is a timeless classic.
An embodiment of romantic luxury, this song sincerely expresses the joy and emotion of love.
The timeless melody, paired with Armstrong’s unmistakable voice, weaves its way into your soul, creating a dreamy atmosphere long after you’ve heard it.
Perfect for special occasions or to show your affection, “A Kiss To Build A Dream On” stands out as a true masterpiece of heartfelt romance and luxury.
2. All The Way – Frank Sinatra
“All The Way” by Frank Sinatra is a timeless classic of the 50s. It captures the essence of love with its smooth, jazzy score and Sinatra’s signature velvet voice.
The lyrics speak to eternal devotion and the power of love, helping each listener feel like they could go “all the way.”
3. Pledging My Love – Johnny Ace
“Pledging My Love” by Johnny Ace is an iconic and timeless love song of the 1950s.
A perfect blend of nostalgia and romance, the track embodies a classic sentiment of devotion and unwavering adoration with its smooth melody, tender lyrics, and infectious chorus.
4. Let It Be Me – The Everly Brothers
“Let It Be Me – The Everly Brothers” is one of the greatest love songs of the 1950s and continues to be a timeless classic.
With stunning harmonies and heartfelt emotion, this song will surely warm your heart as you reminisce about those golden days of love.
5. Only You – The Platters
“Only You” by The Platters is one of the greatest love songs of the 50’s.
This upbeat and catchy track expresses the powerful feeling of wanting to be with someone special, no matter where life may take you.
The lyrics emphasize that no one else can make us feel loved and understood like our true love.
6. The Penguins – Earth Angel (1954)
The Penguins’ 1954 classic, “Earth Angel,” is one of the greatest love songs of the 1950s.
The story of a young man and woman reunited after being apart for some time resonates with listeners long after its release.
Both longing for the day they can be together again, they find solace in remembering comforting moments from their past relationship even while apart.
7. Ritchie Valens – Donna (1958)
Richie Valens’ 1958 hit single “Donna” quickly became one of the greatest love songs of the 50s.
The song is about Valens’ unrequited love for Donna Ludwig, his high school sweetheart, and expresses his longing and sorrow when she doesn’t reciprocate his affections.
8. The Five Satins – In the Still of the Night (1956)
The Five Satins’ classic hit “In the Still of the Night” has become one of the greatest love songs of the 1950s.
The lyrics tell the story of two lovers separated from each other but determined to reunite no matter what it takes.
9. The Dell Vikings – Come And Go With Me (1957)
The Dell Vikings were among the great doo-wop groups of the 50s, and their song “Come and Go With Me” still stands as a masterpiece of the era.
The song is about a young man asking his love to run away with him, proclaiming how much they belong together and how wonderful life would be if they could escape all their troubles.
10. Thurston Harris – Little Bitty Pretty One (1957)
Thurston Harris’ song, “Little Bitty Pretty One,” is a classic 50s love song that has retained its popularity over the years.
The song tells the story of how one man is in love with a woman who will only ever be his little bitty, pretty one, and he promises always to stand close and keep her safe and let no harm come near her.
11. Paul Anka – Put Your Head On My Shoulder (1959)
Paul Anka’s classic love song, ‘Put Your Head On My Shoulder’, is one of the greatest love songs of the 1950s.
It captures the feeling of two people deeply in love and longing to be together forever.
12. Little Anthony – Tears on My Pillow (1959)
Little Anthony’s “Tears on My Pillow” is one of the greatest love songs of the 50s.
The song’s lyrics tell a heartbreaking story about lost love and regret. In the song, Little Anthony pleads with his former lover to return and take away his pain.
He promises her that he will never forget her, no matter how much time has passed since their relationship ended.
13. The Righteous Brothers – Unchained Melody (1955)
The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” is one of the most enduring and beloved love songs of all time.
It speaks of being separated from a lover yet knowing deep within that their relationship is unbreakable, no matter what may come between them.
14. Dean Martin – Return To Me (1958)
Dean Martin’s classic, “Return To Me,” from the 50s, is one of the greatest love songs of all time.
Written in an upbeat Italian style, it tells the story of a man who longs for his lost love to return to him.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of longing and regret; he can’t help but think of her when he’s alone at night, and his heart aches for her every passing day.
15. Ritchie Valens – We Belong Together (1959)
Ritchie Valens’ iconic song, “We Belong Together”, is one of the greatest love songs of the 50s and still resonates today.
Full of hope and promise, the touching melody conveys a deep longing to be with one’s beloved.
The lyrics paint a beautiful picture of two hearts uniting in harmony as if they were always meant to be together.
16. “That’ll Be the Day” by Buddy Holly (1957)
“That’ll Be the Day,” written by Buddy Holly, is one of the greatest love songs of the 50s.
It is a classic rock n’ roll ballad that tells a simple and beautiful story of two lovers who promise each other that they will stay true and devoted to one another, no matter what difficulties may come their way.
17. “A Teenager in Love” by Dion and The Belmonts
“A Teenager in Love” by Dion and The Belmonts is a classic love song from the 50s. It tells the story of a young man who is head-over-heels in love with a beautiful girl.
Through heartfelt lyrics, he expresses his feelings for her and his loneliness without her presence.
With its simple yet romantic melody, this song speaks to all generations and captures the essence of true, deep love.
18. “The Great Pretender” by The Platters
“The Great Pretender” by The Platters is one of the most iconic love songs of the 1950s.
It tells the story of a man putting on a façade to hide his emotions.
He pretends to be robust and unaffected when, in reality, he’s struggling with all the pain caused by heartache.
19. “All Shook Up” Elvis Presley
“All Shook Up” is a classic Elvis Presley love song from the 1950s. The song interprets the feeling of being head-over-heels in love with someone and having it affect you deeply.
The lyrics describe how physical sensations like trembling, tingling, aching, and shaking are all symptoms of being in love.
20. “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash
“I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash is an iconic love song from the 50s that is still popular today.
It’s about a man who is devoted to his beloved, so he vows to stay true and remain faithful, even though life may be hard at times.
The lyrics talk about his dedication to her and how no other person can sway him away from this commitment of unconditional love.
21. “16 Candles” by The Crests
“16 Candles” by The Crests is a classic love song from the 1950s that has resonated with generations since its release.
It tells the story of a young man who looks to his sweetheart on her birthday for comfort and understanding as he attempts to win her affection.
The lyrics are simple yet touching, expressing an innocence, admiration, and tenderness rarely found in popular music from that era.
22. “When I Fall in Love” by Nat King Cole
“When I Fall in Love” by Nat King Cole is a classic love song from the 1950s.
The lyrics speak of a person’s longing to find true love and their desire to be connected with someone special for life.
They express hope that love will lead to a meaningful union, no matter what it takes: “When I fall in love/It will be forever.”
23. “Venus” by Frankie Avalon
“Venus” by Frankie Avalon is a classic love song from the 1950s that still holds up today.
It tells the story of a man in love, singing for his Venus to return to him.
The lyrics express love and longing with an innocent sweetness, backed by a catchy melody and subtle doo-wop vibes.
24. “The Twelfth of Never” by Johnny Mathis
“The Twelfth of Never” by Johnny Mathis is a classic love song from the 1950s.
It expresses the love between two people that will last forever – whether measured in days, weeks, or years.
25. “Book of Love” by The Monotones
The Monotones’ 1958 classic, “Book of Love,” is one of the most famous love songs from the 1950s.
This doo-wop ballad describes a book filled with all the rules for teenage love, which speaks to its vintage and timelessness.
26. “Mr. Sandman” by The Chordettes
“Mr. Sandman” by The Chordettes is a classic love song from the 1950s that instantly puts a smile on your face.
It tells the story of a young woman asking Mr. Sandman to bring her the ideal man: someone with blue eyes, curly hair, and, most importantly, true love in his heart.
27. “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin
“That’s Amore” by Dean Martin is one of the all-time classic love songs of the 50s.
It speaks of a deep, passionate love between two people and celebrates the many special shared moments.
With its catchy melody and sing-along chorus, it’s sure to bring a smile to anyone who hears it.
28. “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” by Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers
“Why Do Fools Fall in Love” by Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers is one of the most classic love songs of the 1950s.
The song speaks about the struggles of young love, how we can’t help falling for someone even when they act foolishly or don’t return our affection.
29. “Little Darlin” by The Diamonds
“Little Darlin’” by The Diamonds is an iconic classic love song from the 50s that speaks to the joy of being with your special someone.
It tells an optimistic story about two lovers who have found each other and are eager to begin a new chapter together.
The song begins with them reminiscing about their meeting and sharing their excitement for what lies ahead.
30. “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley
“Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley is a classic love song from the 1950s.
Written by Ken Darby, with music taken from the American Civil War ballad Aura Lee, this iconic song paints a beautiful picture of love and devotion.
Elvis croons in his signature voice about how desperately he needs his beloved’s tenderness and adoration, creating an atmosphere of both joy and sadness at the same time.
31. “Blueberry Hill” by Fats Domino
“Blueberry Hill,” by Fats Domino, is one of the classic love songs from the 1950s.
It tells a story of young love and lost dreams, with Domino’s soulful singing capturing the heartache and nostalgia of longing for his faraway love.
The lyrics hint at a complex narrative as he compares finding his beloved to searching atop Blueberry Hill for a key that unlocks her heart.
32. “Love Letters in the Sand” by Pat Boone
“Love Letters in the Sand” by Pat Boone is one of the most romantic songs of the 1950s.
It is a beautiful ballad that captures the carefree and romantic spirit of young love during that era.
It tells the story of two lovers who write their names and love letters in the sand, hoping they will remain ’till at last the sea is calm again.’
33. “To Know Him Is To Love Him” by The Teddy Bears
“To Know Him Is To Love Him” by The Teddy Bears is one of the most romantic songs of the 1950s.
The lyrics paint a tender understanding between two people and how it’s important to remember those beautiful memories even if things don’t work out.
34. “Dream Lover” by Bobby Darin
“Dream Lover” by Bobby Darin is one of the most iconic and romantic songs of the 1950s.
Written and recorded in 1959, the classic speaks to young love in all its forms: the thrill of catching someone’s eye, the joy of taking that very first step, and the comfort of committing your heart to another.
35. “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke
“You Send Me” is a classic love song written and performed by Sam Cooke, released in 1957.
The lyrics tell the story of someone who’s head-over-heels in love with another person and feeling all of the joy and delight that comes with it.
With its sweet yet powerful melody, simple yet honest lyrics, and Cooke’s smooth vocal delivery, “You Send Me” remains one of the most iconic and beloved romantic songs of the 1950s to this day.
36. “Bye Bye Love” by The Everly Brothers
“Bye Bye Love” by the Everly Brothers is one of the most iconic love songs of the 1950s.
It’s a sorrowful goodbye to a past relationship, detailing how hard it is to let go and move on.
The lyrics are heartbreaking, as each verse recounts a memory that now feels like a distant dream.
37. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” by Frank Sinatra
“I’ve Got You Under My Skin” by Frank Sinatra is one of the most iconic love songs ever coming out of the 1950s.
The song speaks of a deep affection and craving for someone they cannot resist, no matter how hard they try.
Sinatra’s smooth, velvet-like vocals give this classic hit the right emotion and power to make it an all-time favorite for many generations.
38. “I Only Have Eyes for You” by The Flamingos
“I Only Have Eyes for You” by The Flamingos is a timeless classic love song from the 1950s.
Its beautiful and straightforward lyrics show a deep devotion to another person, as the narrator expresses that their feelings only focus on one person: “My love must be a kind of blind love/ I can’t see anyone but you.”
39. “A Thousand Miles Away” by The Heartbeats
“A Thousand Miles Away” by The Heartbeats is a classic 1950s love song.
The lyrics describe missing their partner’s beauty, comfort and embrace.
It reminds us that even though physical separation can be difficult, emotional connection conquers all distances.
Its heartfelt sentiment makes it a perfect tune for sharing with someone special in your life.
40. “Sea of Love” by Phil Phillips
“Sea of Love” by Phil Phillips is a classic love song from the 1950s with a highly memorable melody.
It tells the story of a man looking for true love and yearning to find someone special.
The simple yet romantic lyrics offer a timeless message: despite the world’s troubles, it can still be filled with joy if we open our hearts to those around us.
41. “Love Potion No. 9” by The Clovers
“Love Potion No. 9” by The Clovers is a classic 50s love song that has withstood the test of time.
The lyrics tell the story of a pair of star-crossed lovers desperate to find a way to make their love work.
So one of them takes the advice of an old gypsy woman and mixes up some ingredients to whip up her particular mantra: Love Potion No. 9.
FAQs
What was the most played song in the 50s?
The most played song in the 1950s was “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets.
It was released on April 12, 1955, and quickly became an international sensation, topping billboard charts worldwide.
It marked a revolutionary shift in music and is now considered one of the most influential songs ever recorded.
People everywhere were captivated by its vibrant sounds and clever lyrics, making it one of the most popular songs from that era.
What genre is 50s love songs?
50s love songs are a unique subgenre of popular music during the 1950s, which emerged from the slow rhythm and blues style.
These classic love ballads have a distinctive sweet sound, often featuring lush string arrangements and close harmony vocals.
Lyrics typically reflect the hopes, dreams, and frustrations of young love.
Artists such as The Platters, Gene Vincent, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Connie Francis, Fats Domino, Little Richard, and Ricky Nelson were all popular performers who featured in this new genre of music that still resonates with audiences today.
Why were 50s songs so short?
The 1950s was a dynamic era in music with the emergence of rock and roll and other influential genres.
During this time, songs were often produced on 45rpm vinyl, which limited their length to three minutes or less.
Although some musicians pushed the boundaries of the format by producing longer songs, most composers stuck to shorter formats for various reasons.
Shorter running times meant radio stations could play more hits in one hour, increasing popularity and exposure for artists.
Additionally, it allowed people to hear more diverse styles without creating monotony, as longer tracks can seem repetitive if too many are played back-to-back.
What was the most popular wedding song in 1957?
1957, the most popular wedding song was Elvis Presley’s ‘Love Me Tender’.
Released that same year, the classic tune quickly became a classic among newlyweds of all ages.
The romantic ballad’s lyrics spoke of tenderness and true love, making it an ideal tune for celebrating a couple’s special day.
What was the music trend in the 1950s?
The 1950s were an exciting time in music, as many popular genres made their first appearances.
- Rock and roll was born in the 1950s, with icons such as Bill Haley and his Comets introducing a new sound to US audiences.
- Jazz saw its heyday with Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Dizzy Gillespie all making mainstream success.
- Rhythm & blues also proved extremely popular, with Chuck Berry paving the way for future artists.
- Country music was on the rise too, with songs like Wanda Jackson’s “Let’s Have a Party” becoming hits.
- The decade also saw the emergence of Doo-wop, an upbeat style employing vocal harmony that became particularly popular among teenage audiences.
All these beautiful sounds make the 1950s one of the most vibrant eras for music!
Why do we fall in love with songs from the 50s?
The 1950s saw a considerable rise in love songs as they provided comfort and hope to the people who direly needed it after enduring immense hardships during World War II.
The lyrics showcased the true power of love, bringing some light into the lives of people who had experienced so much pain and suffering.
These songs stood out because of their ability to capture the unique emotions and energy of that specific era, offering listeners an escape from reality.
Moreover, these songs often featured catchy melodies and rhythms, making them enjoyable for many years afterward.
What song was banned in the 50s?
One of the most notable songs banned in the 1950s is Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.”
The song was seen as too sexually suggestive for its time, with lyrics about a man going to prison for an unknown crime and singing about the joys of dancing while incarcerated.
Although the single was released in 1957 and became one of Presley’s signature songs, it faced widespread social criticism, and many radio stations refused to air it.
What was a popular music genre of the 1950s and 1960s?
The 1950s and 1960s saw the rise of multiple music genres, with rock and roll being the most popular.
In addition to rock and roll, doo-wop, pop, blues, jazz, R&B, soul, folk, country, and western were also widely heard throughout these decades.
These genres combined influences from African-American gospel music as well as many European musical styles.
What was the most popular wedding song in 1956?
The most popular wedding song in 1956 was Jackie Wilson’s ‘Reet Petite (The Finest Girl You Ever Want to Meet).’
It captured the hearts of couples worldwide with its upbeat, romantic tune and catchy lyrics.
The trendsetting song seemed to speak directly to brides and grooms as they looked forward to a lifetime of marriage.
Conclusion
There is no denying that the love songs of the 1950s were something truly special and continue to remain a timeless part of our culture.
Whether you are looking for a classic slow jam or an upbeat dance number, this list highlights some of the greatest love songs of all time.
So be sure to share your favorites with friends and family!
