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The first Rock n' roll song was released
Fats Domino 'The Fat Man' reached #2 in the RnB charts, featuring musical elements such as back beats synchopated rhythms and boogie woogie piano parts. This was considered by some to be the first Rock n' roll ever released. -
First 'cross-over' record was released
Considered to be the first ever 'cross-over' track, Billy Ward and the Dominoes' track 'Sixety Minute Man' was released. The term 'cross-over' refers to an artist that has had releases featured in the charts under one genre of music and then also appeared in other charts of different genres aswell. For example, if an R&B artist featured in the main popular music charts then they wouldbe considered to be a cross-over artist. -
Gibson Les Paul was launched
Gibson launched their first solid bodied guitar called the Les Paul. -
A Rock n' roll track made it in to the pop charts
Bill Haley & The Comets' track 'Crazy Man Crazy' was the first Rock n' roll song to make the pop charts, it reached #12 -
Leo Fender introduces the Fender Stratocaster
1954 saw the invention of the famously used Fender Stratocaster or 'Strat' for short. This guiter became the choice for many musicians in the future such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and many others. -
1st rock and role number 1 hit
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Elvis - Heartbreak Hotel
Elvis Presley recorded his first single for RCA, "Heartbreak Hotel." The song became the first of many #1 hits for Presley and helped popularize rock and roll. -
Song lyrics reviewed before sale
In light of recent controversy over "obscene" music, the U.S. Congress considers legislation that would require song lyrics to be screened by a review committee before sale. -
Ricky Nelson has #1 album
At just 17 years old Ricky Nelson's album reaches #1. -
Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valen and the big bopper killed in plane crash
A late night plane crash following a Feb. 2nd performance at Clear Lake, Iowa kills Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper.