The 1950s was a pivotal era in music, laying the groundwork for the rock and roll songs of the 1960s and the rebellious tunes of the 1970s.

Several musicians who dared to go where no one had gone before. Revisit three rock songs from the '50s that were ahead of their time, below.

This time, we’re kicking it back with the most popular songs of the 1950s. A decade that gave us great hits and breakout artists in jazz, blues, rock-and-roll, and other genres of music.

The songs below, as selected by the UCR staff, reflect a certain coming of age for rock music through the decades — from 1950s pioneers through revolutions in the ’60s, ’70s and beyond. The ...

Sir Rod Stewart has been a rock and roll ambassador for much of his career, but the singer has also been a vocal advocate for ...

Little Richard’s music is not just history—it’s alive and breathing. His songs still make people dance, shout, and celebrate. They serve as a bridge between the golden age of rock and the ...

A six-CD set features recordings from the master tunesmith of the 1950s and ’60s, who wrote hits for Elvis Presley, Ray Charles and countless others.

Leiber and Stoller met in LA when Leiber still was in high school. They went on to write and produce songs for artists like Elvis Presley, The Drifters and Ben E. King. Originally broadcast in 1991.

Baker was one of Atlantic Records' first big success stories, with a series of hits in the 1950s, including "Bumblebee" and "Jim Dandy." She died in 1997. Originally broadcast in 1991.

This article ranks the top 50 American rock songs, showcasing influential tracks and artists that defined the genre across decades.